Description
Cherries in the Snow is a delightful, no-bake layered dessert featuring creamy sweetened cream cheese and whipped topping, tender angel food cake pieces, and vibrant cherry pie filling. This simple yet elegant treat combines fluffy cake, rich creaminess, and juicy cherries, making it perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
Scale
Cream Cheese Mixture
- 12 ounces block style cream cheese, room temperature
- ¾ cup powdered sugar, sifted
- ⅓ cup whole milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 ounces frozen whipped topping, thawed (Cool Whip brand recommended)
Cake and Topping
- 1 pre-baked angel food cake, torn into ¾ – 1 inch pieces (approx. 15 ounces, 9-inch store-bought cake)
- 42 ounces cherry pie filling (2 cans of 21 ounces each, Comstock brand recommended)
Instructions
- Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar and continue to beat until well combined. Slowly pour in the whole milk and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly to achieve a smooth consistency. Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping until evenly incorporated, creating a light, fluffy filling.
- Assemble Dessert: In a large serving dish or trifle bowl, layer torn pieces of angel food cake evenly across the bottom. Spoon half of the cream cheese mixture over the cake pieces, spreading gently to cover them. Add half of the cherry pie filling warmly or chilled, distributing evenly over the cream cheese layer.
- Repeat Layers: Repeat layering with the remaining angel food cake pieces, cream cheese mixture, and cherry pie filling, finishing with a generous layer of cherries on top. Smooth the top layer for an even, attractive finish.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the dessert with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or overnight, allowing the flavors to meld and the cake to soften slightly. Serve chilled for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- For best results, ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing to avoid lumps.
- Use a high-quality cherry pie filling for optimal flavor and texture.
- This dessert can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator, making it convenient for entertaining.
- The angel food cake provides a light base, but you can substitute with pound cake if preferred.
- Keep the dessert covered in the refrigerator to prevent it from drying out.
Keywords: cherry dessert, no bake dessert, layered dessert, angel food cake dessert, easy cherry dessert, summer dessert, holiday dessert