No-Bake Cherry Delight in Jars is the perfect sweet, creamy, and fruity dessert that comes together in minutes, making it ideal for potlucks, summer picnics, or a quick treat at home. This layered dessert combines a buttery graham cracker crust, a luscious cream cheese filling, and tart cherry topping, all served in cute individual jars for a charming presentation. I first made these for a family barbecue when I needed a dessert that wouldn’t heat up the kitchen, and they were such a hit that I’ve been making them ever since. Inspired by classic cherry delight, this no-bake version is fuss-free, portable, and oh-so-delicious—let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This No-Bake Cherry Delight in Jars
- Sweet and tangy perfection: The creamy filling and tart cherry topping create a dreamy flavor combo.
- No oven needed: Perfect for hot days or when you want a quick, no-fuss dessert.
- Portable and cute: Individual jars make serving a breeze and add a fun, Instagram-worthy touch.
- Crowd-pleaser: Everyone from kids to grandparents loves this nostalgic, creamy treat.
- Super easy to make: Just mix, layer, and chill—no baking skills required.
- Customizable: Swap cherries for other fruit toppings or add mix-ins to make it your own.
- Make-ahead magic: Prep these a day in advance for stress-free entertaining.
Ingredients for This No-Bake Cherry Delight in Jars
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this No-Bake Cherry Delight in Jars. I’ve included tips and substitutions to keep it flexible. A full list with exact measurements is in the instructions below.
- Graham crackers: Crushed into crumbs for the buttery crust. Use gluten-free graham crackers for dietary needs.
- Butter: Melted to bind the crust. Salted or unsalted works; vegan butter is a great dairy-free swap.
- Cream cheese: The creamy base for the filling. Full-fat gives the richest texture, but low-fat works too.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the filling smoothly. Granulated sugar can work but may be slightly grainy.
- Cool Whip or whipped topping: Adds a light, fluffy texture. Homemade whipped cream or dairy-free whipped topping are great alternatives.
- Cherry pie filling: The star topping for that classic flavor. Use homemade or canned, or swap for blueberry or strawberry filling.
- Optional add-ins: Vanilla extract for extra flavor, chopped nuts for crunch, or a sprinkle of lemon zest for brightness.
How to Make No-Bake Cherry Delight in Jars – Step-by-Step
This No-Bake Cherry Delight in Jars is so easy to put together, and I’ll guide you through each step with tips for success.
- Prep the Jars
Grab 6–8 small mason jars or dessert cups (8 oz each). Make sure they’re clean and dry for easy layering. Tip: Smaller jars make for cute, single-serve portions—perfect for parties! - Make the Graham Cracker Crust
In a medium bowl, mix 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs with 6 tbsp melted butter until it looks like wet sand. Spoon about 2 tbsp into the bottom of each jar and press down gently with the back of a spoon. Tip: Don’t skip pressing the crust—it helps it hold together when you dig in. - Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
In a large bowl, beat 8 oz softened cream cheese with 1/2 cup powdered sugar until smooth. Fold in 8 oz Cool Whip until fluffy. Add 1 tsp vanilla extract if desired. Tip: Use a hand mixer for a silky filling, but a whisk works if you’re up for a little arm workout. - Layer the Filling
Spoon or pipe about 3–4 tbsp of the cream cheese mixture into each jar over the crust, smoothing it out with a spoon. Tip: A piping bag (or a zip-top bag with a corner snipped) makes layering neat and easy—trust me! - Add the Cherry Topping
Top each jar with 2–3 tbsp cherry pie filling, spreading it evenly. For a fancier look, add a small dollop of whipped topping on top. Tip: If using canned filling, give it a quick stir to loosen it up for easier scooping. - Chill and Serve
Cover the jars and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld and the crust set. Serve chilled, garnished with extra graham crumbs or a sprinkle of nuts if you like. Tip: Make these a day ahead for the best texture—they taste even better after chilling overnight!
Helpful Tips for No-Bake Cherry Delight in Jars
- Meal Prep: Assemble the jars up to 2 days in advance and store in the fridge. Add the cherry topping just before serving to keep the layers crisp.
- Storage: Keep assembled jars covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. The crust may soften slightly over time but still tastes great.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the crust and filling a day ahead, store separately, and assemble the jars a few hours before serving for maximum freshness.
- Pairing Suggestions: Serve with fresh fruit on the side, like strawberries or grapes, or pair with a cup of coffee or iced tea for a refreshing dessert break.
- Creative Twists: Swap cherry filling for blueberry, raspberry, or lemon curd for a different vibe. Add crushed pecans or almonds to the crust for extra crunch. For a tropical twist, mix in a bit of coconut extract to the filling.
- Dietary Swaps: Use gluten-free graham crackers and dairy-free cream cheese and whipped topping for a gluten-free or vegan version.
FAQs About No-Bake Cherry Delight in Jars
Can I make No-Bake Cherry Delight in Jars without mason jars?
Yes! Use any small dessert cups, ramekins, or even a single 8×8 baking dish for a family-style version. Just layer the same way.
Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?
Absolutely! Whip 1 cup heavy cream with 2 tbsp powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Fold it into the cream cheese mixture gently.
How do I keep the crust from getting soggy?
Press the crust firmly and chill the jars for at least an hour before serving. Adding the cherry topping just before serving also helps.
Can I use fresh cherries instead of pie filling?
Yes, but you’ll need to make a quick compote by simmering fresh pitted cherries with sugar and a splash of water until thickened. Cool before using.
Is this dessert freezer-friendly?
Freezing isn’t ideal as it can make the filling grainy, but you can freeze the assembled jars for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
I make this No-Bake Cherry Delight in Jars for every summer gathering or when I need a quick dessert that feels special but takes no effort. My final tip? Chill the jars overnight if you can—the flavors meld beautifully, and the crust gets that perfect texture. Try this No-Bake Cherry Delight in Jars and let me know how it turns out—it’s one of my favorite desserts, and I bet it’ll become a go-to for you too!
🔗 Suggested URL/Slug: /no-bake-cherry-delight-in-jars-recipe
No-Bake Cherry Delight in Jars
Ingredients
- For the crust:
- 2 cups crushed graham crackers
- ½ cup melted butter
- ¼ cup sugar
- For the filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 1 cup heavy cream
- For the topping:
- 1 21 oz can cherry pie filling
Instructions
- Prepare the crust:
- In a ziplock bag, combine the crushed graham crackers and sugar. Add the melted butter and mix until well combined. Spoon the mixture into the bottom of mason jars, pressing down to form a firm crust.
- Make the filling:
- In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and confectioners’ sugar until smooth. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until well combined.
- Assemble the dessert:
- Spoon the cream cheese mixture over the graham cracker crust in each jar, smoothing the top with a spoon. Top with a generous spoonful of cherry pie filling.
- Chill:
- Refrigerate the jars for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to set.
Notes
- For a decorative touch, garnish with fresh cherries or a sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs before serving.
- These jars make great portable desserts for picnics or potlucks.
- Use any fruit pie filling you like as an alternative to cherry.
