Ingredients
Scale
For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
For the Filling:
- 2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy cream, whipped
For the Cherry Topping:
- 2 cups fresh or canned cherries, pitted and halved
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions
Crust:
- In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted unsalted butter, and granulated sugar. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to form the crust.
Filling:
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Add granulated sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until well combined.
- Gently fold in the whipped heavy cream until the filling is smooth and airy.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the graham cracker crust in the baking dish.
Cherry Topping:
- In a saucepan, combine pitted and halved cherries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, water, and lemon juice.
- Cook the cherry mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until it thickens. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and let the cherry topping cool slightly.
- Spoon the cherry topping over the cream cheese filling in the baking dish, spreading it evenly.
Assembly:
- Refrigerate the Cherry Vanilla Heaven Dessert for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow it to set.
- Once chilled, slice into squares and serve.
- Enjoy this delightful dessert, reveling in the heavenly combination of creamy vanilla filling and sweet, luscious cherries.
