Perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to festive celebrations, this Elegant Cherry Cheesecake Delight is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes. Its vibrant cherry topping and luscious layers are sure to impress your guests and make your dessert table stand out. Combining the classic flavors of cherry and cheesecake with a twist of crunchy crust and creamy layers, this dessert is a harmonious blend of texture and taste.
Ingredients:
- 1 package (14 oz) of golden sandwich cookies, finely crushed
- ⅓ cup + 1 tbsp of salted butter, melted (reserve 1 tbsp for pan preparation)
- 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 16 oz whipped topping, thawed (reserve some for layers)
- 2 packages of Cheesecake-flavored instant pudding mix
- 3 cups whole milk
- 2 cans (large) cherry pie filling
- 1 cup of pecans or walnuts, finely chopped
Preparation Steps:
- Crust Formation: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously butter a 9×13 inch baking dish. Blend the golden sandwich cookies into a fine crumb using a food processor. Combine crumbs with ⅓ cup melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared dish. Bake for 10 minutes, then cool in the freezer for 10 minutes.
- Cheesecake Layer: Whip together cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, and 1 cup of the whipped topping until smooth. Gently spread over the cooled crust. Freeze for 10 minutes.
- Pudding Layer: Whisk together pudding mix, milk, and ½ cup whipped topping in another bowl until it thickens. Spread this over the cream cheese layer. Chill for 30 minutes or until set.
- Cherry Topping: Carefully layer the cherry pie filling over the set pudding layer.
- Final Touch: Spread the remaining whipped topping over the cherry layer. Sprinkle with chopped nuts. Refrigerate for 1-2 hours.
- Serve: Slice into this layered delight and serve chilled, garnished with a sprig of mint or a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra elegant touch.
