Cherry Delight Dream Bars

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a slice of pure, cherry delight ? I always feel nostalgic when I make this. These dream bars are sweet, tangy, and completely addictive!

Brief Overview

This recipe for cherry delight dream bars is a fun twist on a classic American retro dessert recipe . Originating from the mid-20th century, these bars are a no-bake wonder that's perfect for a quick and easy treat.

They're super easy, take about 30 minutes of prep, plus chilling time, and makes 12 servings.

Main Benefits

One of the best things about this recipe? It's no-bake! Perfect for those hot summer days. Plus, with cream cheese, you're getting a bit of protein and calcium in every bite.

These cream cheese dessert bars are ideal for potlucks, summer parties, or just a simple treat. This graham cracker crust dessert is special because it strikes the perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and fruity.

Ready to dive in? Let's talk ingredients.

Cracking the Graham Cracker Crust Code

This part is key. You will need:

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• 6 tablespoons melted butter
• ¼ cup sugar

Mix them, then press them into your pan. You can bake it for 10 minutes at 350F/175C for extra crunch.

I sometimes skip this step when I am running a bit short on time.

Cheesecake Filling: The Heart of the Matter

Alright, this is where the magic happens. The recipe will need:

• 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup heavy cream, whipped

Beat the cream cheese until smooth. Then add the condensed milk and vanilla. Gently fold in the whipped cream. Honestly, be careful not to overmix; nobody wants a flat filling!

Cherry Topping: The Crowning Glory

It wouldn't be cherry delight without the cherries! This is what makes it a perfect cherry dessert recipe .

• 1 (21 ounce) can cherry pie filling
• Optional: ½ teaspoon almond extract

Simply spoon the cherry pie filling desserts evenly over the filling. I love adding almond extract, but it is optional! It just gives it that je ne sais quoi .

These easy no bake desserts are perfect for hot summer days. Whip up a batch of these no bake cherry dessert bars and watch them disappear! You will be the star baker, no oven required.

Trust me, everyone will be asking for the recipe.

Ingredients & Equipment: Cherry Delight Dream Bars Await

Ready to make some seriously yummy cherry delight dream bars ? These no bake cherry dessert bars are proper easy.

They’re the perfect summer dessert recipes for when it’s too hot to even think about turning on the oven. Think of them as posh cherry cheesecake bars .

Main Ingredients for These Dreamy Bars

Let’s talk grub. Get this stuff, and you’re golden:

• Graham Cracker Crust:
  • 1 ½ cups (150g) graham cracker crumbs. Get the good stuff, the honey flavored ones.
  • 6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, melted.
  • ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar.
• Creamy Cheesecake Filling:
  • 16 ounces (450g) cream cheese, softened. Full fat is the way to go for a proper creamy texture.
  • 1 (14 ounce/400g) can sweetened condensed milk. Don't skimp!
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Pure vanilla, not the fake stuff, yeah?
  • 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream, whipped to stiff peaks.
• Cherry Bomb Topping:
  • 1 (21 ounce/600g) can cherry pie filling . Look for one with whole cherries if you can. Cherry pie filling desserts are a breeze!.
  • Optional: ½ teaspoon almond extract. This really bumps up the cherry flavor, makes it proper bakewell-y.

Seasoning Notes: Elevating the Flavours

For the crust, you can add a pinch of cinnamon to the graham crackers. The almond extract in the cherry pie filling is totally optional.

But trust me, it adds a certain je ne sais quoi . If you are not a fan, you could use a splash of lemon juice instead.

It cuts through the sweetness lovely.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

You don’t need loads of fancy gear. These easy no bake desserts are about keeping it chill:

• 9x13 inch baking pan.
• Mixing bowls (various sizes). A couple should do the trick.
• Electric mixer. A handheld or stand mixer.
• Rubber spatula. For scraping every last bit of cheesecake filling.
• Measuring cups and spoons.

The graham cracker crust is everything in these cream cheese dessert bars . For a sturdier graham cracker crust dessert, you can bake it for 10 minutes at 350F/175C .

But honestly, pressing it in works just fine. I love whipping up these retro dessert recipes in the summer.

They are so simple and the best thing is that they don't require me to turn on the oven, perfect for those hot sunny days!.

So there you have it, everything you need to nail these cherry delight dream bars . Go forth and bake (or not bake!)

Easy No Bake Desserts: Let's Make Cherry Delight Dream Bars!

Oh my gosh, are you ready for a super easy and delicious treat? We're diving headfirst into the world of cherry delight dream bars , a total blast from the past retro dessert recipes that tastes like sunshine and happiness.

