- Serves: 12
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 4 hours
- Difficulty: Easy
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Introduction
Cherry Delight is one of those classic desserts that never goes out of style. Often made with sweetened condensed milk, Dream Whip, and a buttery crust, this creamy treat has been a favorite for generations. Whether it’s served at holiday gatherings, potlucks, or just a simple family dessert night, Cherry Delight brings a delightful sweetness that’s both nostalgic and comforting.
This Old-Fashioned Cherry Delight recipe combines the tangy flavor of cherries with a rich, creamy filling that’s lightened up with Dream Whip and sweetened condensed milk. The result is a dessert that is easy to make, no-bake, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you prefer the traditional version, a Pioneer Woman twist, or a pecan-crusted variation, there’s a Cherry Delight recipe for every taste.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- Butter: ½ cup, melted (for binding the crust).
- All-Purpose Flour: 1 cup (to create the base).
- Chopped Pecans (Optional): ½ cup (for a crunchy texture).
- Granulated Sugar: ¼ cup (for sweetness).
For the Creamy Filling:
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: 1 can (14 ounces).
- Dream Whip: 1 packet (or whipped cream as an alternative).
- Cream Cheese: 8 ounces, softened (adds richness to the filling).
- Powdered Sugar: ¼ cup (for sweetness and smoothness).
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon (for flavor).
For the Topping:
- Canned Cherry Pie Filling: 1 can (about 21 ounces).
- Chopped Pecans (Optional): ½ cup (for garnish).
Instructions
For the Crust:
- Preheat the oven: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the crust: In a medium bowl, mix the melted butter, flour, sugar, and chopped pecans (if using). Stir until everything is evenly combined.
- Press the mixture into a pan: Spread the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Press it down firmly to form a smooth layer.
- Bake the crust: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown. Once done, remove from the oven and set aside to cool.
For the Creamy Filling:
- Mix the filling ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, Dream Whip, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer or a whisk to beat everything together until smooth and creamy.
- Spread the filling over the crust: Once the crust has cooled, spread the creamy mixture evenly over the baked crust, smoothing it out with a spatula.
For the Topping:
- Add the cherry topping: Spoon the cherry pie filling evenly over the creamy layer. You can also spread it out with a spoon if needed.
- Chill the dessert: Refrigerate the Cherry Delight for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to set.
- Serve: Once chilled and set, slice the Cherry Delight into squares and serve. You can sprinkle extra chopped pecans on top for an added crunch.
Dream Whip Cherry Delight Recipe
The Dream Whip version of Cherry Delight is a classic that uses Dream Whip to give the filling a light, fluffy texture. Dream Whip is a powdered whipped topping mix that, when whipped with milk and vanilla, creates a fluffy topping similar to whipped cream.
By using Dream Whip, this recipe achieves a light, airy consistency, contrasting the richness of the cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk. The fluffy topping and tangy cherry layer make it a crowd favorite, perfect for summer gatherings or holiday dinners.
9×13 Cherry Delight Recipe
This recipe is designed for a 9×13-inch baking dish, making it the perfect size to serve a large crowd. The 9×13 pan ensures that you can cut generous squares for everyone.
If you’re making Cherry Delight for a party or family gathering, this size works perfectly. You can double the ingredients for larger groups and still enjoy all the creamy, sweet, and tangy flavors.
Old-Fashioned Cherry Delight Recipe (Pioneer Woman)
The Pioneer Woman’s version of Cherry Delight stays true to the original while offering some fun tweaks. Ree Drummond uses the same basic ingredients—sweetened condensed milk, Dream Whip, and cherry pie filling—but she often adds her twist by using homemade whipped cream instead of Dream Whip for an extra-rich texture.
Ree’s recipe is also known for its generous use of cream cheese, giving it a slightly tangier base. Whether or not you add pecans to the crust or topping, the Pioneer Woman’s Cherry Delight is a delightful combination of creamy, sweet, and tangy that everyone loves.
Best Cherry Delight Recipe
The best Cherry Delight recipe is one that combines simplicity with flavor. A classic Cherry Delight with Dream Whip and sweetened condensed milk offers just the right balance of richness and lightness. The crunchy pecan crust is the perfect foil to the creamy filling and the sweet cherry topping, making this dessert both satisfying and refreshing.
For the best results, use high-quality ingredients and allow the dessert to chill for long enough to set. The key to a perfect Cherry Delight is patience—let it rest in the fridge so the flavors meld and the layers firm up.
9×13 Cherry Delight Recipe with Cream Cheese
Adding cream cheese to the filling is what gives Cherry Delight its luxurious, tangy flavor. The cream cheese not only adds richness but also cuts through the sweetness of the condensed milk. In this 9×13 recipe, the cream cheese becomes a key element in the smooth, velvety filling that everyone loves.
If you prefer a more tart dessert, you can use a bit more cream cheese and reduce the sweetened condensed milk slightly. This will give the dessert a more pronounced cream cheese flavor.
Cherry Delight with Dream Whip and Powdered Sugar
Dream Whip, paired with powdered sugar, adds a fluffy, light texture to the creamy filling. The powdered sugar helps to thicken the mixture and balance the sweetness, while the Dream Whip creates a cloud-like topping. The combination of Dream Whip and powdered sugar results in a smoother, airier texture that’s perfect for a dessert that’s both sweet and light.
Cherry Delight with Pecan Crust
The pecan crust is a delightful twist on the classic recipe. Instead of the traditional flour-and-butter base, the crust incorporates chopped pecans for a nutty, crunchy texture. The earthy taste of the pecans pairs beautifully with the creamy filling and cherry topping.
To make the pecan crust, simply add chopped pecans to the crust mixture, or for a more intense nut flavor, toast the pecans lightly before adding them. The result is a slightly salty, crunchy crust that adds depth and texture to the dessert.
Simple Cherry Delight Recipe
For a quick and easy version of Cherry Delight, you can skip the nuts in the crust and use store-bought whipped topping instead of Dream Whip. The result will still be a delicious dessert with a creamy filling and sweet cherry topping. This simplified recipe is perfect for when you’re short on time but still want to impress your guests with a sweet, no-bake treat.
Tips for Perfect Cherry Delight
- Chill Time: Be sure to chill the pie for at least 4 hours to allow the layers to set.
- Sweetness: Adjust the powdered sugar in the filling to suit your taste preferences. If you prefer a less sweet dessert, reduce the sugar slightly.
- Nuts: If you’re adding pecans, toast them lightly to bring out their flavor.
Variations to Try
- Tropical Twist: Add crushed pineapple or coconut flakes to the filling for a tropical flavor boost.
- Chocolate Cherry Delight: Drizzle chocolate syrup over the cherry topping for a decadent twist.
Inspiration to Try This Recipe
Old-Fashioned Cherry Delight is an easy, no-bake dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing dish for a family reunion or a sweet treat for a holiday gathering, Cherry Delight with sweetened condensed milk, Dream Whip, and a buttery crust will always hit the spot. Try it today and see why this dessert remains a classic!