Cherries in the Snow Recipe: Easy No-Bake Cherry Dessert

Some desserts are loved for being fancy. This one is loved for being the dish that empties first at the potluck. This cherries in the snow recipe has three layers: a buttery graham cracker crust, a thick blanket of sweet whipped cream, and a spoonful of glossy cherry pie filling on top. There is no oven, no special skill, and about 15 minutes of work, plus some time in the fridge.

The Name and the Idea

No one can say who first called this dessert cherries in the snow, and there is no documented origin. The name is simply descriptive: bright red cherries sitting on a white drift of cream. Versions of it turn up at holiday tables and potlucks across the US, and many cooks add cream cheese or sweetened condensed milk to the cream layer, which makes it closer to a no-bake cheesecake. This version keeps it simple, with just whipped cream.

Three Layers, One Dish

This cherries in the snow recipe is built in three layers:

• The bottom: a buttery graham cracker crust, made by pressing crumbs and melted butter into the dish.
• The middle: a thick blanket of whipped cream, lightly sweetened with powdered sugar and vanilla.
• The top: glossy cherry pie filling, which gives the dessert its color and tang.

Building Cherries in the Snow

Serves 8 to 10 in a 9 by 9-inch dish. Plan on about 15 minutes of work, plus at least 1 hour in the fridge.

What You Need

• 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cups heavy whipping cream, very cold
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling

Steps

1. Make the crust. Mix the graham cracker crumbs with the melted butter until the mixture feels like wet sand. Press it firmly into the bottom of a 9 by 9-inch dish, using the bottom of a measuring cup. Chill it for 15 minutes so it firms up.
2. Whip the cream. Use very cold cream and a cold bowl. Beat the cream with the powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form, and stop as soon as it holds its shape. Over-whipped cream turns grainy.
3. Layer. Spread the whipped cream over the crust all the way to the edges.
4. Add the cherries. Spoon the pie filling over the cream and spread it gently, so the layers stay separate.
5. Chill. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, and longer (3 to 4 hours) if you can. Slice and serve cold, with chocolate shavings or a mint leaf on top if you like.

Slicing Clean: Stabilizing the Cream

Plain whipped cream is soft. It tastes lovely, but after a short chill the dessert will scoop more than slice, and it can weep a little after a day. If you want neat squares, stabilize the cream:

• Add cream cheese: beat 8 oz of softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth, then fold in the whipped cream. The result is tangy, sturdy, and close to a no-bake cheesecake.
• Add gelatin: sprinkle about 1 teaspoon of unflavored gelatin over 1 tablespoon of cold water, let it soften, warm it gently until dissolved, cool it slightly, and beat it into the cream as it starts to thicken.
• Just chill longer: even without a stabilizer, 3 to 4 hours in the fridge firms the layers noticeably.

Fresh Cherry Filling

You can use fresh or frozen cherries, but they need a quick cook to turn into a pie-style filling. Simmer about 2½ cups of pitted cherries with ¼ cup of sugar, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch stirred into 2 tablespoons of water, and a squeeze of lemon juice over medium heat for 5 to 8 minutes, until glossy and thick. Let it cool completely before spooning it over the cream, because warm filling melts the cream.

Keeping It Cold and Safe

• Fridge: keep it covered for up to 2 days. It is at its best on the first day.
• At the table: cream desserts should not sit out for more than 2 hours. The USDA explains the rule in its guidance on keeping party food out of the “Danger Zone”.
• Freezer: not recommended. The whipped cream loses its texture, and the crust turns soft.

Twists to Try

• Berry medley: top with a mix of fresh blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries instead of, or alongside, the cherries.
• Chocolate: drizzle melted dark chocolate over the cherries. It pairs well with their tartness.
• Crunch: sprinkle crushed almonds, pistachios, or walnuts on top.
• Citrus: fold a little lemon or orange zest into the whipped cream.
• A grown-up version: add a splash of amaretto or kirsch to the cream. Keep it for adult guests, since the alcohol stays in.
• Dairy-free: whip chilled coconut cream, use vegan butter in the crust, and check the graham cracker label, since many contain honey or milk.

Cherries in the Snow Recipe Card

Easy cherries in the snow recipe

Recipe by Mary

0.0 from 0 votes

Course: DessertCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

8-10

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking timeminutes

Calories

250

kcal

Cherries in the Snow is a classic no-bake dessert featuring layers of fluffy whipped cream, sweet cherry pie filling, and a buttery graham cracker crust. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for any occasion!

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs

• ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)

• 2 cups heavy whipping cream

• ¼ cup powdered sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling

Directions

• Prepare the Crust: In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until well combined. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9×9-inch baking dish to form the crust.
• Whip the Cream: In a large bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
• Layer the Dessert: Spread the whipped cream evenly over the graham cracker crust.
• Add the Cherries: Spoon the cherry pie filling over the whipped cream, spreading it out to cover the entire surface.
• Chill and Serve: Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the dessert to set. Slice and serve chilled.
• 

Notes

• For a lighter version, use low-fat whipped cream or Greek yogurt.
  Swap cherry pie filling for strawberry, blueberry, or peach filling for a fun twist.
  Chill the dessert for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the layers to set.
  Garnish with fresh mint or chocolate shavings for an elegant touch.

Dessert, Done

Cherries in the snow is proof that a dessert does not need an oven or a long ingredient list to feel special. Press the crust firmly, whip the cream until it just holds peaks, and be patient in the fridge. If you make this cherries in the snow recipe, leave a comment and tell me how you topped yours.

Quick Answers

More No-Bake Desserts

• No Bake Cheesecake Recipe, a creamier cousin that slices cleanly
• Cherry Salsa Recipe, if you have cherries left over and want something savory
• Easy Madeleine Cookies With Cream, a buttery treat for the same dessert table