Print

Cherries in the Snow Dessert

Cherries in the Snow Dessert

Cherries in the Snow Dessert is a delightfully sweet and elegant layered dessert combining fresh, juicy cherries with a rich, creamy mixture of whipped cream and cream cheese. Light, fluffy, and easy to prepare in under 30 minutes, this dessert balances tart cherries and luscious cream for a refreshingly light finish. Perfect for casual dinners, celebrations, or summery snacks, it offers customizable options to fit dietary needs and flavor preferences.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • Fresh cherries – ripe and juicy, about 2 cups, washed and pitted
  • Whipped cream – 1 1/2 cups, lightly sweetened
  • Cream cheese – 8 oz, softened
  • Powdered sugar – 1/2 cup
  • Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon

Optional Ingredients

  • Chopped nuts – 1/4 cup, toasted (almonds or walnuts recommended)
  • Ladyfingers or sponge cake – 8-10 pieces, lightly soaked in cherry syrup or juice
  • Chocolate chips or melted chocolate – 1/4 cup for drizzle or layering

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cherries: Wash and pit fresh cherries carefully. For softer fruit and extra flavor, gently simmer the cherries with 1-2 tablespoons of sugar over low heat for 5-10 minutes, creating a natural syrup. Let cool.
  2. Make the Cream Mixture: In a chilled bowl, whip the cream until soft peaks form. Separately, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, preserving the fluffy texture.
  3. Assemble the Layers: In your chosen serving dish, place a layer of ladyfingers or sponge cake pieces. Lightly soak these with cherry syrup or juice if desired. Spread half of the cream mixture evenly over this base, then evenly layer half of the cherries on top. Repeat the layering with the remaining cream mixture and cherries, finishing with a dollop of cream.
  4. Add Finishing Touches: Sprinkle chopped nuts or chocolate shavings on top for added texture and visual appeal. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to meld and the dessert to set.
  5. Serve and Garnish: Before serving, optionally garnish with whole cherries, toasted almond flakes, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a drizzle of cherry syrup for a beautiful presentation.

Notes

  • Use fresh cherries in season for best flavor; frozen cherries are a good substitute when fresh are unavailable.
  • Chill mixing tools to help whipped cream achieve better volume and stability.
  • Avoid soaking the sponge or ladyfingers too long to prevent sogginess—just a quick dip is enough.
  • Fold whipped cream gently into the cream cheese to maintain fluffiness.
  • Refrigerate the dessert for at least 2 hours before serving for optimal texture and flavor melding.
  • Leftovers keep well covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • For vegan versions, substitute coconut cream and dairy-free cream cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: cherries dessert, creamy cherry dessert, layered dessert, no bake dessert, easy summer dessert, cherry cream dessert