Description
Cherries in the Snow Dessert is a dreamy, no-bake treat that layers soft cake, a fluffy cream cheese “snow” filling, and a glossy blanket of sweet cherry pie filling. It’s the perfect make-ahead dessert when you want something impressive without spending hours in the kitchen. This easy recipe fits right into your favorite quick breakfast ideas for special mornings, relaxed dinner ideas with friends, or simple sweet snacks when you’re craving something creamy and comforting. With classic flavors, minimal prep, and pantry-friendly ingredients, it’s a go-to easy recipe for holidays, potlucks, and anytime you need crowd-pleasing food ideas fast.
Ingredients
1 angel food cake (about 12 ounces), cut into 1-inch cubes
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
0.75 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
0.25 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
2 cups cold heavy whipping cream
0.5 cup powdered sugar
2 cans cherry pie filling (21 ounces each), chilled
Instructions
1. Cut the angel food cake into 1-inch cubes and spread the cubes evenly in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the granulated sugar until very smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.
3. Mix in the vanilla extract and almond extract, if using, until fully combined.
4. In a separate chilled bowl, whip the cold heavy cream with the powdered sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer until stiff peaks form.
5. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture in two or three additions, taking care not to deflate the mixture.
6. Spoon the cream mixture over the cake cubes and spread into an even layer, pressing it slightly down so it seeps between the cubes.
7. Carefully spoon the cherry pie filling over the cream layer and spread it all the way to the edges to create an even cherry topping.
8. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, until thoroughly chilled and the layers are set.
9. Slice or scoop into squares, making sure each serving includes cake, cream, and cherries, and serve chilled.
Notes
For the best texture, make sure the cream cheese is fully softened before mixing—cold cream cheese can leave lumps in the filling and make it harder to fold in the whipped cream smoothly.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/12 of pan)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 42
- Sodium: 210
- Fat: 19
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Unsaturated Fat: 6
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 50
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 4
- Cholesterol: 60