The moment the cherry delight hits your taste buds, it’s like a carnival for your mouth. Imagine biting into a sweet, velvety layer of rich cherry filling that dances with a hint of tartness, all encased in a buttery crust. The aroma wafts through the air, inviting everyone to the table like a siren’s song. Whether it’s sunny picnics or cozy family dinners, this dessert guarantees to elevate any occasion. For more inspiration, check out this more dessert recipes recipe.
I remember the first time I made cherry delight; my friends declared it the “highlight” of our potluck. Laughter filled the kitchen as we waited for it to cool, all while sneaking spoonfuls of the filling! Trust me; this recipe is not just about sweetness but memories. Prepare for an explosion of flavors and nostalgia with every slice.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Cherry delight brings joy with minimal effort
- Its sweet-tart flavor profile complements any meal perfectly
- The stunning red color makes it a showstopper at gatherings
- Enjoy warm or chilled; it’s versatile enough for any season!
I once brought this dish to a family reunion, and my Aunt Edna couldn’t stop raving about it!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Fresh Cherries: Opt for ripe cherries; they should be juicy and sweet for that perfect filling.
- Sugar: A must for balancing out the tartness of cherries; adjust based on your sweetness preference.
- All-Purpose Flour: Essential for creating a flaky crust; sift it well to avoid lumps.
- Butter: Use unsalted butter for control over salt content in the crust.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash enhances the flavor, making it irresistibly aromatic.
- Salt: Just a pinch helps balance sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Create the Crust: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, mix flour and salt before adding cold butter. Blend until crumbly.
Add Sugar and Water: Gradually mix in sugar while adding ice-cold water one tablespoon at a time until dough forms. Don’t overwork it; we want flaky magic here!
Prepare Cherry Filling: In another bowl, combine pitted cherries with sugar and vanilla extract. Let them sit for about 15 minutes so they release their juicy goodness.
Assemble Your Delight: Roll out half of your dough into a circle and place it in a pie dish. Pour in that luscious cherry mixture and cover with another rolled-out dough circle.
Bake It Up!: Cut slits on top to let steam escape and sprinkle with sugar if you’re feeling extra fancy. Bake for 40-45 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
Cool and Serve!: Allow your cherry delight to cool slightly before slicing. The magical aroma will have everyone gathering around in anticipation!
Now that you know how to make this delectable cherry delight, get ready to impress friends and family alike! Each bite is sure to bring smiles and maybe even some happy dance moves in the kitchen!
You Must Know
- Cherry Delight is not just a dessert; it’s a celebration of flavors
- The sweet-tart balance of cherries with creamy layers creates a joy-filled experience
- This dish works wonderfully for gatherings, and the vibrant colors make it an eye-catching centerpiece
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing the cherry filling while the crust bakes to maximize efficiency. This way, everything comes together seamlessly without any waiting.

Add Your Touch
Consider adding almond extract for a nutty twist or folding in some chocolate chips for extra indulgence. These customizations can elevate your Cherry Delight to new heights.
Storing & Reheating
Store your Cherry Delight in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always use fresh cherries for the best flavor; frozen ones may lack texture
- For added richness, top with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream
- Allow chilling time to enhance the flavors as they meld beautifully together
Creating Cherry Delight takes me back to my grandma’s kitchen where we’d spend hours pitting cherries, sharing stories, and laughing until our sides hurt.
FAQ
What type of cherries are best for Cherry Delight?
Fresh tart cherries work best for a balanced flavor that shines in this dessert.
Can I make Cherry Delight ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare it a day in advance to let the flavors deepen and develop.
Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
Yes! Substitute regular flour with almond or gluten-free flour for a tasty alternative.
Cherry Delight
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x
Description
Cherry Delight is an irresistible dessert that combines sweet and tart flavors with a buttery, flaky crust. This delightful treat is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a sunny picnic or a cozy family gathering. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a stunning dish that will leave your guests raving about its vibrant color and mouthwatering taste. Prepare to indulge in nostalgia and joy with every slice of Cherry Delight!
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh cherries, pitted
- 1 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2–4 tbsp ice-cold water
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a bowl, mix flour and salt; cut in the cold butter until crumbly.
- Gradually add sugar and ice-cold water, mixing until a dough forms.
- Combine pitted cherries with sugar and vanilla; let sit for 15 minutes.
- Roll out half the dough into a circle and place it in a pie dish. Pour in cherry filling, then cover with another rolled-out dough circle.
- Cut slits on top for steam to escape. Bake for 40-45 minutes until golden brown.
- Allow cooling slightly before slicing.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 23g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg