Classic Cherry Delight is more than just a dessert; it’s a sweet escape that’s incredibly easy to whip up with minimal effort. This delightful recipe offers a perfect balance of sweet and tart, making it a go-to for any occasion.
Key Ingredients for Classic Cherry Delight
- 1 (18.25 ounce) package yellow cake mix
- 1 (3 ounce) package cherry-flavored gelatin dessert mix
- 2 cups boiling water
- 1 (10 ounce) package frozen pitted cherries, thawed and drained
- 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream, whipped (for topping)
- Maraschino cherries (for garnish, optional)
- Sliced almonds (for garnish, optional)
How to Make Classic Cherry Delight
Get ready to impress with a dessert that’s as easy as it is delicious! This Classic Cherry Delight boasts a wonderfully creamy sauce layered with a vibrant cherry filling, all nestled on a tender, moist cake base. It’s the perfect combination of simple preparation and satisfyingly rich flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds. With a total preparation and cooking time of approximately 30 minutes, plus chilling time, it’s ideal for last-minute gatherings or a sweet weeknight treat.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Cake Base: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking dish. In a medium bowl, prepare the yellow cake mix according to package directions, ensuring it’s well-combined. Pour the cake batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely in the dish.
- Create the Cherry Layer: While the cake is cooling, in a separate bowl, dissolve the cherry-flavored gelatin dessert mix in 2 cups of boiling water. Stir until the gelatin is completely dissolved. Gently fold in the thawed and drained frozen cherries. Set aside to cool slightly, but do not let it set fully.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the granulated sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. This is crucial for a lump-free and luscious filling.
- Assemble the Delight: Once the cake base is completely cooled, carefully pour the slightly cooled cherry and gelatin mixture evenly over the cake. Ensure the cherries are distributed well.
- Add the Creamy Topping: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form. Gently spread the whipped cream over the cherry layer, covering it completely. You can create swirls or a smooth finish as desired.
- Chill and Garnish: Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours, or until the dessert is firm and well chilled. This chilling time allows all the flavors to meld and the layers to set properly. Before serving, garnish with maraschino cherries and sliced almonds, if desired, for an extra touch of elegance and flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Classic Cherry Delight
You’re going to adore this Classic Cherry Delight for so many reasons, but its utterly luscious, creamy texture is truly a standout. Imagine a perfectly baked, tender cake base topped with a vibrant, slightly tart cherry layer, all enveloped in a cloud of sweet, airy whipped cream. It’s a dessert that’s both comforting and elegant, much like a classic trifle but with its unique, delightful charm.
Plus, the incredible satisfaction of creating such a beautiful and delicious dessert right in your own kitchen is unbeatable. The burst of sweet cherries against the cool, smooth cream cheese and fluffy whipped cream offers a flavor explosion that’s far more economical than store-bought treats. Making this Classic Cherry Delight at home is a budget-friendly way to bring smiles to your family and friends. So why wait? Give this easy yet impressive Classic Cherry Delight a try today!
Storing and Reheating Tips
This Classic Cherry Delight is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored beautifully for a few days. Ensure the dessert is completely chilled before storing. Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer portions into airtight containers to prevent the whipped cream from absorbing odors from the refrigerator.
Store refrigerated Classic Cherry Delight in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making it even more delicious. While reheating isn’t typically recommended as it can affect the texture of the whipped cream and cake, if you prefer a warmer dessert, you can gently warm individual slices in a microwave-safe dish on a low power setting for very short intervals (10-15 seconds) until just slightly warm, being careful not to overheat. Freezing is also an option; prepare individual portions in freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 1-2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Final Thoughts
This Classic Cherry Delight is a simple yet spectacular dessert that promises pure joy with every bite. Its ease of preparation, combined with its irresistibly sweet and tangy flavors, makes it a winner for any occasion. Go ahead and bake this delightful treat – you won’t be disappointed!
Classic Cherry Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking dish. In a medium bowl, prepare the yellow cake mix according to package directions, ensuring it’s well-combined. Pour the cake batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely in the dish.1 18.25 ounce package yellow cake mix
- While the cake is cooling, in a separate bowl, dissolve the cherry-flavored gelatin dessert mix in 2 cups of boiling water. Stir until the gelatin is completely dissolved. Gently fold in the thawed and drained frozen cherries. Set aside to cool slightly, but do not let it set fully.1 3 ounce package cherry-flavored gelatin dessert mix, 2 cups boiling water, 1 10 ounce package frozen pitted cherries
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the granulated sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. This is crucial for a lump-free and luscious filling.1 8 ounce package cream cheese, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Once the cake base is completely cooled, carefully pour the slightly cooled cherry and gelatin mixture evenly over the cake. Ensure the cherries are distributed well.1 3 ounce package cherry-flavored gelatin dessert mix, 2 cups boiling water, 1 10 ounce package frozen pitted cherries
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form. Gently spread the whipped cream over the cherry layer, covering it completely. You can create swirls or a smooth finish as desired.1 cup heavy whipping cream
- Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours, or until the dessert is firm and well chilled. This chilling time allows all the flavors to meld and the layers to set properly. Before serving, garnish with maraschino cherries and sliced almonds, if desired, for an extra touch of elegance and flavor.Maraschino cherries, Sliced almonds