I remember the first time I tasted Crystal’s Cherry Delight. It was at a family gathering many years ago, and my cousin Crystal had brought this dessert. At first glance, it was love at first sight – the lush cherry topping, the creamy middle layer, and the crunchy graham cracker base. But with the first bite, it was a symphony of flavors that had me hooked for life. It was the perfect balance of sweet and tart, smooth and crunchy, indulgence and simplicity. And the best part? It was so easy to make! Over the years, this dessert has become a staple at our family gatherings, loved by kids and adults alike. Today, I am thrilled to share Crystal’s Cherry Delight recipe with you all. I hope it becomes a favorite in your family as it is in ours!
Ingredients
- 1 (8 oz.) cream cheese
- 1 (14 oz.) Eagle Brand milk
- 1 (14 oz.) cherry pie filling
- 1 or 2 packs graham crackers
Layering Steps
- Simply sprinkle graham crackers on bottom of pan.
- Mix cream cheese and Eagle Brand together. Spread over graham crackers.
- Put cherry pie filling on top.
- Refrigerate.
- Ready to eat 2 hours later.
Calorie: 400
Total cooking time: 10 minutes preparation time + 2 hours refrigeration
Difficulty level: Easy
The Tale of Crystal’s Cherry Delight
Once upon a kitchen counter, in the land of sweet tooth satisfaction, I found myself face-to-face with a culinary challenge. The recipe was called **Crystal’s Cherry Delight**. Now, don’t be fooled by the name. It sounds like a sparkly character from a children’s show, but it is, in fact, a dessert that could give any fancy mousse or tart a run for their money.
The Gathering of the Culinary Crusaders
First things first, I had to assemble my team. On today’s menu, we were looking at a grand total of four ingredients. Just four. They were 1 (8 oz.) cream cheese, 1 (14 oz.) Eagle Brand milk, 1 (14 oz.) cherry pie filling, and 1 or 2 packs of graham crackers. I know, I know, it sounds like I’m preparing for a bake sale at a kindergarten. But let me tell you, these ingredients can pack a punch.
The Battle of the Graham Cracker
The first task in hand was to simply sprinkle graham crackers on the bottom of the pan. I say simply, but it was anything but that. Have you ever tried to “simply sprinkle” crackers? They have a mind of their own. I felt like a cat herder, trying to keep the crumbs in place while they made a run for the edges of the pan.
Cream Cheese and Milk: A Love Story
Next up, our cream cheese and Eagle Brand milk were supposed to have a little mixer. If this were a dating show, I would say they hit it off immediately. After a few casual swirls and twirls, you wouldn’t be able to tell where the cream cheese ended and the milk began. This delightful duo was then spread over the rebellious graham crackers, finally keeping them in place. Take that, you crumbly miscreants!
The Cherry on Top
After the cream cheese and milk had settled, it was time for the cherry pie filling to make its grand entrance. This was the diva of the performance – flashy, bold, and unapologetically sweet. As it sashayed over the cream cheese and milk layer, I could almost hear it saying, “Make way, the star is here.”
The Waiting Game
Then came the hard part. The refrigeration. The wait. The two hours that felt like two years. It’s like waiting for paint to dry or for a kettle to boil. You know it’s going to happen, but it feels like eternity. But I was strong. I resisted the urge to peek, to prod, to taste.
The Moment of Truth
Finally, the moment of truth arrived. It was time to taste the masterpiece. Spoiler alert – it was worth the wait. In fact, it was more than worth it. It was a symphony of flavors. The crunchy graham crackers, the creamy blend of cream cheese and milk, and the sweet, tangy cherry pie filling. It was like a Broadway show for my taste buds.
And that, my friends, is the tale of Crystal’s Cherry Delight. A modest dessert with a grand performance. A dessert that proves that sometimes, the simplest ingredients can create the most delightful experiences.
