Description
Cherries in the Snow Dessert is a visually stunning and deliciously creamy treat combining sweet maraschino cherries, a luscious whipped cream filling, and a crunchy buttery base. Easy to make with simple ingredients, it is perfect for gatherings, holidays, or an everyday sweet indulgence. This dessert offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures, with the bright cherries contrasting beautifully against the smooth, snowy cream layer. Flexible and customizable, it quickly becomes a family favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups crushed graham crackers or crushed almonds
- 1/3 cup melted butter or margarine
- 1 teaspoon sugar
Cream Layer
- 1 cup heavy cream (or 1 container of Cool Whip / store-bought whipped topping)
- 2 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping
- 1 1/2 cups maraschino cherries, drained
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: Combine the crushed graham crackers or almonds with melted butter and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of your serving dish or into individual cups to create a crunchy foundation for the dessert.
- Whip the Cream: Whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gently fold in 2 tablespoons of sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to enhance flavor and sweetness. If using store-bought whipped topping, loosen it gently with a spatula to prepare for layering.
- Layer the Cherries: Drain the maraschino cherries well and arrange a generous layer over the prepared crunchy base. The cherries provide a bright burst of flavor and color that contrasts beautifully with the creamy layers.
- Add the Cream Layer: Spread the whipped cream mixture evenly over the layer of cherries, smoothing it out to cover all the fruit completely and create a soft, snowy surface.
- Chill Before Serving: Cover the dessert and refrigerate it for at least 2 to 4 hours. This resting time allows the flavors to meld perfectly and the cream to set into a silky, dreamy texture ideal for serving.
Notes
- Keep cream and mixing bowls well chilled for best whipping results.
- Drain cherries thoroughly to avoid watery dessert layers.
- Press the base mixture firmly to ensure it holds up under the creamy topping.
- Adjust the sugar amount according to the sweetness of your cherries and personal taste.
- Refrigerate the dessert long enough (2–4 hours) so the dessert sets perfectly and flavors meld.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/6 of recipe)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 80 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg