Creamy Cherry Lush Recipe: A Sweet & Tangy Dream Dessert

Sweet summer memories dance through this creamy cherry lush dessert that promises pure delight.

Layers of smooth cream cheese mingle with tart cherries for an irresistible treat.

Cool whipped topping creates a cloud-like texture that melts softly on your tongue.

Graham cracker crust adds delightful crunch beneath the silky filling.

Fresh cherries scattered across the top bring vibrant color and unexpected brightness.

Minimal ingredients and simple preparation make this dessert perfect for spontaneous gatherings.

You’ll fall in love with every refreshing, decadent bite of this classic summer classic.

Cherry Lush That’s Pure Dessert Joy

• Craft a No-Fuss Dessert: Requires minimal baking skills and basic kitchen tools, making it perfect for novice cooks wanting to impress with minimal effort.
• Create a Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Combines classic flavors of creamy cheesecake and sweet cherries that appeal to both kids and adults, ensuring everyone enjoys a slice.
• Perfect for Potlucks and Gatherings: Serves multiple people from a single dish, travels well, and can be prepared in advance, making it ideal for social events and family celebrations.
• Customize with Ease: Allows simple variations like using different fruit toppings or adding chocolate drizzle, giving creative cooks room to personalize the dessert to their taste preferences.

What You’ll Need For Cherry Lush

• Graham Crackers: A classic cookie that provides a sweet and crunchy foundation for the dessert.
• Butter: Helps bind the cracker crumbs and creates a rich, smooth base.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps the crust hold together.

• Cream Cheese: Delivers a tangy, rich base for the creamy layer.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and helps create a smooth, silky texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides a warm, aromatic flavor to the filling.
• Whipped Topping: Lightens the cream cheese mixture, making it fluffy and airy.

• Cherry Pie Filling: Provides the primary fruit flavor and color for the dessert.
• Water: Helps adjust the consistency of the cherry topping.
• Cornstarch: Optional thickening agent to create a glossy, more controlled cherry layer.

How To Make Cherry Lush Without Stress

Step 1: Prepare Crispy Cracker Base

Pulverize graham crackers into fine powder using a food processor or rolling pin. Blend the crumbs with melted butter and sugar until the mixture feels like wet sand. Press this mixture firmly into a 9×13 inch baking dish, creating a compact foundation. Chill in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to set the base.

Step 2: Whip Creamy Filling

In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until silky smooth. Gradually mix in powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Gently fold whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture, creating a light and fluffy filling. Spread this creamy layer evenly over the chilled cracker base, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 3: Create Glossy Cherry Topping

• Water
• Cornstarch

Simmer the mixture over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. Let the topping cool for 10 minutes, then carefully spread over the cream cheese layer.

Step 4: Chill and Set

Refrigerate the dessert for at least 4 hours or overnight. This allows flavors to blend and creates a firm, sliceable texture. Before serving, let the cherry lush rest at room temperature for 10 minutes to ease cutting. Slice into squares and serve chilled.

Tips To Perfect Your Cherry Lush

• Crush Crackers Perfectly: Use a food processor or rolling pin to create uniform, fine graham cracker crumbs for a smooth, consistent base that holds together well.
• Whip Cream Cheese Smoothly: Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature to prevent lumps and achieve a silky, creamy texture when mixing with powdered sugar.
• Control Cherry Consistency: Add a small amount of cornstarch to the cherry pie filling to create a slightly thicker, glossier topping that doesn't run when sliced.
• Chill for Best Results: Refrigerate the dessert for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld and create a firm, easy-to-serve texture.
• Slice with Ease: Let the cherry lush sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before cutting to prevent cracking and ensure clean, neat squares.

Fun Ways To Change Up Cherry Lush

• Chocolate Cherry Blast: Replace graham cracker crust with crushed chocolate cookies, add cocoa powder to cream cheese mixture, and drizzle melted dark chocolate over cherry topping.
• Tropical Cherry Dream: Incorporate shredded coconut into crust, mix pineapple chunks with cherry filling, and garnish with toasted coconut flakes.
• Nutty Cherry Crunch: Mix chopped almonds into graham cracker crust, sprinkle sliced pecans on top of cherry layer, and add almond extract to cream cheese filling.
• Berry Cherry Fusion: Layer mixed berry compote between cream cheese and cherry topping, use shortbread cookie crumbs for crust, and garnish with fresh berries.

