Cherries in the Snow is one of those desserts that shows up on holiday tables year after year. Cubes of angel food cake are folded into a fluffy cream cheese and whipped topping mixture, the “snow,” then covered with glossy cherry pie filling.
It is light, creamy and pretty, and you don’t turn on the oven at all.
Why You’ll Love It
- Five ingredients, most of them ready to use.
- No baking. Use a store-bought angel food cake.
- Made ahead. It needs time to chill, so it is done before company comes.
What You Need
- Angel food cake, store-bought or homemade, torn or cut into bite-size cubes.
- Cream cheese, softened.
- Powdered sugar.
- Whipped topping, thawed.
- Cherry pie filling, two cans for a generous layer.
- Vanilla, optional but nice.
How to Make Cherries in the Snow
- Make the snow. Beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy. Beat in the vanilla.
- Fold in the whipped topping gently, until no streaks are left.
- Add the cake. Fold in the angel food cake cubes until every piece is coated.
- Spread the mixture into a 9×13 dish and smooth the top.
- Add the cherries. Spoon the cherry pie filling evenly over the top.
- Chill for at least 4 hours, or overnight, before serving.
Tips
- Soften the cream cheese well. Lumps won’t beat out once the whipped topping goes in.
- Fold, don’t stir. Gentle folding keeps the mixture light.
- Give it time. The cake softens and the layers set as it chills.
Variations
- Other fruit. Blueberry or strawberry pie filling is just as good.
- Layered in a trifle bowl. Alternate the cream mixture and cherries for a taller dessert.
- Lighter. Use reduced-fat cream cheese and light whipped topping.
Storing
Cover and keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. It does not freeze well, because the cake turns soggy when thawed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use real whipped cream?
Yes. Whip 2 cups of heavy cream with 1/4 cup powdered sugar to stiff peaks. It is best eaten within a day, since real cream softens faster.
Can I use pound cake?
You can, but it is heavier. Angel food cake keeps the dessert light and airy.
How far ahead can I make it?
The day before is perfect. Add the cherries when you assemble, or just before serving if you want the brightest look.
Red cherries on a white cloud of cream. It looks like Christmas and tastes like something Grandma made.
Cherries in the Snow
Want This Recipe Later?
We'll send this recipe straight to your inbox.
Ingredients
- 1 angel food cake about 10 oz, cut into bite-size cubes
- 12 oz cream cheese softened
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract optional
- 12 oz whipped topping thawed
- 2 cans (21 oz each) cherry pie filling
Instructions
- Beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy. Beat in the vanilla.
- Gently fold in the whipped topping until no streaks remain.
- Fold in the angel food cake cubes until coated.
- Spread into a 9x13 dish and smooth the top.
- Spoon the cherry pie filling evenly over the top.
- Cover and chill for at least 4 hours or overnight.
