Bring a little nostalgia to your dessert table with Grandma’s Cherries in the Snow! This beautiful old-fashioned no-bake dessert combines soft pieces of angel food cake with a light, creamy cheesecake-style mixture and a generous layer of sweet cherry pie filling. Finished with optional chopped pecans, every bite is a delicious combination of fluffy, creamy, fruity, and crunchy textures.
This family-favorite dessert is perfect for holidays, Sunday dinners, church potlucks, summer gatherings, and special occasions. Best of all, it requires no baking and uses simple ingredients that come together in just a few easy steps. Prepare it ahead of time, let it chill in the refrigerator, and enjoy a sweet treat that everyone will want seconds of!
Why You’ll Love Grandma’s Cherries in the Snow
- No baking required: Use a ready-made angel food cake to make preparation quick and easy.
- Light and fluffy: Whipped topping gives the creamy filling a soft, airy texture.
- Sweet cherry topping: Cherry pie filling adds beautiful color and fruity flavor.
- Perfect for gatherings: A 9×13-inch dish makes plenty of servings for family and friends.
- Make-ahead friendly: Prepare it in advance and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve.
- A nostalgic favorite: This classic dessert brings back memories of homemade treats and family celebrations.
Ingredients for Cherries in the Snow
You only need a handful of simple ingredients to make this delicious no-bake dessert.
- 1 pre-baked 9-inch angel food cake
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 12 oz whipped topping, thawed
- 2 cans (21 oz each) cherry pie filling
- Chopped pecans, for garnish (optional)
How to Make Grandma’s Cherries in the Snow
Step 1: Prepare the Angel Food Cake
Tear the pre-baked angel food cake into small, bite-sized pieces. Place the pieces in a bowl and set aside.
You can use your hands or a knife to break the cake apart. Try to keep the pieces relatively similar in size so they distribute evenly throughout the dessert.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to make sure there are no large lumps of cream cheese remaining.
Step 3: Fold in the Whipped Topping
Gently fold the thawed whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture using a spatula.
Continue folding until everything is evenly combined and the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and creamy. Avoid overmixing so the filling keeps its airy texture.
Step 4: Add the Angel Food Cake
Add the angel food cake pieces to the cream cheese mixture.
Carefully fold everything together until the cake pieces are evenly coated with the creamy filling. Work gently to avoid crushing the soft cake.
Step 5: Spread into the Serving Dish
Transfer the mixture into a 9×13-inch serving dish.
Use a spatula to spread it evenly, smoothing the top so the dessert has a nice, even surface.
Step 6: Add the Cherry Topping
Spoon the cherry pie filling evenly over the entire surface of the creamy cake mixture.
Spread the cherries gently with the back of a spoon so every portion gets plenty of sweet cherry topping.
Step 7: Chill Until Ready
Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
For the best flavor and texture, chill for several hours or overnight. This gives the angel food cake time to absorb some of the creamy mixture while the flavors blend together.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Just before serving, sprinkle chopped pecans over the top if desired.
Scoop into individual bowls or dessert plates and enjoy this creamy, fruity, old-fashioned family favorite!
Tips for the Best Cherries in the Snow Dessert
Soften the cream cheese first. Room-temperature cream cheese blends much more easily and helps prevent lumps in the filling.
Use thawed whipped topping. Make sure the whipped topping is fully thawed before folding it into the cream cheese mixture.
Fold gently. Angel food cake is delicate, so use a spatula and gentle movements to keep the dessert light and fluffy.
Chill longer for better flavor. Although 30 minutes is the minimum chilling time, a few hours or overnight will give you an even better result.
Spread the cherry topping evenly. Make sure the cherry filling reaches the edges of the dish so every serving gets plenty of cherries.
Add pecans just before serving. This helps them retain their crunch and gives the dessert a lovely finishing touch.
Delicious Variations to Try
Strawberry Cherries in the Snow
Replace the cherry pie filling with strawberry pie filling for a sweet and fruity variation. Fresh sliced strawberries can also be added for extra flavor.
Blueberry Cherries in the Snow
Use blueberry pie filling instead of cherry filling for a beautiful alternative that’s perfect for summer gatherings.
Mixed Berry Dessert
Combine cherry pie filling with a little blueberry or strawberry topping for a colorful mixed-berry version.
Chocolate Cherry Dessert
Sprinkle mini chocolate chips or chocolate shavings over the cherry topping for a delicious chocolate-and-cherry combination.
Almond Cherry Dessert
Replace the vanilla extract with a small amount of almond extract for a lovely flavor that pairs especially well with cherries.
Extra Crunchy Topping
Add chopped pecans or walnuts over the finished dessert for a nutty contrast to the soft cake and creamy filling.
What to Serve with Cherries in the Snow
This dessert is sweet, light, and creamy, making it a wonderful ending to almost any meal.
Serve it alongside:
- Fresh coffee or iced coffee
- Hot tea or herbal tea
- A glass of cold milk
- Fresh strawberries or raspberries
- Vanilla ice cream for an extra-special dessert
- A simple holiday dinner or Sunday family meal
It is especially delicious after a hearty meal because its fluffy texture makes every bite feel light and refreshing.
How to Store Cherries in the Snow
In the refrigerator: Cover the serving dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Keep refrigerated and enjoy within 3–4 days for the best quality.
Make ahead: This dessert is perfect for preparing in advance. You can assemble it the night before serving and let it chill overnight. Keep it covered in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Freezing: Freezing is not recommended because the whipped topping and cream cheese mixture may change texture after thawing, becoming watery or less fluffy.
Serving leftovers: Always return leftover portions to the refrigerator promptly because the dessert contains dairy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it called Cherries in the Snow?
The name comes from the beautiful contrast between the fluffy white angel food cake mixture and the bright red cherry topping. The creamy dessert looks like a layer of snow covered with sweet cherries!
Can I make Cherries in the Snow the night before?
Absolutely! In fact, preparing it the night before is a great idea. The chilling time allows the flavors to blend and the cake to become wonderfully moist.
Can I use homemade angel food cake?
Yes! Homemade angel food cake works beautifully. Just make sure it has cooled completely before tearing it into bite-sized pieces.
Can I use homemade cherry pie filling?
Yes. Homemade cherry pie filling is a delicious option if you prefer making the topping from scratch. Let it cool completely before spreading it over the creamy layer.
Can I use fresh cherries instead of cherry pie filling?
Fresh cherries can be used, but they won’t provide the same sweet, thick topping as cherry pie filling. For the best result, cook the cherries with a little sugar and cornstarch to create a thick sauce, then cool completely before using.
Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of whipped topping?
Yes, stabilized homemade whipped cream can be used. Make sure it is whipped to soft or medium peaks and fold it gently into the cream cheese mixture. The texture and storage time may differ slightly.
How long does Cherries in the Snow need to chill?
At least 30 minutes is recommended, but chilling for several hours or overnight gives the dessert more time to set and allows the flavors to blend.
Can I make this dessert without pecans?
Of course! Pecans are completely optional. You can leave them out or replace them with chopped walnuts, sliced almonds, or a little grated chocolate.
Final Thoughts
Grandma’s Cherries in the Snow is one of those timeless desserts that makes every family gathering feel a little more special. With fluffy angel food cake, a smooth and creamy filling, and a generous layer of sweet cherry pie topping, it’s an easy no-bake treat that looks beautiful and tastes even better.
Whether you’re preparing it for Christmas dinner, a church potluck, a birthday celebration, or a simple Sunday family gathering, this nostalgic dessert is sure to bring smiles to the table. Make it ahead, chill until perfectly creamy, and get ready for everyone to ask for another serving!