Cherries in the Snow

Category: Decadent Desserts

No-bake layered dessert combining angel food cake, cream cheese mixture, and cherry topping. Takes 20 minutes to prep, needs 4 hours to chill. Serves 12.
Sarah
Created By Sarah John
Updated on Wed, 05 Feb 2025 15:21:19 GMT
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A heavenly combination of fluffy angel food cake, silky cream cheese filling, and jewel-toned cherries creates this enchanting no-bake dessert. The contrast between light-as-air cake cubes and rich, creamy layers, crowned with vibrant cherry topping, makes this vintage recipe a stunning addition to any gathering. Each spoonful delivers the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and creamy textures that transform simple ingredients into an elegant treat.

Ever since discovering this recipe, it's become my secret weapon for potlucks and family gatherings. The way people's faces light up when they see those beautiful layers never fails to bring me joy. The first time I served it at a holiday dinner, three different guests asked for the recipe before the evening was over.

Perfect Your Ingredients

  • Angel food cake: Provides the cloud-like base; choose quality store-bought or homemade for the best texture
  • Full-fat cream cheese: Creates the richest, most luxurious filling; ensure it's properly softened
  • Premium cherry pie filling: Offers the best flavor and appearance; look for whole cherries in the mix
  • Pure vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors; avoid artificial versions
  • Stabilized whipped topping: Ensures your dessert holds its shape beautifully

Sweet Assembly Steps

Foundation Building:
Cut angel food cake into uniform cubes, creating the perfect base for absorbing flavors.
Cream Creation:
Beat softened cream cheese until silky smooth before incorporating other ingredients.
Gentle Folding:
Combine whipped topping with cream cheese mixture using light, careful motions.
Layer Love:
Create alternating layers of cake, cream, and cherries for visual impact.
Cherry Crown:
Top with remaining cherries, allowing their juice to create beautiful crimson streams.
Final Rest:
Chill thoroughly, letting all components meld into perfect harmony.
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My grandmother first introduced me to this dessert at a summer picnic, and I was mesmerized by its beauty. She taught me that the key to perfect layers was patience – taking time to spread each component carefully and letting it chill properly. Now, decades later, I still hear her voice guiding me whenever I make it.

Serving Suggestions

Present this ethereal dessert in a clear trifle dish to showcase its beautiful layers. For individual servings, create miniature versions in glass dessert cups or mason jars. A light dusting of shaved chocolate or a fresh mint leaf adds an elegant finishing touch without overwhelming the classic presentation.

Creative Variations

Transform this versatile dessert by experimenting with different fruit toppings like blueberry or strawberry pie filling. Add a layer of chocolate pudding between the cream cheese layers for a black forest inspired twist. Create a tropical version using crushed pineapple and coconut cream in the filling.

Storage Secrets

Keep your dessert fresh by storing it covered in the refrigerator for up to three days, though it rarely lasts that long. For make-ahead convenience, prepare up to 24 hours in advance, keeping it chilled until serving. Individual portions can be frozen for up to one month in airtight containers.

Through years of making this cherries in the snow dessert, I've discovered it's more than just a recipe – it's a conversation starter, a memory maker, and a tradition builder. Every time I serve it, I'm reminded of the joy that comes from sharing something both beautiful and delicious with the people I love.

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Common Questions About Cooking

→ Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, make up to 24 hours ahead. It actually tastes better after chilling overnight.
→ Can I use fresh cherries?
Stick with cherry pie filling - fresh cherries won't give you the same saucy texture.
→ What can I substitute for Cool Whip?
Use 3 cups of freshly whipped cream with 2 tablespoons of sugar mixed in.
→ Can I freeze this dessert?
Not recommended - the texture of the cream mixture changes when frozen and thawed.
→ How long will it keep?
Stays fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days if covered well.

Easy Cherries in Snow Dessert

A dreamy layered dessert with angel food cake, creamy filling, and sweet cherries. No baking required!

Preparation Time
20 minutes
Cooking Duration
~
Total Time Required
20 minutes
Created By: Sarah John

Recipe Category: Sweet Treats

Skill Level Required: Ideal for Beginners

Cuisine Style: American

Recipe Output: 12 Number of Servings

Dietary Preferences: Vegetarian-Friendly

What You'll Gather

→ Base

Contains 01 items 1 pre-baked 9-inch angel food cake

→ Cream Layer

Contains 02 items 8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
Contains 03 items ½ cup powdered sugar
Contains 04 items ½ cup milk
Contains 05 items 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Contains 06 items 12 ounces Cool Whip, thawed

→ Topping

Contains 07 items 1 (21-ounce) can cherry pie filling

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 01

Cut your angel food cake into bite-sized 1-inch cubes.

Step 02

Beat the soft cream cheese until smooth, then mix in powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until everything's well combined.

Step 03

Fold your thawed Cool Whip into the cream cheese mixture - just until it's mixed, don't overmix!

Step 04

Put a layer of cake cubes in your trifle dish or 9x13 pan, spread half the cream mixture over it, then spoon on half the cherries.

Step 05

Do it all again - more cake, the rest of the cream, and finish with those remaining cherries on top.

Step 06

Cover and let it hang out in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight. Each serving should have all those yummy layers!

Important Tips

  1. Try adding chocolate shavings or sugared cherries on top for extra fancy presentation.
  2. This dessert tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to mingle.

Essential Tools

  • Trifle dish or 9x13 inch pan
  • Electric mixer
  • Large mixing bowl

Allergen Guidance

Double-check ingredients for allergens and consult a health expert if needed.
  • Contains dairy (cream cheese, Cool Whip)
  • Contains gluten (angel food cake)
  • Contains eggs (angel food cake)

Nutrition Details (per serving)

This nutrition info is provided as a guide and isn't a substitute for professional medical advice.
  • Caloric Content: 330
  • Fat Amount: 16 g
  • Carbohydrates: 42 g
  • Protein Amount: 5 g