Cherries in the Snow Layers

Cherries in the Snow is that classic sweet treat I whip up when I want to capture a little nostalgia and impress with almost no fuss. It is light as air from fluffy cake and cream but crowned with glossy bright cherries that always get oohs and aahs. This vintage no bake dessert is a lifesaver at holidays or when you crave something showstopping but need to keep things easy.

My mom let me swirl the cherry filling on top the first time I made this for my grandma’s birthday dinner and I still remember how proud I felt bringing it to the table chilled and gorgeous

Ingredients

• Angel food cake: cubed about fifteen ounces from the bakery or homemade for that light as air bite and spongy chew make sure to pick a fresh one that springs back when pressed
• Cream cheese: eight ounces softened so it will blend smooth this gives a creamy snowlike richness pick full fat for the best flavor
• Powdered sugar: one cup sifted for smoothness it dissolves nicely and keeps things delicate check the label for pure cane sugar for cleaner taste
• Milk: one quarter cup just enough to loosen the cream and help blend use whole milk if you want ultimate richness
• Almond extract: one teaspoon for deep cherry bakery notes look for pure extract and not imitation for best aroma
• Frozen whipped topping Cool Whip: sixteen ounces thawed it offers stable fluffiness without beating watch the expiration date to ensure freshness or sub with real whipped cream if you prefer
• Cherry pie filling: forty two ounces usually two cans it brings tangy sweetness and that classic ruby red jewel topping choose a brand that lists cherries as the first ingredient for the most fruit

Step by Step Instructions

Prepare the Cream Base:

In a large bowl mix the softened cream cheese powdered sugar and milk with a hand mixer until absolutely smooth and no lumps remain This creates that signature creamy snowy layer

Fold and Fluff:

Gently fold in the whipped topping and almond extract with a spatula Do not beat or you will lose the airiness The mixture should look light and pillowy

Combine with Cake:

Add the cubed angel food cake and carefully fold until all cubes are coated evenly Take your time here as gentle mixing keeps the cake from being crushed

Layer in the Pan:

Spoon the cake and cream mixture into a nine by thirteen inch pan and smooth out the top pressing gently to create a dense even layer

Top with Cherries:

Spoon the entire cherry pie filling over the top spreading it right to the edges Aim for an even ruby layer so every serving has that vivid cherry look

Chill Until Set:

Cover and chill the whole dessert in the refrigerator for a minimum of thirty minutes This step allows the flavors to meld and the texture to set

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My favorite part has always been the almond spiked cream cheese layer It reminds me of baking almond cookies with my aunt every December The almond flavor makes the cherries pop and adds a kind of old fashioned bakery magic

Storage Tips

Cherries in the Snow keeps best covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to three days The cake may soften a bit but the creamy layers only get tastier Chill leftovers as soon as possible after serving to keep the whipped topping light

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use a homemade angel food cake or a bakery pound cake for a richer twist Use homemade whipped cream if you want a less sweet flavor or switch to low fat cream cheese for a lighter dessert Try different pie fillings like blueberry or even lemon for a fresh twist

Serving Suggestions

This dessert works layered in a big trifle bowl for a dramatic look Try spooning it into individual glasses for parfaits and extra wow at parties A little sprinkle of toasted sliced almonds or mini white chocolate chips on top makes it festive and crunchy

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Cultural Historical Context

Cherries in the Snow is a dessert that popped up in American cookbooks in the mid twentieth century when no bake desserts became popular for their ease and flair It captures a time when canned fruit fillings gave home cooks a simple shortcut and fluffy whipped toppings were all the rage for holiday gatherings and church socials

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use homemade angel food cake?

Yes, a homemade angel food cake adds excellent flavor and texture to this dessert. Simply cube once cooled.

→ What can I use instead of cherry pie filling?

Feel free to substitute with blueberry, strawberry, or any fruit pie filling you prefer for a unique twist.

→ Do I have to use store-bought whipped topping?

No, homemade whipped cream can be used for a richer taste. Beat heavy cream with a bit of sugar until stiff peaks form.

→ How long should I chill the dessert?

Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the layers to set and flavors to meld.

→ Can nuts be added for texture?

Absolutely, sprinkle in chopped nuts for extra crunch and flavor before serving, if desired.