Best Matches For Cherry Lush Dessert

• Enhance Flavor Pairings: Rich, creamy vanilla notes of the dessert pair beautifully with bold espresso or dark roast coffee.
• Complementary Beverage Match: Crisp, chilled sparkling white wine like Prosecco cuts through the dessert's sweetness and provides refreshing contrast.
• Textural Contrast Companion: Serve alongside toasted almond biscotti to add crunch and nutty depth that balances the smooth cream cheese layer.
• Palate-Cleansing Partner: Light, herbal mint tea helps cleanse the palate between bites and reduces the richness of the cherry lush.

How To Store Cherry Lush Smoothly

• Transfer the cherry lush to an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid to preserve freshness and prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Keep the dessert covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, maintaining its creamy texture and vibrant cherry flavor.
• Wrap the entire dish tightly with plastic wrap, then cover with aluminum foil to freeze for up to 2 months, ensuring minimal freezer burn.
• Remove from freezer and let the cherry lush defrost slowly in the refrigerator overnight, allowing the dessert to return to its original creamy consistency.

Cherry Lush FAQs You’ll Want To Know

• Are graham crackers necessary for the crust?

Yes, graham crackers create a sweet, crunchy base that provides texture and flavor to the dessert’s foundation.

• Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

While possible, full-fat cream cheese delivers the best creamy consistency and richer taste for this recipe.

• How do I prevent the layers from mixing when adding toppings?

Ensure the cream cheese layer is completely chilled and spread the cherry topping gently using a spatula to maintain distinct layers.

• Is cornstarch important in the cherry topping?

Cornstarch helps thicken the cherry filling, creating a more stable and glossy topping, but it’s optional if you prefer a runnier consistency.

Cherry Lush Recipe

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4.7 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Indulgent Cherry Lush dessert weaves creamy layers of blissful flavor into a classic southern-style treat. Cool, silky textures and sweet cherry notes create a delightful dessert you cannot resist.

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Ingredients

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Cake Base:

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

Cream Cheese Filling:

• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 8 oz whipped topping

Cherry Topping:

• 2 cans (21 oz each) cherry pie filling
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

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Instructions

1. Crush graham crackers into fine crumbs, mixing thoroughly with melted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture resembles damp sand.
2. Press the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish, creating a compact and uniform base. Refrigerate for 15 minutes to set.
3. In a large mixing bowl, whip softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy, gradually incorporating powdered sugar and vanilla extract.
4. Gently fold whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture, creating a light and airy filling with a consistent texture.
5. Spread the cream cheese filling over the chilled graham cracker crust, using a spatula to ensure an even layer that reaches all corners of the dish.
6. For the cherry topping, combine cherry pie filling with water in a small saucepan. If desired, mix cornstarch to create a slightly thickened consistency.
7. Simmer the cherry mixture over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and achieve a glossy appearance.
8. Allow the cherry topping to cool for 10 minutes, then carefully pour and spread over the cream cheese layer, covering the entire surface.
9. Refrigerate the dessert for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld and achieve a firm, sliceable texture.
10. Before serving, let the cherry lush sit at room temperature for 10 minutes to make cutting easier. Slice into squares and serve chilled.

Notes

• Customize the graham cracker crust by mixing in ground nuts or using different cookie types like chocolate wafers for added flavor complexity.
• Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature to prevent lumps and create a smoother, more uniform filling that blends easily with whipped topping.
• For a lighter version, substitute full-fat cream cheese with low-fat or Greek yogurt, and use sugar-free whipped topping to reduce overall calories.
• Transform this dessert into individual servings by preparing in small mason jars or ramekins, perfect for portion control and elegant presentation.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Refrigerating
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 28 g
• Sodium: 260 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg