Description
Cherries in the Snow is a light, fluffy no-bake dessert featuring layers of cream cheese frosting, angel food cake, and sweet cherry pie filling. This easy-to-make treat combines a creamy, tangy base with juicy cherries and airy cake for a refreshing and crowd-pleasing dessert perfect for summer gatherings or potlucks.
Ingredients
Scale
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 12 ounces block style cream cheese, room temperature
- ¾ cup powdered sugar, sifted
- ⅓ cup whole milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 ounces frozen whipped topping, thawed (Cool Whip brand used)
Dessert Components
- 1 pre-baked angel food cake, torn into ¾-1 inch pieces (15 ounce, 9-inch store bought cake used)
- 42 ounces (2 – 21 ounce cans) cherry pie filling (Comstock brand used)
Instructions
- Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting: In a large mixing bowl, beat the room temperature cream cheese until smooth using an electric mixer. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, whole milk, and vanilla extract. Continue to beat until the mixture is creamy and well combined. Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping until fully incorporated and fluffy.
- Assemble Dessert Layers: In a large trifle bowl or deep serving dish, start by layering half of the torn angel food cake pieces evenly on the bottom. Spread half of the cream cheese frosting mixture over the cake pieces, smoothing it out gently with a spatula.
- Add Cherry Pie Filling: Spoon half of the cherry pie filling evenly over the cream cheese layer, making sure to distribute cherries and juice evenly.
- Repeat Layers: Repeat the layers by adding the remaining angel food cake pieces, followed by the remaining cream cheese frosting, and finally the remaining cherry pie filling on top.
- Chill to Set: Cover the assembled dessert loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until well chilled and set. This will allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to firm up for easier serving.
- Serve: Once chilled, serve this refreshing Cherry in the Snow dessert cold, scooping generous portions to enjoy the sweet, creamy, and fruity flavors in each bite.
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese for easier mixing and smoother frosting.
- Chilling the dessert for several hours or overnight improves the flavor fusion and texture.
- You can substitute cherry pie filling with fresh cherries cooked with sugar and a little cornstarch if preferred.
- Angel food cake can be replaced with pound cake for a richer texture.
- This dessert is best served cold and consumed within 2-3 days of preparation.
