Why You’ll Love Cherries in the Snow Recipe

Cherries in the Snow is a vintage, no-bake dessert that’s creamy, fruity, and delightfully simple. Layers of fluffy whipped cream, soft cake (or graham cracker crumbs), and sweet cherry pie filling come together for a light yet indulgent treat. Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or when you want a beautiful dessert with minimal effort.

Ingredients

1 (10–12 oz) pound cake or angel food cake, cubed
1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups whipped cream (or 1 container Cool Whip)
1 (21 oz) can cherry pie filling

Directions

In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla; mix until combined.
Gently fold in whipped cream until light and fluffy.
In a trifle dish or 9×13-inch pan, layer half of the cake cubes.
Spread half of the cream mixture over the cake.
Spoon half of the cherry pie filling over the cream layer.
Repeat layers with remaining cake, cream mixture, and cherries.
Chill for at least 2 hours before serving to let the flavors meld.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes

Variations

Lightened Up: Use angel food cake and light cream cheese for a lighter dessert.
Chocolate Twist: Add shaved chocolate or mini chocolate chips between layers.
Berry Swap: Try blueberry or strawberry pie filling instead of cherries.
Individual Servings: Assemble in small dessert cups or mason jars.

Storage/Reheating

Fridge: Store covered for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Not recommended (cream mixture may separate).
Best Served: Chilled, straight from the fridge.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this a day ahead?
A: Yes, it’s actually better when chilled overnight.

Q: Do I have to use pound cake?
A: No—you can use angel food cake, sponge cake, or even ladyfingers.

Q: Can I make it with fresh cherries?
A: Absolutely! Just cook fresh cherries with sugar and cornstarch until thickened.

Conclusion

Cherries in the Snow is a timeless dessert that’s as easy as it is elegant. With its layers of fluffy cream, tender cake, and sweet-tart cherries, it’s a crowd-pleaser that will brighten any table. ❄️

Cherries in the Snow

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Cherries in the Snow is a vintage-inspired dessert featuring layers of tender pound cake, creamy whipped filling, and a sweet-tart cherry topping. It’s light, elegant, and perfect for holidays, potlucks, or anytime you want an easy no-bake treat that looks as good as it tastes.

Author: Emily
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes (no-bake)
Total Time: 2 hours
Yield: 10–12 servings
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Bake / Layering
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

1 pound cake or angel food cake (store-bought or homemade), cubed
8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
2 cups (480 ml) heavy whipping cream, whipped (or 1 tub whipped topping)
1 can (21 oz / 595 g) cherry pie filling
1 tsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

Prepare filling: In a bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until fluffy. Fold in whipped cream until well combined.
Layer dessert: In a large glass trifle bowl (or 9×13 dish), spread a layer of cake cubes. Top with a layer of cream mixture, then a layer of cherry pie filling.
Repeat layers: Continue layering until all ingredients are used, finishing with cherry topping on top.
Chill & serve: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving so the flavors meld. Scoop into bowls and enjoy!

Notes

Variation: Try strawberry or blueberry pie filling for a fun twist.
Shortcut: Use store-bought pound cake and whipped topping for quick assembly.
Make ahead: Best prepared a few hours ahead, but avoid making more than 24 hours in advance to keep cake from getting too soggy.
Presentation: Works beautifully in a clear glass trifle bowl to show off the layers.