These aren't your granny's cherry cheesecake bars (unless your granny is a total rockstar!). They're a modern twist on a classic no bake cherry dessert , perfect for a hot summer day.

Forget slaving over a hot stove; these bars are all about minimal effort and maximum flavor.

I remember my first attempt at cherry delight . Let's just say the crust crumbled more than my confidence did! After many experiments and a bit of trial and-error, I finally cracked it, so you don’t have to.

So, grab your ingredients, and let’s make some magic happen!

Prep Like a Pro: Your Mise en Place

Alright, let's get organised, yeah? It's time to get your ingredients ready. Grab your 1 ½ cups of graham cracker crumbs , 6 tablespoons of melted butter , ¼ cup of sugar , 16 ounces of cream cheese (make sure this is nice and soft!), a can of sweetened condensed milk , 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract , 1 cup of whipped cream and your can of cherry pie filling .

Getting everything sorted beforehand is the key to success and it will save you so much time later. It's basically like adulting, but with dessert.

You will need measuring cups , your 9x13 inch pan and some mixing bowls too.

step-by-step: Cherry Delight Dream Bars in a Jiffy!

1. Crust Time: Mix 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs , 6 tablespoons melted butter , and ¼ cup sugar . Press it firmly into the bottom of your pan. Want a toasty vibe? Bake it for 10 minutes at 350F/175C . Cool it completely.
2. Creamy Dream: Beat 16 ounces softened cream cheese until it is smooth. Slowly add the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla . Mix until well combined.
3. Cloud Nine: Gently fold 1 cup of whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture. Be super careful not to deflate it! Nobody wants a flat cheesecake.
4. Spread the Love: Spread the cheesecake filling evenly over the cooled crust. It is starting to look good, isn't it?
5. Cherry Bomb: Spoon the cherry pie filling all over the cheesecake layer. If you're feeling fancy, add a splash of almond extract here.
6. Chill Out: Cover the pan with plastic wrap and chill for at least 2 hours (overnight is even better!). This is a key step so don’t rush it.
7. Slice and Devour: Cut into bars and serve chilled.

Pro Tips for Cherry Delight Perfection

Want to take your cherry delight dream bars to the next level? Of course, you do! First, always make sure your cream cheese is properly softened. It makes a big difference.

Second, chilling is absolutely key. Seriously, don't skimp on the chilling time. That is the most important part. These are great for easy summer dessert recipes or as a crowd pleaser as cherry dessert recipes .

Recipe Notes for Perfect Cherry Delight Dream Bars

Alright, you've got the recipe for these amazing cherry delight dream bars. Honestly, they're pretty straightforward, but I've picked up a few things along the way that'll make yours extra special.

Let's dive in!

Serving Suggestions: Plating that Pops!

These cream cheese dessert bars are all about that visual appeal. Think retro dessert recipes, but elevated.

Serving Idea: Cut these into squares and layer into a trifle bowl to show off the colors and textures. Dollop with fresh whipped cream and sprinkle some extra graham cracker crumbs on top.

Bosh! Instant party hit.

Drinks: I love these with a glass of sparkling lemonade on a hot day. They're also great with a light bodied white wine. A simple iced latte would make a fabulous pairing, too.

Storage Tips: Keeping Your No Bake Cherry Dessert Fresh

These are a no bake cherry dessert , so proper storage is key to maintaining their dreamy texture.

Fridge: These cherry cheesecake bars will last in the fridge for up to 3 days. Cover tightly with cling film. Otherwise, the crust gets a little soggy.

Freezer: I wouldn't recommend freezing these, to be honest. The filling can get a bit grainy when thawed. Better to just make a fresh batch, right?

Reheating: Erm, no reheating needed! They are best served straight from the fridge. Cold and refreshing, just as it should be.

Variations: Making It Your Own

• Dietary Adaptations : For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free graham crackers. You can also use a sugar-free cherry pie filling to lower the sugar content. I once tried making these with a shortbread base also a winner!
• Seasonal Swaps : In the summer, try using fresh cherries instead of canned pie filling. Pit them, halve them, and cook them down with a little sugar and cornstarch. Summer dessert recipes should be all about what is best in season!

Nutrition Basics: A Little Indulgence

Let's keep it real these are dessert. Each bar clocks in around 350 calories, but they have 4g of protein. They're a good source of happiness, which is important, right?

These cherry delight dream bars are a proper treat. They’re all about that graham cracker crust dessert vibe. I had so much fun making and sharing, and I hope you do too! Don't be afraid to experiment and make this recipe your own.

Let me know how it turns out!