Cherries in the Snow

Cherries in the Snow is a nostalgic, no-bake dessert made with layers of fluffy cream filling, angel food cake, and sweet cherry pie topping. It’s light, airy, and beautifully vibrant—resembling fresh snow dotted with glistening red cherries. This vintage dessert is ideal for holidays, potlucks, or any occasion when you need a simple, crowd-pleasing treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cherries in the Snow is elegant, effortless, and made with pantry staples. With its pillowy cream layers and bright cherry topping, it’s visually stunning and incredibly refreshing. There’s no need for baking or special equipment, and it comes together in minutes. It’s the perfect dessert for making ahead and always impresses guests with its beauty and taste.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Angel food cake (store-bought or homemade), cut into cubes
• Cream cheese, softened
• Granulated sugar
• Whipped topping (or homemade whipped cream)
• Cherry pie filling
• Vanilla extract
• Optional: almond extract for extra flavor

directions

1. In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese with granulated sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy.
2. Gently fold in the whipped topping until well combined.
3. In a 9×13-inch dish or trifle bowl, arrange half of the angel food cake cubes in an even layer.
4. Spread half of the cream cheese mixture over the cake layer.
5. Spoon half of the cherry pie filling over the cream layer.
6. Repeat the layers with the remaining cake, cream mixture, and cherry topping.
7. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until set and chilled.
8. Serve cold, spooning into bowls or cutting into squares if using a baking dish.

Servings and timing

Serves 10–12
Prep time: 15 minutes
Chill time: 2 hours
Total time: 2 hours 15 minutes

Variations

• Berry Mix: Use blueberry or strawberry pie filling instead of cherry.
• Chocolate Twist: Add a layer of mini chocolate chips or drizzle with chocolate sauce.
• Layered Parfaits: Make individual servings in jars or cups for a cute presentation.
• Lighter Version: Use low-fat cream cheese and light whipped topping.
• Nut Crunch: Sprinkle chopped almonds or pecans between layers for texture.

storage/reheating

Store Cherries in the Snow covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Do not freeze, as the texture of the whipped topping and cream cheese mixture will be affected.
No reheating is needed—serve chilled straight from the fridge.

FAQs

Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of whipped topping?

Yes, just whip heavy cream with a bit of powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form.

Is angel food cake the only cake I can use?

It’s traditional, but pound cake or sponge cake also work well for a richer variation.

Can I make this dessert in advance?

Absolutely! It’s best when chilled for several hours, making it a perfect make-ahead dessert.

Can I use fresh cherries?

Fresh cherries can be used if cooked down into a compote or sauce—pie filling offers the ideal consistency.

Is this dessert overly sweet?

It’s sweet but well-balanced with the tanginess of cream cheese and the lightness of angel food cake.

Can I add other fruits?

Yes, feel free to mix in sliced strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries with the cherry topping.

How do I keep the layers neat?

Use a spatula to spread each layer evenly and chill between layers for a cleaner look in trifle form.

Can I make this in a trifle dish?

Yes, the clear layers look beautiful in a trifle bowl and make for an elegant presentation.

What if I don’t have cream cheese?

Mascarpone or Greek yogurt can be used, but will slightly change the flavor and texture.

Does this need to be served immediately?

No, it’s actually better when chilled for a few hours to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to firm up.

Conclusion

Cherries in the Snow is a timeless, no-bake dessert that’s as pretty as it is delicious. With layers of cloud-like cream, tender cake, and vibrant cherries, it’s a light and lovely dish for any celebration. Whether served in a dish or a trifle bowl, it delivers sweet satisfaction with every spoonful—no oven required.

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