Cherries in the Snow – A No-Bake Dessert Delight!
Get ready to discover a truly enchanting dessert that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat! This Cherries in the Snow is a creamy, fluffy, no-bake treat with irresistible layers of light angel food cake, a tangy cream cheese filling, and a luscious sweet cherry pie topping. It’s a beautifully simple yet elegant dessert that’s perfect for any occasion, from casual summer potlucks to festive holiday gatherings!
Imagine sinking your spoon through a cloud-like layer of whipped cream, into a tangy, velvety cream cheese, then hitting a juicy burst of cherries, all softened by cubes of angel food cake. This dessert is a symphony of textures and flavors – cool, refreshing, and incredibly satisfying without ever needing to turn on your oven. It’s a fantastic make-ahead option that lets you enjoy your event without last-minute fuss!
Ingredients:
- 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature (1 block)
- ½ cup powdered sugar, sifted
- ½ cup 2% milk (or whole milk for extra richness)
- 1 (8 oz) container frozen whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
- 1 (10-12 oz) prepared angel food cake, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 (21 oz) can cherry pie filling (or homemade cherry pie filling)
Equipment:
- 9×13 inch baking dish (or a trifle bowl for a layered look)
- Large mixing bowl
- Electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer)
- Rubber spatula
Instructions:
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the room temperature cream cheese with an electric mixer until it’s completely smooth and creamy, with no lumps. Add the sifted powdered sugar and milk, beating on medium speed until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined. Gently fold in about half of the thawed whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can deflate the whipped topping.
- Assemble the Layers:
- Spread about half of the angel food cake cubes evenly in the bottom of your 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Carefully spread all of the cream cheese filling over the layer of angel food cake cubes.
- Gently spread the remaining half of the angel food cake cubes over the cream cheese layer.
- Evenly spread the cherry pie filling over the top layer of angel food cake, ensuring good coverage.
- Finally, dollop the remaining whipped topping over the cherry pie filling and gently spread it to create a smooth, cloud-like top.
- Chill to Perfection: Cover the baking dish loosely with plastic wrap. Refrigerate the Cherries in the Snow for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This chilling time is essential to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to set, making it easier to scoop and serve.
- Serve and Enjoy! Once thoroughly chilled, spoon generous portions of this creamy, fluffy delight into individual serving dishes.
Tips & Variations:
- Homemade Whipped Cream: For an even richer taste, you can make your own whipped cream (2 cups heavy cream + ¼ cup powdered sugar + 1 tsp vanilla extract, whipped to stiff peaks) and use it in place of the frozen whipped topping.
- Other Pie Fillings: This recipe is versatile! Try blueberry, strawberry, peach, or even apple pie filling for different seasonal variations.
- Lemon Twist: Add 1-2 teaspoons of lemon zest to the cream cheese filling for a brighter, more citrusy note that pairs wonderfully with cherries.
- Trifle Bowl Presentation: For a stunning visual, assemble this dessert in a clear trifle bowl, layering the ingredients so they are visible from the sides.
- Individual Servings: You can also layer this dessert in individual serving glasses or jars for easy portion control and a charming presentation.
- Storage: Store any leftover Cherries in the Snow, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
This Cherries in the Snow is truly a no-bake dessert delight – a creamy, fluffy treat with delicious layers of angel food cake, tangy cream cheese filling, and sweet cherry pie topping, perfect for any occasion!