Easy No-Bake Cherry Cream Cheese Dessert is a delightful and incredibly simple dessert that requires no oven time, making it perfect for any occasion or a spontaneous sweet tooth craving. This recipe is a lifesaver when you need a delicious dessert in a flash without the fuss of baking.
Key Ingredients for Easy No-Bake Cherry Cream Cheese Dessert
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 (21-ounce) can cherry pie filling
- Graham cracker crust (store-bought or homemade, baked according to package directions if store-bought and not pre-baked)
- Optional garnishes: fresh cherries, whipped cream, a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers
How to Make Easy No-Bake Cherry Cream Cheese Dessert
This Easy No-Bake Cherry Cream Cheese Dessert is a dream come true for dessert lovers seeking simplicity without sacrificing flavor. It comes together in under 20 minutes of active prep time, offering a wonderfully creamy and rich texture that’s perfectly complemented by the sweet, tart cherry topping. This no-bake wonder is incredibly satisfying, making it a go-to recipe for busy bakers and dessert enthusiasts alike.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar. Using an electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer), beat these ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and creamy, with no lumps of cream cheese remaining. This step is crucial for achieving a silky texture in your dessert.
- Add Vanilla Extract: Stir in the vanilla extract and mix until just combined. Vanilla adds a subtle but essential depth of flavor that rounds out the cream cheese base.
- Whip the Heavy Cream: In a separate, clean bowl, pour in the cold heavy whipping cream. Using your electric mixer, whip the cream on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form. This means that when you lift the beaters, the cream will hold its shape without drooping. Be careful not to over-whip, which can turn the cream into butter.
- Fold in the Whipped Cream: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture. Use a spatula and a folding motion – scoop from the bottom of the bowl and fold over the top – until just combined. You want to maintain the airy texture of the whipped cream, so avoid vigorous mixing. The goal is a light and fluffy cream cheese filling.
- Assemble the Dessert: Pour the fluffy cream cheese mixture evenly over the bottom of your prepared graham cracker crust. Gently spread it with the spatula to create a smooth, even layer. Ensure the filling reaches all the edges of the crust.
- Top with Cherry Pie Filling: Spoon the entire can of cherry pie filling over the cream cheese layer. You can spread it slightly to cover the cream cheese, but a decorative dollop effect can also look lovely. Alternatively, you can swirl the cherry filling into the cream cheese for a marbled effect.
- Chill Thoroughly: Cover the dessert tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Refrigerate for at least 2-4 hours, or preferably overnight. This chilling time is essential for the dessert to set properly, allowing the flavors to meld and the texture to firm up.
Why You’ll Love This Easy No-Bake Cherry Cream Cheese Dessert
You’ll adore this Easy No-Bake Cherry Cream Cheese Dessert not just for its effortless assembly, but for the sensational taste experience it delivers. The star is undoubtedly the luscious, creamy cheesecake-like filling that melts in your mouth, perfectly balanced by the bright, slightly tart cherry topping. It’s a delightful alternative to more involved cheesecakes, offering all the satisfying decadence without any of the baking stress.
Furthermore, making this dessert at home is incredibly cost-effective, saving you money compared to purchasing a pre-made treat from a bakery or cafe. The fresh, vibrant cherry flavor, often enhanced with a hint of vanilla in the creamy base, creates a truly memorable confection that’s sure to impress your guests or simply indulge your own sweet cravings. So, why not skip the oven and whip up this delightful treat today?
Storing and Reheating Tips
This Easy No-Bake Cherry Cream Cheese Dessert is best stored in the refrigerator. After serving, cover any remaining portions tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out or absorbing odors from other foods. It will stay fresh and delicious in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Freezing is also an option for longer storage.
To freeze, ensure the dessert is completely chilled. Wrap the entire dessert (if unfroðen) or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then in a layer of aluminum foil. You can also place wrapped portions in an airtight freezer-safe container. Frozen dessert can be kept for up to 1-2 months. To reheat (or thaw), transfer the frozen dessert to the refrigerator overnight to thaw completely. For a slightly more decadent experience, you can gently warm individual slices in a microwave on a low setting for about 15-20 seconds, though it’s primarily enjoyed chilled.
Final Thoughts
This Easy No-Bake Cherry Cream Cheese Dessert is a true crowd-pleaser, offering a simple yet incredibly satisfying sweet treat. Its effortless preparation and delicious flavor profile make it a perfect addition to any dessert repertoire. Give it a try – you won’t be disappointed!
Easy No-Bake Cherry Cream Cheese Dessert
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar. Using an electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer), beat these ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and creamy, with no lumps of cream cheese remaining. This step is crucial for achieving a silky texture in your dessert.8 ounces cream cheese, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- Stir in the vanilla extract and mix until just combined. Vanilla adds a subtle but essential depth of flavor that rounds out the cream cheese base.1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- In a separate, clean bowl, pour in the cold heavy whipping cream. Using your electric mixer, whip the cream on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form. This means that when you lift the beaters, the cream will hold its shape without drooping. Be careful not to over-whip, which can turn the cream into butter.1 cup heavy whipping cream
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture. Use a spatula and a folding motion – scoop from the bottom of the bowl and fold over the top – until just combined. You want to maintain the airy texture of the whipped cream, so avoid vigorous mixing. The goal is a light and fluffy cream cheese filling.
- Pour the fluffy cream cheese mixture evenly over the bottom of your prepared graham cracker crust. Gently spread it with the spatula to create a smooth, even layer. Ensure the filling reaches all the edges of the crust.
- Spoon the entire can of cherry pie filling over the cream cheese layer. You can spread it slightly to cover the cream cheese, but a decorative dollop effect can also look lovely. Alternatively, you can swirl the cherry filling into the cream cheese for a marbled effect.1 (21-ounce) can cherry pie filling
- Cover the dessert tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Refrigerate for at least 2-4 hours, or preferably overnight. This chilling time is essential for the dessert to set properly, allowing the flavors to meld and the texture to firm up.