Cherry Cheesecake Recipe
Introduction
This cherry cheesecake is a delightful no-bake dessert that’s creamy, fruity, and easy to make. With a crunchy graham cracker crust and a light cream cheese filling topped with sweet cherry pie filling, it’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 9 graham cracker sheets (one sleeve)
- ½ cup melted butter
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 8 ounces Cool Whip
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 21 ounces cherry pie filling
Instructions
- Step 1: Place graham crackers in a food processor and pulse into fine crumbs.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar.
- Step 3: Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper. Press the graham cracker mixture evenly into the bottom of the pan and chill in the refrigerator.
- Step 4: In a large bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, Cool Whip, powdered sugar, and lemon juice until smooth. Spread this mixture evenly over the graham cracker crust. Chill for about 5 minutes.
- Step 5: Spoon the cherry pie filling over the cream cheese layer and gently spread the cherries to cover the entire pan.
- Step 6: Chill the cheesecake for at least 4 hours before slicing and serving.
Tips & Variations
- For a firmer crust, use less melted butter or chill the crust longer before adding the filling.
- Try swapping the cherry pie filling with blueberry or strawberry pie filling for a different fruit flavor.
- You can substitute Cool Whip with homemade whipped cream for a fresher taste.
- Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture for extra flavor.
Storage
Store the cherry cheesecake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, allow to sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes if preferred slightly softened, though it is best enjoyed chilled.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?
Yes, this no-bake cherry cheesecake can be prepared a day in advance. Just keep it refrigerated and covered until ready to serve.
Do I need a food processor to crush the graham crackers?
While a food processor makes crushing easier and finer, you can also place the graham crackers in a sealed plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin or a heavy pan.
Print
Cherry Cheesecake Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings 1x
Description
A no-bake Cherry Cheesecake featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, a creamy cream cheese and Cool Whip filling, and a sweet cherry pie topping. Easy to prepare and perfect for a refreshing dessert.
Ingredients
Crust
- 9 graham cracker sheets (one sleeve)
- ½ cup melted butter
- 1 tablespoon sugar
Filling
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 8 ounces Cool Whip
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Topping
- 21 ounces cherry pie filling
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: Place the graham cracker sheets into a food processor and pulse until they become fine crumbs. Transfer to a medium bowl and mix with melted butter and sugar until combined.
- Form the crust: Line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper. Press the graham cracker mixture evenly into the bottom of the pan to create the crust layer. Place the pan in the refrigerator to chill and set.
- Make the filling: In a large bowl, blend the softened cream cheese, Cool Whip, powdered sugar, and lemon juice together until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the cheesecake: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the chilled graham cracker crust. Return the pan to the refrigerator and chill for about 5 minutes to firm up.
- Add the topping: Spoon the cherry pie filling evenly over the cream cheese layer. Gently spread to cover the entire surface.
- Chill and serve: Refrigerate the assembled cheesecake for at least 4 hours to allow it to set properly. Once set, slice and enjoy your Cherry Cheesecake.
Notes
- For best results, soften cream cheese to room temperature before mixing.
- You can substitute Cool Whip with whipped cream for a fresher taste.
- If you prefer a firmer crust, chill it longer before adding the filling.
- This cheesecake requires no baking, making it quick and convenient.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: cherry cheesecake, no-bake cheesecake, graham cracker crust, cream cheese dessert, easy cheesecake recipe
