No-Bake Cherry Delight Made from a Can of Pie Filling

A No-Bake Cherry Delight That’s Perfect for Hot Days

If the weather has been too warm to use your oven, then this no-bake dessert is the perfect solution. It’s simple, quick, and incredibly delicious. This cherry delight is one of the easiest fruit desserts you can make, requiring no baking at all. You can assemble it in about 25 minutes and let it chill in the fridge for several hours before serving.

What makes this dessert so special is its combination of flavors and textures. The buttery vanilla wafer crust provides a crunchy base, while the light cream cheese center adds a smooth and creamy layer. On top of that, you’ll find tangy cherry pie filling—straight from the can—that brings a burst of sweetness and acidity. The result is a dessert that truly lives up to its name.

This recipe is also great for feeding a crowd. You can typically get between 12 to 16 good slices out of it, making it ideal for gatherings or family events. It’s one of those simple no-bake desserts that somehow ends up being incredibly satisfying. From the crumbly crust to the creamy filling and the juicy cherries, every bite is a treat.

Can You Use a Different Flavor Pie Filling?

Absolutely! While the original recipe uses cherry pie filling, you can easily swap it out for other flavors like strawberry, blueberry, peach, or even apple. Each of these options will bring a unique twist to the dessert. If you choose a different flavor, consider adjusting the extract used in the recipe. For example, almond extract pairs well with cherry and peach, while vanilla extract works better with strawberry, blueberry, or apple fillings.

Can You Make Cherry Delight Ahead of Time?

Yes, and it’s actually recommended to do so. The dessert needs to chill for at least 4 hours to set properly, but it can stay in the fridge for longer if needed. For the best presentation, try to serve it within 12 hours of assembling. Leftovers will still be good for up to 5 days, although the crust may start to soften the longer it sits.

One helpful tip is to prepare the crust ahead of time. You can press it into the pan and freeze it for up to 2 days before adding the filling. This is a great way to get a head start on your dessert prep, especially if you’re planning to host a large gathering.

Recipe Details

Yields: 12–16 servings
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes

Ingredients

For the Crust:
– 8 oz. vanilla wafers (about 55 cookies)
– 1/4 cup light brown sugar
– 8 tbsp. salted butter, melted
– Nonstick cooking spray, for the baking dish

For the Filling:
– 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
– 2 cups powdered sugar
– 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, at room temperature
– 3/4 tsp. almond extract
– 2 (21-ounce) cans cherry pie filling

Instructions

For the Crust:
1. Pulse the vanilla wafers and brown sugar in a food processor until finely ground, about 1 minute.
2. With the processor running, slowly pour in the melted butter. Process the mixture until it reaches the texture of coarse sand.
3. Spray a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Transfer the cookie mixture to the dish and press it into the bottom using the flat bottom of a measuring cup to make an even layer. Press firmly.
4. Freeze for at least 20 minutes and up to 2 days.

For the Filling:
1. In a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, whip the heavy cream and powdered sugar on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form, about 3 minutes. Transfer the mixture to a large bowl.
2. Combine the cream cheese and almond extract in the stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Beat on medium-high speed until light, fluffy, and smooth, about 3 minutes.
3. Remove the bowl from the mixer and use a rubber spatula to mix in a third of the whipped cream by hand, then gently fold in the rest.
4. Spread the mixture over the vanilla wafer crust in an even layer.
5. Spoon the cherry pie filling over the top in an even layer.
6. Chill until set, at least 4 hours and up to 12 hours. If chilling longer than 4 hours, cover with plastic.