Cherries in the Snow is a delightful dessert that brings a burst of fruity flavor and creamy richness to your table. With its beautiful layers of fluffy cream cheese mixture and sweet cherry topping, it’s perfect for any occasion—from casual family dinners to festive gatherings. This dessert not only tastes amazing but also looks impressive, making it a favorite among guests and host alike. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up, so you can focus more on enjoying the moment!

Gather Your Cherries in the Snow Ingredients

To create this delicious dessert, you’ll need the following ingredients:

12 ounces (340 grams) block-style cream cheese, room temperature
3/4 cup (90 grams) powdered sugar, sifted
1/3 cup (80 ml) whole milk
1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) vanilla extract
8 ounces (226 grams) frozen whipped topping, thawed (like Cool Whip)
1 pre-baked angel food cake, torn into 3/4 to 1 inch pieces (a 15 ounce, 9 inch store-bought cake is great)
42 ounces (1,186 grams) cherry pie filling (two 21-ounce cans, such as Comstock)

How to Make Cherries in the Snow

Follow these simple steps to create your Cherries in the Snow:

Beat the Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, use a mixer to beat the cream cheese on medium-high speed for 1-2 minutes until it’s light and fluffy with no lumps.
Mix in the Sugar: Add the sifted powdered sugar and beat until fully incorporated.
Add Milk and Vanilla: Pour in the whole milk and vanilla extract, then beat on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. Scrape the sides of the bowl as needed.
Fold in Whipped Topping: Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping until everything is well combined.
Add Angel Food Cake: Carefully fold in the torn pieces of angel food cake. Be cautious not to break them too much; you want some nice chunks!
Transfer to Baking Dish: Spoon the mixture into a 9×13 baking dish and spread it out evenly.
Top with Cherry Pie Filling: Spoon the cherry pie filling lovingly over the cream cheese mixture, ensuring every bite will have that delicious cherry flavor.
Chill: Refrigerate the dessert for at least 30 minutes to 2 hours before serving. This helps the flavors meld together and firm up the dessert.

How to Serve Cherries in the Snow

Once your Cherries in the Snow has chilled, it’s time to serve! Let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes for easier cutting. Slice it into squares and serve on individual plates. A dollop of extra whipped topping or a sprinkle of crushed nuts can add an elegant touch. Pair it with a hot cup of coffee or a refreshing glass of lemonade for a perfect dessert experience.

Recipe Tips & Variations

Fresh Fruit Twist: Feel free to swap the cherry pie filling for any fruit filling you prefer, like blueberry or strawberry, for a different flavor profile.
Make It Lighter: Use reduced-fat cream cheese and light whipped topping if you’re looking to cut back on calories without sacrificing flavor.
Add a Crunch: For an extra layer of texture, sprinkle some crushed graham crackers or nuts on top before serving.

Cherries in the Snow FAQs

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Absolutely! Cherries in the Snow can be prepared a day in advance. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.

Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?
Yes, you can substitute homemade whipped cream for the frozen whipped topping. Just be sure to whip it to stiff peaks for the best results.

How long will leftovers last?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

This delightful Cherries in the Snow dessert is sure to impress everyone at your table. It’s creamy, fruity, and incredibly satisfying. Give it a try and enjoy every delicious bite!

Print Recipe

Cherries in the Snow

A delightful dessert featuring layers of creamy richness and fruity cherry topping, perfect for any occasion.

Prep Time20

Total Time2

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Angel Food Cake, Cherries in the Snow, Cherry Pie Filling, Cream Cheese, Dessert

Servings: 12 servings

Calories: 230kcal

Ingredients

For the Cream Cheese Mixture

12 ounces block-style cream cheese, room temperature
3/4 cup powdered sugar, sifted
1/3 cup whole milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
8 ounces frozen whipped topping, thawed (like Cool Whip)

For the Cake Base

1 piece pre-baked angel food cake, torn into 3/4 to 1 inch pieces (a 15 ounce, 9 inch store-bought cake is great)

For the Topping

42 ounces cherry pie filling (two 21-ounce cans, such as Comstock)

Instructions

Preparation

In a large bowl, use a mixer to beat the cream cheese on medium-high speed for 1-2 minutes until it’s light and fluffy with no lumps.
Add the sifted powdered sugar and beat until fully incorporated.
Pour in the whole milk and vanilla extract, then beat on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and fluffy, scraping the sides of the bowl as needed.
Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping until everything is well combined.
Carefully fold in the torn pieces of angel food cake, being cautious not to break them too much.
Spoon the mixture into a 9x13 baking dish and spread it out evenly.
Spoon the cherry pie filling lovingly over the cream cheese mixture.
Refrigerate the dessert for at least 30 minutes to 2 hours before serving.

Serving

Let the dessert sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes for easier cutting.
Slice into squares and serve on individual plates.
Add a dollop of extra whipped topping or a sprinkle of crushed nuts if desired.

Notes

Feel free to swap the cherry pie filling for any fruit filling you prefer. Use reduced-fat cream cheese and light whipped topping for a healthier option. For added texture, sprinkle crushed graham crackers or nuts on top before serving.