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Light & Creamy Cherries in the Snow: Best Easy Dessert Recipe

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A light and creamy no-bake dessert featuring a tangy cream cheese filling topped with sweet cherry pie filling. This nostalgic treat comes together in just 15 minutes of active prep and is perfect for holidays, potlucks, or any time you crave a cold, satisfying dessert.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar), sifted if lumpy
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (pure vanilla recommended)
  • 1 1/2 cups whipped topping, thawed (e.g., Cool Whip)
  • 1 can (21 ounces) cherry pie filling (e.g., Lucky Leaf or Comstock)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)

Instructions

  1. Soften the cream cheese: Take the cream cheese out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes before starting. It should be room temperature—soft enough that you can press your finger into it and leave an indent.
  2. Beat the cream cheese until smooth: Place the softened cream cheese in a large mixing bowl. Beat with a hand mixer on medium speed for about 2 minutes, scraping down the sides halfway through, until glossy and completely smooth.
  3. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla: With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the powdered sugar, about a quarter cup at a time. Mix until fully incorporated, then add the vanilla extract. Beat for another 30 seconds until combined and smooth. The mixture will be thick and slightly stiff.
  4. Fold in the whipped topping: Switch to a rubber spatula. Add the thawed whipped topping to the cream cheese mixture. Gently fold it in using a cutting motion—down through the middle, across the bottom, and up the side. Turn the bowl as you go. Fold just until no white streaks remain. Do not overmix.
  5. Prepare the cherry topping: In a small bowl, stir together the cherry pie filling, lemon juice, and almond extract if using. Taste and adjust if needed.
  6. Layer the dessert: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly into an 8×8 inch glass baking dish (or similar 2-quart dish). Smooth the top with the spatula. Spoon the cherry mixture over the top, spreading it gently to cover the cream cheese layer completely. Do not press it in.
  7. Chill for at least 4 hours: Cover the dish with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and the texture to set properly.
  8. Serve cold: Spoon into bowls or onto plates straight from the refrigerator. Garnish with fresh mint leaves or extra cherries if desired.

Notes

Room temperature ingredients are essential for a smooth texture. Do not overmix the whipped topping to keep the filling light and airy. The dessert improves overnight as the cherry syrup seeps into the cream cheese layer. Do not freeze. For best results, chill for at least 4 hours, but overnight is ideal.

Nutrition

Keywords: cherries in the snow, no-bake dessert, cream cheese dessert, cherry dessert, easy dessert, light dessert, potluck dessert, holiday dessert

Find it online: https://fizzlefork.com/light-and-creamy-cherries-in-the-snow-best-easy-dessert-recipe/