Last Updated on March 22, 2025 by Souhail
If you’re looking for a light, creamy, and utterly delightful dessert, this Cherries in the Snow recipe is the perfect choice! With its velvety layers of sweet cream cheese, fluffy whipped topping, and luscious cherry pie filling, this no-bake dessert is as easy as it is delicious. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering, a holiday dinner, or just a simple sweet treat, this dish never fails to impress.
What makes Cherries in the Snow so special? It’s a dessert that balances rich, tangy cream cheese with the bright, fruity pop of cherries. Plus, the graham cracker or angel food cake base provides a subtle crunch that perfectly complements the creamy layers. And the best part? You don’t even need to turn on your oven!
Table of contents
Why This Recipe Works
There are so many reasons to love this Cherries in the Snow recipe, it’s quick, simple, and incredibly satisfying. Here’s why it stands out:
- No-Bake & Easy: Perfect for busy days or when you need a last-minute dessert.
- Minimal Ingredients: Made with pantry staples like cream cheese, powdered sugar, and cherry pie filling.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: It tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge.
- Customizable: Switch up the crust, topping, or fruit filling for endless variations.
Ingredients Breakdown
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this Cherries in the Snow recipe:
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping (Cool Whip), thawed
- 1 package (10 oz) angel food cake or 12 graham crackers, crushed
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
Optional Ingredients
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (for extra depth in the cream mixture)
- ½ cup sliced almonds or chopped pecans (for garnish)
- Shredded coconut (for extra texture)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create a heavenly Cherries in the Snow dessert:
1. Prepare the Base (5 minutes)
- If using graham crackers, crush them into fine crumbs and press them into the bottom of a 9×9-inch dish.
- If using angel food cake, tear it into bite-sized pieces and spread it evenly in the dish.
2. Make the Cream Layer (5 minutes)
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth.
- Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract (and almond extract if using). Beat until fully combined.
- Gently fold in the whipped topping using a spatula until smooth and fluffy.
3. Assemble the Layers (5 minutes)
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cake or graham cracker base.
- Carefully spoon the cherry pie filling over the top, spreading it gently without mixing it into the cream layer.
4. Chill & Serve (at least 1 hour)
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, but for the best flavor, let it chill for 4-6 hours.
- Before serving, sprinkle with sliced almonds, coconut, or extra graham cracker crumbs for added texture.
Pro Tips for Success
- Use softened cream cheese: This ensures a smooth, lump-free filling. Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before mixing.
- Chill for best results: The flavors blend beautifully when given time to set in the fridge.
- Layer carefully: Spread the cream mixture evenly to create distinct layers of cream and cherries.
- Customize the crust: Try crushed vanilla wafers, shortbread cookies, or pound cake instead of graham crackers.
Serving Suggestions for Cherries in the Snow recipe
Want to elevate your Cherries in the Snow dessert even more? Here are some fun ways to serve it:
- Whipped Cream Swirls: Pipe a few dollops of fresh whipped cream around the edges for a fancy touch.
- Crushed Cookies: Sprinkle crushed vanilla wafers, graham crackers, or shortbread cookies on top for a little crunch.
- Drizzle of Chocolate or Caramel: A light drizzle of melted chocolate or caramel sauce adds a gourmet touch.
- With Ice Cream: Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla or cherry ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
- Fresh Cherries: Garnish with fresh cherries or maraschino cherries for a pop of color and freshness.
Recipe Card
Cherries in the Snow
Course: DessertDifficulty: Easy10
servings10
minutes3
hours280
kcalA light and fluffy no-bake dessert with sweet cherries, a creamy cheesecake filling, and a graham cracker or cake base. Perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 container (8 oz) whipped topping (Cool Whip), thawed
1 package (10 oz) angel food cake or 12 graham crackers, crushed
1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
Optional Garnishes: Sliced almonds, shredded coconut, or extra graham cracker crumbs
Directions
- Prepare the Base: If using graham crackers, crush them and press into a 9×9-inch dish. If using angel food cake, tear it into small pieces and spread in the dish.
- Make the Cream Layer: Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then mix until combined. Gently fold in the whipped topping.
- Assemble the Layers: Spread the cream cheese mixture over the base. Spoon the cherry pie filling evenly over the top.
- Chill & Serve: Refrigerate for at least 1 hour (preferably 4-6 hours). Garnish with almonds, coconut, or graham cracker crumbs before serving.
Notes
- Let the dessert sit in the fridge for several hours for the best flavor.
- Try using different fruit fillings like blueberry or strawberry for variety.
- For an extra crunchy base, mix crushed graham crackers with 2 tablespoons of melted butter before pressing into the dish.
FAQs
Absolutely! Whip 1 cup of heavy cream with 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar until stiff peaks form, then use it as a substitute for Cool Whip.
You can swap it out for blueberry, strawberry, or apple pie filling, or use fresh macerated cherries with a bit of sugar and lemon juice for a homemade touch.
Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened before mixing. Beat it well with the sugar before adding whipped topping. If it’s still lumpy, warm it slightly in the microwave (5-10 seconds) and mix again.
Yes! Just use gluten-free graham crackers or skip the crust entirely and serve the creamy layers in dessert cups.
This can happen if the dessert wasn’t chilled long enough or if too much liquid from the fruit filling seeped into the layers. To prevent this, make sure your layers are evenly spread and refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.
Final Thoughts
This Cherries in the Snow recipe is proof that a simple, no-bake dessert can be just as stunning and satisfying as a complex, time-consuming one. With its luscious layers of sweet cherries, fluffy cream cheese filling, and a delicate cake or graham cracker base, it’s the perfect dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a potluck, holiday gathering, or just a cozy night at home, this dish is bound to impress.
If you enjoyed this light and creamy treat, you might love exploring more delightful dessert recipes. For another cherry-inspired dish, check out this Cherry Cheesecake Recipe (No-Bake), which offers a rich and creamy alternative with a classic graham cracker crust. If you’re a fan of chocolate-based treats, don’t miss this decadent Chocolate Cobbler Recipe, a warm, gooey delight that pairs beautifully with ice cream.
Looking to expand your baking skills? Try making a homemade fruit spread with this Cherry Jelly Recipe, perfect for drizzling over your Cherries in the Snow or enjoying on toast. And if you’re in the mood for something completely different, why not whip up a batch of these Moon Spell Cookies for a magical, buttery treat?
No matter how you choose to enjoy it, Cherries in the Snow is a timeless classic that proves great desserts don’t need to be complicated. Give it a try and let us know how it turned out, leave a comment or share your creation with us! Happy no-baking!