Get ready to wow your friends, family, and maybe even yourself with this unforgettable dessert: Chocolate & Cherry Delight! Imagine luscious layers of chocolate crust, fluffy sweet cream, decadent chocolate pudding, and a ruby-red cherry topping — each bite explodes with rich, tangy, sweet flavor and creamy textures. This no-bake masterpiece is as gorgeous to look at as it is addictive to eat, making it the perfect centerpiece for potlucks, summer BBQs, or any gathering where treats steal the show.

Chocolate & Cherry Delight Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple, familiar ingredients come together in the happiest way to create Chocolate & Cherry Delight. Each one brings something unique: crunch, creaminess, shine, or a pop of fruity flavor. Here’s what makes each element shine.

Chocolate wafer cookies or chocolate graham crackers (9 oz, crushed): The ultimate foundation, these bring deep cocoa flavor and wonderful crunch to the base.
Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, melted): Butter helps bind those cookie crumbs together, creating a dreamy, sliceable crust.
Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): Tangy and creamy, this layer adds a luscious lift and balances the sweetness.
Powdered sugar (1/2 cup): Super-fine sugar sweetens the cream cheese layer and keeps it velvety-smooth.
Whipped topping (8 oz, thawed): Lightens up the filling for that irresistible fluffy texture.
Cherry pie filling (21 oz can): The star topping — adds fruity juiciness and a burst of color with every spoonful.
Instant chocolate pudding mix (3.9 oz): Delivers instant chocolate satisfaction, no stovetop required.
Cold milk (1 1/2 cups): Thickens up the pudding into a dreamy, rich layer.
Chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips (optional): For the final flourish, adding extra beauty and a bit more chocolate magic.

How to Make Chocolate & Cherry Delight

Step 1: Build the Brilliant Chocolate Crust

Start by blending together the crushed chocolate wafer cookies or graham crackers with the melted butter. Mix until every crumb glistens, then press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch dish. This chocolatey base sets the stage for all the creamy, dreamy layers to come, and you’ll want it as even as possible to guarantee perfect slices later.

Step 2: Blend the Creamy Dream Layer

In a clean bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar until silky smooth and totally lump-free. Gently fold in half the whipped topping to create a light, mousse-like layer. Carefully spread this mixture over your chocolate crust, creating an even blanket that hugs every edge.

Step 3: Whisk Up the Chocolate Pudding

In a separate bowl, whisk together the instant chocolate pudding mix with the cold milk. Keep whisking for about two minutes, or until the pudding thickens and takes on a luscious, spoonable consistency. This layer adds a major hit of chocolatey richness that makes the whole dessert feel extra decadent.

Step 4: Layer the Chocolate Pudding

Dollop the thickened pudding over the cream cheese layer and gently spread it to the corners for perfect coverage. The contrast between the rich pudding and fluffy cream layer is pure magic in every bite.

Step 5: Finish with Whipped Topping and Cherries

Spoon the remaining whipped topping over the pudding layer, spreading carefully so you don’t disturb the layers underneath. Next, drizzle and spread the cherry pie filling across the very top, ensuring you get cherries and sauce in every bite. This is where Chocolate & Cherry Delight comes alive visually!

Step 6: Garnish and Chill

If you’re feeling extra, sprinkle the top with chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips for a finishing flourish. Now, cover and refrigerate your masterpiece for at least four hours—this chilling time is crucial for the layers to set and the flavors to mingle beautifully.

How to Serve Chocolate & Cherry Delight

Garnishes

For an elegant finish, a handful of chocolate curls, a few fresh cherries, or even a scattering of chopped nuts can turn your Chocolate & Cherry Delight into a true showstopper. Let your creativity flow—a little extra texture and a pop of color go a long way!

Side Dishes

Dessert doesn’t always need a companion, but if you’re hosting a crowd, offer tiny scoops of vanilla ice cream or a bowl of lightly sweetened whipped cream on the side. Even a fresh cup of coffee or espresso can really make each chilled bite of Chocolate & Cherry Delight sing.

Creative Ways to Present

Use a clear glass baking dish or trifle bowl to show off those irresistible layers in all their glory. Short on time? Make individual parfaits in mason jars or glasses—just layer the components, chill, and watch your guests swoon over their personal Chocolate & Cherry Delight minis!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Simply cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and keep it refrigerated. Chocolate & Cherry Delight stays fresh and delicious for up to 4 days, making it perfect for preparing ahead or snacking on throughout the week.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze Chocolate & Cherry Delight for up to a month! Just assemble, cover well, and freeze. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving. Keep in mind, the texture may become a bit softer as it thaws, but the flavors stay amazing.

Reheating

This dessert is best served cold, so you don’t need to reheat. If you’ve frozen it, allow enough thawing time in the refrigerator (not at room temperature) to preserve the silky, creamy layers. This keeps Chocolate & Cherry Delight perfectly chilled and ready to serve.

FAQs

Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of store-bought whipped topping?

Absolutely! Homemade whipped cream adds a fresh, fluffy texture and lovely richness. Just make sure it’s whipped to stiff peaks, and use an equivalent amount as you would the prepared topping for best results.

What can I substitute for cherry pie filling?

Try raspberry or strawberry pie filling for a different fruit twist, or even blueberry if you’re feeling adventurous. Any canned fruit pie filling works seamlessly, and each one will bring its own delicious personality to your Chocolate & Cherry Delight.

How do I crush the cookies easily?

Place the chocolate cookies or graham crackers in a zip-top bag and crush with a rolling pin, or pulse them in a food processor for quick, even crumbs. Just be sure they’re finely crushed for the best possible crust.

Can I make Chocolate & Cherry Delight gluten free?

Yes! Look for gluten-free chocolate cookies or crackers and check the labels on your pudding mix and pie filling to ensure they’re gluten free. It’s an easy swap that makes this dessert accessible to everyone.

Can I make smaller or individual servings?

Definitely! Assemble the layers in individual cups, jars, or ramekins for single servings—perfect for parties, picnics, or lunchbox surprises. Just divide the ingredients evenly so every serving is just as delightful.

Final Thoughts

There’s something uniquely joyful about slicing into a chilled, layered dessert and seeing all those beautiful contrasts of color and texture. Chocolate & Cherry Delight is a treat you’ll turn to again and again—whether you’re celebrating something special or simply craving a little happiness on a plate. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes everyone’s new favorite sweet!

Chocolate & Cherry Delight Recipe

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4.5 from 29 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the decadent layers of chocolate and cherry with this delightful no-bake dessert. Creamy, sweet, and utterly irresistible, this Chocolate & Cherry Delight is a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Crust:

1 package (9 oz) chocolate wafer cookies or chocolate graham crackers, crushed
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Filling:

1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 container (8 oz) whipped topping
1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
1 package (3.9 oz) instant chocolate pudding mix
1 1/2 cups cold milk

For Topping:

Chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare the Crust: Combine crushed chocolate wafers with melted butter. Press firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch dish to form a crust.
Make the Cream Cheese Layer: Beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Fold in half of the whipped topping. Spread the mixture over the crust.
Prepare the Chocolate Pudding: Whisk together chocolate pudding mix and cold milk until thickened. Spread the pudding over the cream cheese layer.
Assemble the Dessert: Top with the remaining whipped topping, spreading gently. Spoon cherry pie filling over the top and spread evenly.
Final Touches: Sprinkle with chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips if desired. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until fully set.

Notes

You can swap cherry pie filling for raspberry or strawberry for a flavor variation.
Using a glass dish showcases the beautiful layers of this dessert, perfect for parties or gatherings.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Bake
Cuisine: American