The Best Cherry Delight Cake Recipe for Sweet Summer Baking

A cherry delight cake promises pure bliss with its luscious layers and irresistible charm.

Sweet cherries dance through delicate crumb, creating a dessert that feels both nostalgic and exciting.

Soft textures mingle with bright fruit notes, offering a sensational culinary experience.

Light and airy, this cake captures the essence of summer’s most beloved flavor.

Imagine a dessert that melts on your tongue, leaving behind a delightful burst of fruity goodness.

Bakers of all skill levels can master this crowd-pleasing treat with confidence.

Every slice tells a story of comfort and indulgence that will leave you wanting more.

Cherry Delight Cake Ingredients

• Angel Food Cake: Soft, light base that provides delicate structure for the dessert.
• Cake Cubes: Easy to layer and soak up other flavors.

• Cherry Pie Filling: Sweet and tangy topping that adds fruity moisture and vibrant color, look for high-quality brand with real cherry pieces.

• Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix: Creates smooth, rich filling that binds layers together, choose standard box mix.
• Milk: Provides liquid and helps pudding mix set correctly.
• Sour Cream: Adds creamy tanginess and helps create soft texture.
• Cool Whip: Light, fluffy topping that gives airy finish, use fully thawed version for smooth spreading.

How to Make Cherry Delight Cake Easily

Step 1: Create First Cake Layer

Break or cut angel food cake into bite-sized cubes. Spread half of the cubes across the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish, creating an even base layer.

Step 2: Add Cherry Filling

Pour two-thirds of the cherry pie filling over the cake cubes. Use a spatula to distribute the filling evenly, ensuring complete coverage of the cake layer.

Step 3: Build Second Cake Layer

Arrange the remaining cake cubes over the cherry filling, creating a second soft layer that covers the previous cherry topping.

Step 4: Prepare Creamy Pudding Mixture

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together pudding mix, milk, and sour cream. Stir until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy with no lumps.

Step 5: Cover with Pudding

Gently spoon the pudding mixture over the second cake layer. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, covering the entire surface.

Step 6: Add Whipped Topping

Spread the thawed cool whip over the pudding layer, creating a light and fluffy final layer.

Step 7: Final Cherry Decoration

Drizzle the remaining cherry pie filling across the top of the cool whip, creating an attractive and delicious finish.

Step 8: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the dessert for 4 to 5 hours. This resting time allows the layers to set and flavors to blend beautifully. Slice and serve chilled for a delightful treat.

Cherry Delight Cake Tips That Help

• Cube Cake Carefully: Use a sharp knife to create uniform, bite-sized angel food cake cubes for even layering and appealing presentation.
• Smooth Spreading Technique: Gently spread cherry pie filling and pudding mix using a spatula to create clean, even layers without disrupting the cake base.
• Chill for Maximum Flavor: Allow the dessert to rest in the refrigerator for the full recommended time to let flavors blend and layers set perfectly.
• Whip Wisely: Thaw cool whip completely and spread gently to maintain its light, airy texture without creating air pockets or uneven surfaces.
• Garnish with Precision: Add remaining cherry pie filling strategically to create an attractive top layer that enhances both visual appeal and taste.

How to Store Cherry Delight Cake

• Refrigerate Leftovers: Store the Cherry Delight Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain its fresh taste and creamy texture.
• Cover Carefully: Wrap the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent the cake from absorbing other food odors and to keep its layers intact.
• Reheat Gently: For best results, enjoy the cake chilled. If desired, let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to soften the layers slightly and enhance the flavors.

What to Pair with Cherry Delight Cake

• Pair with Creamy Coffee: Brew a rich, velvety cappuccino or latte to complement the sweet and tangy cherry cake, balancing its creamy texture with a warm, smooth coffee embrace.
• Match with Vanilla Liqueur: Drizzle a chilled shot of smooth vanilla liqueur alongside the dessert, enhancing the cake's sweet notes and adding a sophisticated adult twist to the treat.
• Serve with Champagne Spritz: Pour a crisp, sparkling champagne or prosecco to cut through the dessert's richness, providing a light and refreshing contrast to the dense, sweet layers.
• Enjoy with Almond Amaretto: Sip a small glass of nutty almond amaretto, which beautifully echoes the cake's fruity cherry flavor and adds a delightful warmth to each bite.

