No-Bake Cherry Delight Recipe

The Sweetest No-Bake Cherry Delight Recipe for Dessert Lovers

Sweet, creamy no-bake cherry delight promises a dessert that melts in your mouth with minimal kitchen effort.

Layers of silky smooth ingredients create a dreamy treat perfect for warm summer afternoons.

Cool and refreshing textures blend harmoniously, offering a delightful alternative to traditional baked desserts.

Minimal ingredients and simple assembly make this recipe accessible for novice and experienced cooks alike.

Soft, luscious flavors intertwine to create a dessert that feels both indulgent and light.

Rich cream cheese and fruity notes dance together in a delectable symphony of taste.

The magic happens without turning on your oven, ensuring a stress-free dessert experience.

You can want to savor every spoonful of this heavenly, no-fuss cherry sensation.

No-Bake Cherry Bars with Creamy Layers

  • This recipe eliminates baking, making it perfect for hot summer days or when you want a quick sweet treat without turning on the oven.
  • Enjoy the creamy cheesecake filling contrasting with the crisp graham cracker crust and the smooth, fruity cherry topping that creates a delightful mouthfeel.
  • With its classic combination of cream cheese, graham crackers, and cherry filling, this dessert appeals to both kids and adults, making it ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, or casual dinner parties.
  • The recipe requires simple ingredients and basic mixing techniques, allowing even novice bakers to create an impressive dessert that looks and tastes like it came from a professional bakery.

Cherry Bar Ingredients for No-Bake Layers

Crust Base:
  • Graham Crackers: Foundational crumbly base with a sweet, graham flavor. Best when freshly crushed for maximum texture.
  • Butter: Helps bind the graham cracker crumbs and creates a rich, cohesive crust.
Cheesecake Filling:
  • Cream Cheese: Provides creamy, tangy base for the dessert. Softened at room temperature for smooth blending.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps balance the cream cheese's tanginess.
  • Heavy Whipping Cream: Creates light, airy texture and adds richness. Full-fat version recommended for best results.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with warm, sweet undertones.
Topping:
  • Cherry Pie Filling: Adds fruity sweetness and vibrant color to the dessert. Canned filling works perfectly for convenience.

Instructions for Cherry Bars with No Oven

Step 1: Craft the Crumbly Base

Create a delightful foundation by crushing graham crackers into fine, sandy texture using a rolling pin inside a sealed plastic bag.

  • Graham crackers
  • Butter

Spread the mixture evenly into a 9×13-inch dish, pressing firmly to form a solid crust.

Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Filling

Prepare a luscious cream cheese mixture with smooth, pillowy consistency.

  • Cream cheese
  • Granulated sugar
  • Heavy whipping cream
  • Vanilla extract

Beat cream cheese and sugar until silky. Separately, whip cream with vanilla and sugar until it forms stiff, cloud-like peaks. Gently fold whipped cream into cream cheese mixture, creating a light and airy filling.

Step 3: Layer and Chill the Dessert

Assemble the dreamy layers with precision and care.

  • Cream cheese mixture
  • Cherry pie filling
  • Reserved graham cracker crumbs

Spread half the cream cheese mixture over the crust. Generously distribute cherry pie filling across the layer. Top with remaining cream cheese mixture. Sprinkle reserved graham cracker crumbs for a delightful crunch.

Step 4: Refrigerate and Enjoy

Place the dessert in the refrigerator for a minimum of 3 hours. Allow the layers to set and flavors to meld together. Slice, serve, and savor the cool, creamy cherry delight!

Tips for Chilling and Cutting Clean Layers

  • Crumb Crushing Technique: Use a rolling pin to crush graham crackers inside a sealed ziplock bag for uniform, fine crumbs that create a perfect crust texture.
  • Cream Cheese Smoothing Hack: Ensure cream cheese is completely softened at room temperature to prevent lumps and achieve a silky, smooth mixture when blending.
  • Whipped Cream Perfection: Chill your mixing bowl and beaters beforehand to help heavy cream whip faster and develop more stable, stiff peaks.
  • Layering Pro Tip: Use a spatula with gentle, sweeping motions when spreading layers to maintain an even, neat appearance without deflating the light cream cheese mixture.
  • Chilling Secret: Allow the dessert to set for the full 3 hours or overnight for the most stable structure and enhanced flavor melding between layers.

How to Store and Keep Cherry Bars Fresh

  • Refrigerate: Store the No-Bake Cherry Delight covered with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep the dessert sealed tightly to prevent absorbing other food odors.
  • Freeze: Wrap the entire dish securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to maintain the creamy texture.
  • Portion Storing: Cut individual servings and place them in airtight containers. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and preserve the dessert's delicate structure.

Pair Cherry Bars with These Drinks and Snacks

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Complement the sweet and tangy cherry dessert with a chilled Riesling or Moscato, which balances the creamy cheesecake layers and enhances the fruity cherry notes.
  • Match with Vanilla Bean Espresso: Serve a small shot of rich espresso alongside the dessert, letting the coffee's robust flavor cut through the sweetness and provide a sophisticated contrast.
  • Serve with Fresh Berries: Garnish the plate with fresh raspberries or strawberries to amplify the cherry flavor and add a vibrant, zesty touch that brightens the creamy cheesecake texture.
  • Accompany with Sparkling Water: Add a refreshing palate cleanser with lemon-infused sparkling water, which helps reset taste buds between each decadent bite of the creamy cherry delight.

Variations of Cherry Bars Using Seasonal Fruit

  • Fruity Festival: Swap cherry pie filling with a vibrant mix of fresh seasonal berries like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for a colorful summer-inspired dessert.
  • Chocolate Cherry Bliss: Add melted dark chocolate drizzle over the top layer and incorporate cocoa powder into the graham cracker crust for a rich chocolate undertone.
  • Tropical Paradise: Replace cherry filling with crushed pineapple and add toasted coconut flakes between layers, creating a refreshing island-style no-bake treat.
  • Nutty Crunch: Mix chopped almonds or pecans into the graham cracker crust and sprinkle roasted nuts on top for extra texture and depth of flavor.

Questions About No-Bake Cherry Bars

  • How long does this No-Bake Cherry Delight need to set in the refrigerator?

The dessert needs to be refrigerated for at least 3 hours to ensure it sets properly and develops the right texture.

  • Can I use a different type of fruit filling instead of cherry?

Absolutely! You can substitute cherry pie filling with other fruit fillings like blueberry, strawberry, or peach to create different flavor variations of this dessert.

  • Do I need any special equipment to make this recipe?

No special equipment is required. You’ll just need a rolling pin, ziplock bag for crushing graham crackers, mixing bowls, and a 9×13-inch baking dish.

  • How long can I store this No-Bake Cherry Delight in the refrigerator?

The dessert can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days when covered tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, maintaining its delicious taste and texture.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
No-Bake Cherry Delight Recipe

No-Bake Cherry Delight Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 20 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Chilled cherry delight dazzles taste buds with creamy layers of graham cracker crust, luscious cream cheese filling, and sweet cherry topping. Rich flavors and silky textures dance together, offering pure dessert pleasure you can savor in moments.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 package graham crackers
  • 1 (21 ounces / 595 grams) can cherry pie filling
  • 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened and at room temperature

Dairy and Cream Components:

  • 2 cups (480 milliliters) heavy whipping cream
  • 6 tablespoons salted butter, melted

Sweeteners and Flavoring:

  • ½ cup (100 grams) sugar
  • 3 tablespoons sugar
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Pulverize graham crackers into ultrafine particles using a rolling pin inside a sealed plastic bag, creating a uniform texture for the crust foundation.
  2. Incorporate melted butter into the graham cracker crumbs, pressing the mixture meticulously into the bottom of a rectangular baking dish to form a compact base.
  3. Utilize an electric mixer to transform cream cheese and sugar into a silky, lump-free consistency, ensuring a smooth texture.
  4. Separately whip heavy cream with vanilla and sugar, creating billowy peaks that stand tall and maintain structural integrity.
  5. Delicately integrate the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, folding gently to preserve the aerated texture and prevent deflation.
  6. Carefully distribute half of the cream cheese blend across the graham cracker crust, creating an even, luxurious layer.
  7. Artfully spread cherry pie filling over the initial cream cheese layer, ensuring uniform coverage from edge to edge.
  8. Crown the dessert with the remaining cream cheese mixture, maintaining a smooth and elegant surface.
  9. Dust the top with reserved graham cracker crumbs, adding a delightful textural contrast and visual appeal.
  10. Chill the assembled dessert in the refrigerator for a minimum of three hours, allowing flavors to meld and structure to solidify completely.

Notes

  • Crushing graham crackers in a ziplock bag prevents messy kitchen counters and makes cleanup easier.
  • Use room temperature cream cheese to ensure a smooth, lump-free mixture when blending with sugar.
  • Whip heavy cream to stiff peaks for a light, airy texture that helps create a fluffy cheesecake layer.
  • Gently fold whipped cream into cream cheese mixture to maintain its delicate volume and prevent deflating.
  • Refrigerate for minimum 3 hours or overnight to allow layers to set and flavors to meld together perfectly.
  • Serve chilled for the best taste and most refreshing dessert experience after a meal.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Mixing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 21 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 45 mg
Isabella Rossi

Isabella Rossi

Founder & Culinary Content Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development​, Traditional Irish and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education​

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) – School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development.​

Ballymaloe Cookery School

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Intensive, hands-on experience emphasizing farm-to-table cooking and sustainable practices.​

Liam is the voice behind many of Craft Meats’ most flavorful features. With roots in Dublin’s smoky barbecue scene and a culinary degree from the Dublin Institute of Technology, he brings time-tested cooking techniques to life. 

His training at Ballymaloe Cookery School sharpened his farm-to-table approach, giving him a deep respect for every ingredient he writes about.

He’s not about overcomplicating the process, just helping you cook meat that’s worth talking about. When he’s not writing or grilling, he’s out foraging or nerding out on regional spice blends to add to his next recipe.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star