Cherries in the Snow Dessert Recipe
Introduction
Cherries in the Snow is a delightful, no-bake dessert that combines airy angel food cake with creamy layers and vibrant cherry topping. Perfect for warm days or any gathering, this treat is simple to make yet sure to impress.

Ingredients
- 1 angel food cake, prepared and cut into cubes (approximately 15 ounces)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 16 ounces frozen whipped topping (thawed)
- 42 ounces cherry pie filling (two 21-ounce cans)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and milk until smooth and well blended.
- Step 2: Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping and almond extract until the mixture is light and creamy.
- Step 3: Add the cubed angel food cake to the cream mixture, stirring gently to coat the cake evenly without breaking it down.
- Step 4: Spread the combined mixture evenly into a 9×13-inch pan, ensuring a smooth and level surface.
- Step 5: Pour the cherry pie filling over the top and spread it into an even layer to cover the cream and cake base.
- Step 6: Chill the dessert in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or until ready to serve, allowing the flavors to meld.
Tips & Variations
- Use vanilla or other fruit-flavored pie fillings like blueberry or raspberry for a tasty twist.
- For extra texture, sprinkle chopped nuts on top before chilling.
- If you prefer a sweeter flavor, add a bit more powdered sugar to the cream mixture.
Storage
Store the dessert covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It tastes best served chilled. Avoid freezing, as the whipped topping and cake texture may degrade. When ready to serve, you can let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes to soften slightly.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of cherry pie filling?
Fresh cherries can be used, but the pie filling adds sweetness and a syrupy consistency that balances the dessert well. If using fresh cherries, consider adding a bit of sugar and a thickener like cornstarch to mimic the pie filling texture.
Is angel food cake necessary for this recipe?
Angel food cake is traditional because of its light, airy texture that pairs well with the creamy layers and cherries. However, you can substitute with pound cake or sponge cake if preferred, though it will alter the texture slightly.
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Cherries in the Snow Dessert Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cherries in the Snow is a delightful, no-bake layered dessert featuring airy angel food cake cubes, a creamy almond-flavored cream cheese mixture, and a sweet cherry pie topping. Perfect for a refreshing and easy-to-make treat that requires minimal prep time and offers a beautiful presentation for any occasion.
Ingredients
Base
- 1 angel food cake, prepared and cut into cubes (approximately 15 ounces)
Cream Mixture
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 16 ounces frozen whipped topping (thawed)
Topping
- 42 ounces cherry pie filling (two 21-ounce cans)
Instructions
- Prepare Cream Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and milk. Mix well until the ingredients are smooth and fully integrated.
- Incorporate Whipped Topping: Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping and almond extract into the cream cheese mixture until the texture is smooth and even, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Mix Cake Cubes: Add the cubes of angel food cake into the cream mixture and gently stir to evenly coat and combine the cake pieces without breaking them apart.
- Assemble Dessert: Spread the creamy cake and cream cheese mixture evenly into a 9×13-inch pan, creating a uniform base layer for the dessert.
- Add Cherry Topping: Pour the cherry pie filling over the top of the cream and cake base, spreading it into an even layer to cover the entire surface completely.
- Chill Dessert: Place the assembled dessert in the refrigerator and chill for at least 30 minutes or until ready to serve, allowing the layers to set and flavors to meld.
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese for easier mixing and a smoother texture.
- Chilling the dessert longer, up to a few hours, will enhance flavor melding and firmness.
- For added texture, consider adding chopped nuts or sliced almonds between the layers.
- This dessert is best served chilled on the same day it is assembled.
- Can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, but cake may soften over time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Cherries in the Snow, angel food cake dessert, no bake cherry dessert, creamy cherry dessert, easy party dessert

