If you’re searching for a show-stopping dessert that packs a dazzling punch of rich chocolate and vibrant fruit, let me introduce you to the Chocolate & Cherry Delight! This no-bake wonder stuns at potlucks, perks up family dinners, and earns “oohs” at parties. It pairs classic, creamy chocolate with luscious layers of cherries—all atop a buttery cookie crust—making every bite a celebration. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a kitchen newbie, this recipe promises both big flavors and big smiles. Trust me: Chocolate & Cherry Delight is about to earn a spot in your regular dessert rotation.

Chocolate & Cherry Delight Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Chocolate & Cherry Delight is in its simplicity: each ingredient is easy to find, but together they create a textural and flavorful masterpiece. Every component plays a role, building creaminess, crunch, or a burst of color.

Crushed chocolate cookies: These form the base, giving a chocolaty crunch that anchors every layer above.
Melted butter: Helps bind the cookies, creating a firm and buttery crust that doesn’t fall apart.
Cream cheese (softened): The creamy middle layer turns dreamy when blended with sugar and vanilla.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese mixture just the right amount without any grittiness.
Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth, subtly enhancing all the other flavors in the dish.
Whipped topping (thawed): Lightens everything up, giving the layers a cloud-like texture that’s irresistible.
Cherry pie filling: The real fruit star; its bold color and tart ribbons contrast the richness below.
Instant chocolate pudding mix: Delivers quick and deep chocolate flavor, effortlessly thick and luscious.
Cold milk: Brings the pudding together in minutes, so you’re never stuck waiting on dessert.
Mini chocolate chips: Adds a pop of texture and an extra hint of chocolate with every mouthful.

How to Make Chocolate & Cherry Delight

Step 1: Build the Cookie Crust

Start by mixing your crushed chocolate cookies with melted butter in a medium bowl. Once combined, press this crumbly mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of an 8×8-inch dish. This creates a sturdy and chocolatey foundation that will soak up a bit of the sweet cream layer—so don’t be shy about packing it down!

Step 2: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Layer

In a separate bowl, blend the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until silky and smooth, with no lumps left behind. Gently fold in half of your whipped topping—don’t overmix!—for the fluffiest, dreamiest layer imaginable. Carefully spread this over your cookie crust using a spatula.

Step 3: Prepare the Chocolate Pudding

Next, in a clean bowl, whisk together the instant chocolate pudding mix with the cold milk for about two minutes. The mixture will thicken up quickly (magic!). Swirl and spread it evenly over your cream cheese layer, letting the chocolate decadence shine.

Step 4: Top with Whipped Topping

Smooth the remaining whipped topping over the chocolate layer. Don’t worry if you see gentle swirls and peaks—they add homemade charm to your Chocolate & Cherry Delight.

Step 5: Add Cherries and Chocolate

Spoon the cherry pie filling evenly over the top, making sure each square will get plenty of fruit. Sprinkle with mini chocolate chips for that finishing touch. Wrap tightly and refrigerate for at least 2 hours so those luscious layers set perfectly together!

How to Serve Chocolate & Cherry Delight

Garnishes

For an extra flourish, try a dollop of whipped cream right before serving or a sprinkle of extra mini chocolate chips. If you’re feeling fancy, a few fresh cherries or even a curl of chocolate on top can make your Chocolate & Cherry Delight look like it came straight from a bakery window.

Side Dishes

This dessert loves to be the star, but it also pairs beautifully with lighter accompaniments. Serve it with fresh berries, a crisp fruit salad, or even a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to balance the decadence without overshadowing the main event.

Creative Ways to Present

You can serve Chocolate & Cherry Delight family-style, cut into neat squares, or get creative with individual mason jars for a fun twist at parties. If you want to impress, pipe the cream cheese and pudding layers for striking stripes, or use heart-shaped cutters for festive occasions!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Chocolate & Cherry Delight keeps well in the fridge, tightly covered, for up to three days. The layers stay distinct and delicious, and the cookie crust remains satisfyingly firm.

Freezing

If you need to make the dessert well in advance, freeze it before adding the cherry topping. Once thawed overnight in the fridge, spoon on the cherry pie filling fresh. This method keeps every layer at its best.

Reheating

No heating required—this dish is served chilled! In fact, it tastes best straight from the fridge. If frozen, just thaw in the refrigerator until soft enough to serve (about 6–8 hours).

FAQs

Can I use homemade cherry pie filling?

Absolutely! If you have fresh or frozen cherries on hand, homemade pie filling tastes fantastic and adds a personal touch to your Chocolate & Cherry Delight. Adjust sugar and thickness to taste.

What kind of chocolate cookies work best?

Oreos (classic or dark chocolate) are a crowd favorite, but chocolate graham crackers, wafer cookies, or any crisp chocolate cookie works beautifully for the base. Just crush them finely for best results.

Is there a way to lighten up this dessert?

You can use light cream cheese and light whipped topping without compromising the texture. Skim milk and sugar-free pudding mix also work if you want to cut a few calories while keeping all the joy of Chocolate & Cherry Delight.

How far in advance can I assemble it?

Make your Chocolate & Cherry Delight up to 24 hours in advance. The extra chill time helps the flavors meld together, making the dessert even more delicious and the layers perfectly set.

What’s the best way to cut neat squares?

Chill thoroughly, then use a sharp knife warmed in hot water (wipe between cuts). That way, every square comes out clean and worthy of a dessert table photo op!

Final Thoughts

This crowd-pleasing Chocolate & Cherry Delight makes every gathering feel a bit more magical. Easy to make, impossible to resist, and always met with cheers—so don’t be surprised if it becomes your go-to, too. Gather your friends, whip up a batch, and let the smiles roll in!

Chocolate & Cherry Delight Recipe

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4.8 from 10 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes (includes chilling)
Yield: 9 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the perfect combination of rich chocolate, creamy cheesecake, and sweet cherries with this no-bake Chocolate & Cherry Delight. This dessert is a crowd-pleaser and ideal for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Crust:

1 cup crushed chocolate cookies
3 tablespoons melted butter

Cheesecake Layer:

1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 (8 oz) tub whipped topping, thawed

Chocolate Pudding Layer:

1 (3.9 oz) package instant chocolate pudding mix
1 1/2 cups cold milk

1 (21 oz) can cherry pie filling
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips

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Instructions

Prepare the Crust: Combine crushed chocolate cookies and melted butter. Press into the bottom of an 8×8-inch dish.
Make the Cheesecake Layer: Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Fold in half of the whipped topping and spread over the crust.
Prepare the Chocolate Pudding Layer: Whisk together chocolate pudding mix and cold milk until thickened. Spread over the cream cheese layer.
Assemble: Top with remaining whipped topping, cherry pie filling, and mini chocolate chips.
Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.