Cherry Delight Cake Twists You’ll Enjoy

• Berry Bliss Cake: Swap cherry pie filling with mixed berry compote for a vibrant, tangy flavor profile that bursts with seasonal fruit goodness.
• Tropical Paradise Cake: Replace cherries with crushed pineapple and add shredded coconut between layers for a Caribbean-inspired sweet treat.
• Chocolate Cherry Decadence: Incorporate chocolate pudding mix and drizzle chocolate syrup over the top for a rich, indulgent dessert that chocolate lovers will crave.
• Nutty Crunch Edition: Sprinkle chopped almonds or pecans between cake layers and on top for added texture and a delightful nutty crunch that elevates the classic recipe.

Cherry Delight Cake FAQs

• How long should I refrigerate the Cherry Delight Cake?

The cake needs to be chilled for 4 to 5 hours before serving. This allows all layers to set properly and lets the flavors blend together perfectly.

• Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Absolutely! This cake is great for preparing in advance. You can make it a day before your event and keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to serve.

• What if I can't find angel food cake?

You can substitute with pound cake or vanilla sponge cake. Just ensure the cake is light and can absorb the cherry and pudding layers well.

• How long will this dessert stay fresh in the refrigerator?

The Cherry Delight Cake will stay fresh for 2-3 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Make sure to cover it completely to prevent it from absorbing other refrigerator odors.

Reasons You’ll Love Cherry Delight Cake

• This recipe offers a stunning no-bake dessert that stacks flavors and textures with minimal cooking skills required, perfect for busy home bakers.
• Assembling this cake takes less than 30 minutes, making it an ideal last-minute treat for potlucks, family gatherings, or unexpected guests who crave something sweet.
• The combination of soft angel food cake, creamy pudding, fluffy cool whip, and luscious cherry filling creates a mouthwatering contrast of smooth, light, and fruity layers that dance on your palate.
• By chilling for 4-5 hours, this dessert allows flavors to blend and set perfectly, making it an excellent make-ahead option that actually improves with resting time.

Cherry Delight Cake Recipe

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4.6 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sweet memories bloom with this cherry delight cake, promising pure dessert magic straight from grandma’s kitchen. Layers of tender crumb, luscious cherry filling, and pillowy frosting invite you to savor each delectable slice of nostalgic comfort.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cake Base:

• 1 (14 ounces / 396 grams) prepared angel food cake, cut into 1-inch cubes

Creamy Mixture:

• 1 (3.5 ounces / 99 grams) box instant vanilla pudding
• 1 ½ cups milk
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 (8 ounces / 226 grams) tub cool whip, thawed

Fruit Topping:

• 1 (21 ounces / 595 grams) can cherry pie filling

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Instructions

1. Gently crumble half of the angel food cake into a 9×13-inch dish, creating an even base layer that covers the entire bottom surface.
2. Carefully distribute two-thirds of the cherry pie filling across the cake cubes, ensuring a uniform spread that reaches all corners of the dessert.
3. Delicately arrange the remaining cake pieces over the cherry filling, creating a second soft layer that completely covers the previous fruity surface.
4. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the pudding mix, milk, and sour cream until the mixture transforms into a smooth, creamy consistency with no lumps.
5. Methodically pour the pudding mixture over the cake layer, using a spatula to create an even, glossy surface that covers all the cake pieces.
6. Gently spread the thawed cool whip across the pudding layer, creating a light and airy topping that conceals the underlying layers.
7. Artfully drizzle the remaining cherry pie filling over the cool whip, allowing the vibrant red sauce to create an appetizing pattern and add a burst of fruity color.
8. Place the dessert in the refrigerator and allow it to chill for 4 to 5 hours, giving the layers time to set and the flavors to meld into a harmonious, refreshing treat.

Notes

• Effortlessly create this stunning dessert with minimal baking skills required, perfect for beginners and experienced cooks alike.
• Allow ample chilling time to ensure layers set properly and flavors develop a rich, harmonious blend.
• Use room temperature ingredients for smoother mixing and better incorporation of pudding and cream layers.
• Fresh or frozen cool whip works equally well, giving flexibility for last-minute preparation.
• Can be prepared a day ahead, making it an ideal make-ahead dessert for gatherings and potlucks.
• Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain optimal texture and taste.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg