Cherries in the Snow
This Cherries in the Snow is a simple layered dessert with angel food cake, cream cheese filling, and cherry pie topping. It’s quick to make, doesn’t need baking, and always gets compliments when I serve it.
No Bake Cherry Dessert
I love this easy no-bake recipe because I can make it ahead of time, which takes a lot of stress out of planning for gatherings. It’s perfect for potlucks because it travels well and holds up beautifully until it’s time to serve. Since it’s not a dessert you see every day, there’s a good chance someone will be trying it for the first time, which always makes it more fun to share.
The flavors remind me of cherry cheesecake, but with the lighter texture of angel food cake. Every time I make it, people ask for the recipe, and I’m always happy to pass it along.
If you love no-bake cherry desserts, check out my Cherry Fluff Recipe!
Ingredients
- Cream cheese – Adds a smooth, tangy base for the filling.
- Powdered sugar – Sweetens the filling without a gritty texture.
- Heavy cream – Whips into the filling for lightness.
- Almond extract – Gives the filling a warm, nutty flavor.
- Whipped topping (Cool Whip) – Adds extra fluffiness and helps stabilize the filling.
- Angel food cake – Provides a soft, airy cake layer.
- Cherry pie filling – Brings sweet, fruity flavor and a bright topping.
Making the Easy Cherry Dessert
- Make the filling – In a large mixing bowl (make sure it’s big enough to hold all the ingredients), beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar, heavy cream, and almond extract, and beat until well combined. Fold in the whipped topping until fully incorporated.
- Add the cake – Gently stir in the angel food cake cubes until they’re evenly coated with the cream cheese mixture.
- Assemble – Spread the cream cheese–cake mixture evenly into a 9×13-inch dish.
- Top with cherries – Spoon both cans of cherry pie filling evenly over the top.
- Chill – Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until well chilled before serving.
Variations and Substitutions
- Different fruit toppings – Swap the cherry pie filling for blueberry, strawberry, or mixed berry pie filling.
- Flavored extracts – Try vanilla, coconut, or lemon extract instead of almond for a different flavor profile.
- Cake swap – Use pound cake or sponge cake instead of angel food cake for a denser texture.
Tips for Success
- Use room temperature cream cheese – This helps it blend smoothly into the filling without lumps.
- Chill thoroughly – Refrigerate for at least 4 hours so the dessert slices cleanly and holds its shape.
- Cut the cake into small cubes – Smaller pieces mix more evenly with the cream cheese filling.
- Fold gently – Mix the cake into the filling slowly to avoid breaking it down too much.
- Cover tightly – Keep the dessert covered to prevent it from absorbing other flavors in the fridge.
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More make-ahead and potluck-friendly desserts
Check out the simple desserts you can prepare in advance for your next gathering.
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Cherries in the Snow Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 ounces brick-style cream cheese room temperature
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 (8 ounce) tub whipped topping thawed (Cool Whip)
- 1 prepared angel food cake cut into ½ inch cubes
- 2 (21 ounce) cans cherry pie filling
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar, heavy cream, and almond extract, and beat until well combined.
- Fold in the whipped topping until fully incorporated.
- Gently stir in the angel food cake cubes until evenly coated.
- Spread the cream cheese–cake mixture evenly into a 9×13-inch dish.
- Spoon both cans of cherry pie filling evenly over the top.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.
Notes
- Ensure your bowl is big enough to hold all the ingredients before starting.
- Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Avoid freezing. Freezing changes the texture of the cream cheese filling and whipped topping, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.
Nutrition
Disclaimer: Nutrition information is estimated based on automated calculations and should be considered as an approximation. These estimates are provided as a courtesy. Please use your own brand’s nutritional values to verify accuracy.