Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: Several hours or overnight
Total Time: About 20 minutes active, plus chilling
Yield: 9 servings
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Bake
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10 sheets)
- 6 tablespoons salted butter, melted
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened at room temperature
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 21 ounces cherry pie filling
Instructions:
- Prepare Graham Cracker Base: Crush graham crackers to make 1 ½ cups of crumbs. You can do this by putting the crackers in a ziplock bag and crushing them with a heavy object. Set aside 2 tablespoons of crumbs for topping. In a medium bowl, mix the melted butter with the rest of the graham cracker crumbs. Press this mixture into the bottom of a 9″ x 9″ pan to form a flat layer.
- Cream Cheese Mixture: In another bowl, blend the cream cheese with ½ cup sugar until smooth. Using a hand mixer will make this easier.
- Whipped Cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with 3 tablespoons of sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. This can be done with an electric mixer in a few minutes. If using COOL WHIP, you can skip this step.
- Combine and Layer: Gently fold the cream cheese mixture into the whipped cream until smooth. Spread half of this mixture over the graham cracker base in the pan. Then, evenly layer the cherry pie filling on top. Finish with the remaining cream cheese and whipped cream mixture, spreading it evenly.
- Top and Chill: Sprinkle the reserved graham cracker crumbs over the top. Refrigerate the dessert for several hours or overnight to set before slicing and serving.
Notes:
- Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature for easier blending.
- This dessert is perfect for gatherings as it can be made ahead and is easy to serve.
- Store any leftovers in the refrigerator.