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Cherry delight recipe easy sweet simply irresistible

Cherry Delight

The Cherry delight recipe easy sweet simply irresistible, a dessert designed to captivate your taste buds with minimal effort. This recipe is your ticket to a wonderfully sweet and satisfying treat, perfect for any occasion and surprisingly simple to master, making it a truly irresistible dish.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Chilling Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dessert
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cherry Filling
  • 2 (21 ounce) cans tart red cherries, undrained The star of our show, providing that classic cherry flavour. No need to drain – the juice is part of the magic!
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar To balance the tartness of the cherries and add sweetness.
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch Our thickening agent, creating that luscious, jelly-like consistency.
  • 1 teaspoon almond extract A secret weapon that beautifully complements cherry flavour, adding a sophisticated nutty note.
Cream Cheese Layer
  • 1 (3 ounce) package cream cheese, softened For a creamy, dreamy layer that cuts through the sweetness and adds a delightful tang.
  • 1/4 cup milk To help create a smooth and spreadable cream cheese layer.
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar For dusting and adding a delicate sweetness to the cream cheese mixture.
Base
  • 1 (9 inch) pre-baked pastry shell or graham cracker crust Your convenient base! A graham cracker crust adds a lovely crunch and sandy texture.
Toppings (Optional)
  • whipped cream The crowning glory for an extra touch of indulgence!
  • maraschino cherries or toasted slivered almonds For that final flourish of color and texture.

Equipment

  • Medium Saucepan
  • Medium Bowl
  • Electric mixer
  • Spatula or offset spatula

Method
 

  1. In a medium saucepan, combine the undrained tart red cherries, granulated sugar, and cornstarch. Stir gently to ensure the cornstarch is fully dissolved and no lumps remain.
    2 (21 ounce) cans tart red cherries, undrained, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup cornstarch
  2. Place the saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and begins to bubble. This should take about 5-8 minutes. Once thickened, remove from heat and stir in the almond extract. Allow the cherry mixture to cool slightly, about 10-15 minutes, while you prepare the cream cheese layer.
    1 teaspoon almond extract
  3. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the milk and powdered sugar, continuing to beat until well combined and the mixture is light and fluffy.
    1 (3 ounce) package cream cheese, softened, 1/4 cup milk, 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  4. Pour the slightly cooled cherry filling evenly into the pre-baked pastry shell or graham cracker crust.
    1 (9 inch) pre-baked pastry shell or graham cracker crust
  5. Carefully spread the cream cheese mixture over the cherry filling. You can do this gently with a spatula or an offset spatula for a smoother finish.
  6. Cover the dessert with plastic wrap (try to avoid touching the cream cheese layer directly if possible) and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until the filling is set and chilled through. This chilling time is crucial for allowing the flavors to meld and the dessert to firm up.
  7. Before serving, if desired, top with generous dollops of whipped cream and garnish with maraschino cherries or toasted slivered almonds. Slice and serve cold.
    whipped cream, maraschino cherries or toasted slivered almonds

Notes

This dessert is best enjoyed fresh, but stores well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Freezing is an option, but may affect the cream cheese texture.