A retro dessert that still delights!
Course: Dessert | Servings: 10-12 | Prep Time: 15 minutes | Chill Time: 1 hour
If you are looking for a dessert that is incredibly easy to make, delightfully retro, and absolutely delicious, this Cherries in the Snow recipe is exactly what you need. It is a classic, no-fuss dessert that layers fluffy angel food cake and a rich, creamy vanilla mixture, all topped with a vibrant, sweet cherry pie filling. It is the perfect make-ahead treat for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or a simple weekend indulgence.
The magic of this dessert lies in its textures. The light, airy angel food cake soaks up the creamy mixture, becoming incredibly soft and moist. The tangy cream cheese and whipped topping create a velvety base, while the cherry pie filling adds a bright, fruity flavor and a beautiful pop of color.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe relies on the convenience of store-bought ingredients. A baked angel food cake provides a light, spongy base that contrasts beautifully with the rich, creamy topping. The combination of cream cheese, powdered sugar, and milk creates a smooth, tangy filling that is lightened by the whipped topping. The cherry pie filling on top adds a sweet, fruity finish and a stunning visual presentation.
Ingredients
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, room temperature
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 (12 oz) Cool Whip, thawed
- 1 baked angel food cake, store-bought or homemade
- 2 (21 oz) cans cherry pie filling
Preparation
- Add cream cheese and powdered sugar to a large bowl and mix until well combined. Add milk and mix until fully incorporated and smooth. Fold in the Cool Whip until just combined; do not overmix.
- Tear the cake into bite-sized pieces or use a knife to slice it into cubes. Fold cake pieces into the cream mixture.
- Transfer mixture to a 9×13-inch dish and spread into an even layer.
- Spoon the cherry pie filling evenly over the top and use a spatula to spread to the edges.
- Chill for a minimum of 1 hour before serving.
Tips for the Best Results
Soften the cream cheese properly. Room-temperature cream cheese blends smoothly with the powdered sugar and milk. If it is cold, the mixture will be lumpy.
Fold gently. When incorporating the Cool Whip, use a spatula and fold gently. Overmixing will deflate the whipped topping and make the dessert dense instead of fluffy.
Tear the cake into bite-sized pieces. This ensures that every scoop has a good ratio of cake to cream.
Chill completely. The one-hour chilling time allows the dessert to set up and the flavors to meld together. For the best flavor, chill for several hours or overnight.
Add a little flair. A sprinkle of toasted almonds, a drizzle of chocolate syrup, or a few fresh cherries on top before serving adds a nice finishing touch.
Storage and Serving
Store the dessert covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Serve it chilled, straight from the refrigerator, cut into neat squares.
Cool, creamy, and completely irresistible, this Cherries in the Snow dessert is a fantastic recipe to keep in your rotation for easy, nostalgic treats.