The Classic No-Bake Cherry Lush is a timeless dessert that embodies simplicity and indulgence, making it a beloved choice for potlucks, family gatherings, and any occasion where a refreshing, crowd-pleasing sweet treat is desired. This layered dessert is a symphony of textures and flavors, offering a delightful contrast between its crunchy base, creamy fillings, and vibrant fruity topping. It’s especially popular during warmer months or when you want a substantial dessert without the need to turn on the oven.
At its foundation lies a buttery, irresistible graham cracker crust. Finely crushed graham crackers are typically mixed with melted butter and sometimes a touch of sugar, then pressed firmly into the bottom of a baking dish. This creates a sturdy, flavorful base that provides a satisfying crunch with every bite, perfectly offsetting the softer layers above.
Above this golden crust are two distinct creamy layers. The first is often a rich, tangy, and subtly sweet cream cheese layer, made by whipping softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until light and fluffy. This layer contributes a wonderful richness and a slight tang that cuts through the sweetness of the other components. Following this, or sometimes as a combined layer, is a light and airy whipped topping or a mixture of whipped cream and cream cheese, offering a delicate, cloud-like texture that melts in your mouth. This fluffy white layer provides a cooling sensation and a beautiful visual contrast to the deep red cherry topping.
The crowning glory of this dessert is the generous, glistening layer of cherry pie filling. This vivid red topping, bursting with plump, sweet-tart cherries suspended in a thick, glossy sauce, provides a beautiful pop of color and a burst of fruity flavor that is the quintessential “cherry” experience. The slight tartness of the cherries perfectly balances the sweetness of the creamy layers and the crust.
What makes this dessert truly “lush” is the way these layers interact. Each spoonful offers a harmonious blend of crunchy crust, smooth and tangy cream cheese, light and airy whipped topping, and sweet, juicy cherries. It’s a dessert that feels both decadent and refreshing. The “no-bake” aspect is a significant advantage, making it incredibly easy to assemble, even for novice bakers. The chilling time is crucial, allowing all the layers to set firmly and the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in clean, satisfying slices. The simple elegance of its layers makes it visually appealing, promising a delightful treat before the first bite. It’s a classic for a reason – consistently delivering on taste, texture, and ease of preparation, ensuring it remains a perennial favorite.
Ingredients:
For the Graham Cracker Crust:
- 2 cups (approximately 16-18 full sheets) graham cracker crumbs (finely crushed)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (optional, for a slightly sweeter crust)
For the Cream Cheese Layer:
- 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar), sifted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup milk (any kind, for thinning if needed)
For the Whipped Topping Layer:
- 1 (8 ounce) container frozen whipped topping (such as Cool Whip), thawed in the refrigerator overnight or for several hours
- OR: 2 cups heavy cream, 1/2 cup powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (if making homemade whipped cream)
For the Cherry Topping:
- 2 (21 ounce) cans cherry pie filling, chilled
Instructions:
Part 1: Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust
- Crush Graham Crackers: If you have whole graham crackers, crush them finely using a food processor or by placing them in a Ziploc bag and crushing them with a rolling pin. You should have 2 cups of crumbs.
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and optional granulated sugar. Mix thoroughly with a fork until all the crumbs are moistened and resemble wet sand.
- Press into Pan: Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Use the back of a spoon or the bottom of a flat-bottomed glass to create a compact and even crust.
- Chill: Place the crust in the refrigerator to chill for at least 30 minutes while you prepare the fillings. This helps the crust set and prevents it from crumbling excessively when sliced.
Part 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer
- Beat Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer with a paddle attachment), beat the softened cream cheese on medium speed until completely smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. Ensure there are no lumps.
- Add Sugar and Vanilla: Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar to the cream cheese, beating until well combined and smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Adjust Consistency (Optional): If the mixture seems too thick, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of milk at a time, beating until it reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency.
Part 3: Prepare the Whipped Topping Layer (if using homemade)
- Whip Cream (Skip if using Cool Whip): If making homemade whipped cream, ensure your heavy cream, bowl, and whisk attachment are very cold. In a cold large mixing bowl, combine the cold heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overbeat, or it will turn into butter.
Part 4: Assemble the No-Bake Cherry Lush
- First Creamy Layer: Retrieve the chilled graham cracker crust from the refrigerator. Carefully spread the prepared cream cheese mixture evenly over the crust. Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to ensure a smooth layer.
- Whipped Topping Layer: If using thawed whipped topping (Cool Whip), gently spread the entire container evenly over the cream cheese layer. If using homemade whipped cream, gently spread it over the cream cheese layer. Aim for an even, fluffy white layer.
- Cherry Topping: Carefully spoon the chilled cherry pie filling over the whipped topping layer. Gently spread it out to cover the entire surface, being careful not to mix it with the whipped topping layer underneath.
- Chill: Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Refrigerate: Place the assembled dessert in the refrigerator to chill for at least 4 hours, but preferably overnight. This crucial chilling time allows all the layers to set firmly, making the dessert easy to slice and ensuring the flavors meld beautifully.
Part 5: Serve
- Slice and Serve: Once thoroughly chilled and set, remove the Cherry Lush from the refrigerator. Slice it into squares using a sharp knife. For cleaner slices, you can run the knife under hot water and wipe it clean between cuts.
- Enjoy: Serve cold. This dessert is perfect for any gathering or a delightful treat on a warm day.
- Storage: Store any leftover No-Bake Cherry Lush covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The crust may soften slightly over time, but the flavors will remain excellent.
Tips for Success:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your cream cheese and butter (for the crust) are at room temperature for the smoothest possible mixture.
- Chilled Pie Filling: Using chilled cherry pie filling helps it spread more easily over the whipped topping without melting it.
- Don’t Rush the Chill: The long chilling time is essential for the layers to firm up and for the flavors to fully develop.
- Sifted Powdered Sugar: Sifting powdered sugar for the cream cheese layer helps prevent lumps and ensures a smoother consistency.
- Variations: While cherry is classic, you can easily adapt this recipe with other fruit pie fillings like blueberry, strawberry, peach, or even a mixed berry for a different flavor profile.
- Garnish (Optional): For an extra touch, you can garnish individual servings with a dollop of fresh whipped cream, a fresh cherry, or a sprinkle of toasted shredded coconut.