Oh my goodness, let me share with you one of my absolute favorite treats: No Bake Cherry Dessert! I first stumbled upon this gem at a family gathering a few years ago. One bite, and I was hooked. It’s like a party in your mouth on a sweltering summer day—cool, creamy, and bursting with cherry flavors. Plus, it’s so easy to whip up! No baking means no oven temperature wars, which I deeply appreciate, especially in the summer months. I mean, who wants to sweat while they bake? Not me!
This recipe takes me back to my childhood when I’d help my mom mix up treats for potlucks. There was something magical about watching the gelatin dissolve and become something special. Since it’s got that bright pop of cherry color, it’s as visually appealing as it is delicious—perfect for impressing guests or just enjoying for yourself on a quiet afternoon. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and get started on making this lovely dessert!
What’s in No Bake Cherry Dessert?
Cherry Gelatin: This is the star of the show! It adds that vibrant color and delightful cherry flavor. I personally prefer the classic knockoff brands; they hold their flavor well and breathe nostalgia.
Boiling Water: This helps dissolve the gelatin perfectly, ensuring a smooth consistency for our dessert.
Cold Water: Balances out the boiling water and gets our gelatin mixture to the right temperature for mixing in the next ingredients.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: This creamy, dreamy ingredient sweetens the deal and gives the dessert a luscious texture. I can’t resist sneaking a little taste while I’m mixing; it’s just that good!
Whipped Topping: I love using Cool Whip for this recipe since it’s ultra-light and fluffy. It adds a beautiful lightness to the dessert that contrasts wonderfully with the rich condensed milk.
Fresh Blueberries: These little bursts of freshness make for perfect garnishes. Plus, they add a pop of color and a hint of tartness that complements the sweet cherry flavor.
Is No Bake Cherry Dessert Good for You?
Well, let’s break it down! This dessert has its pros and cons.
Cherry Gelatin: It’s low in calories and offers some fun antioxidant benefits from the cherries, which can boost your immune system.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: While it does pack a sugary punch, it’s also rich in calcium which is a nice bonus.
Whipped Topping: It adds lightness, but if you want to cut down on calories, you could swap it for a lighter or vegan option.
In moderation, this dessert is a truly delightful treat! However, if you’re watching your sugar intake or prefer less processed ingredients, you can always play around with yogurt or homemade whipped cream for a lighter version. Just remember, sometimes it’s okay to indulge a little, especially when it’s something this delicious!
Ingredients
– 1 package (3 oz) cherry gelatin
– 1 cup boiling water
– 1 cup cold water
– 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
– 1 cup whipped topping (such as Cool Whip)
– Fresh blueberries for garnish
*This recipe serves about 8 people—perfect for sharing!*
How to Make No Bake Cherry Dessert?
1. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, dissolve the cherry gelatin in 1 cup of boiling water. Stir until completely dissolved.
2. Add 1 cup of cold water to the gelatin mixture and stir to combine. Allow the mixture to cool slightly.
3. In another large mixing bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk with the cooled gelatin mixture. Mix until well combined.
4. Gently fold in the whipped topping until fully incorporated and smooth.
5. Pour the mixture into a greased or lined 9-inch pie pan or dessert dish. Spread evenly.
6. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until set.
7. Once set, slice into wedges and serve, garnished with fresh blueberries and additional whipped topping if desired.
Cherry-Creamy Variations and Tips
Get creative! This dessert is super versatile. Prefer strawberries? Swap out the cherry gelatin for strawberry and top with sliced strawberries. The world is your cherry (or strawberry) delicious dessert oyster!
Remember to refrigerate it well, as chilling gives that heavenly texture. If you’re making this for a gathering, it’s a great make-ahead treat, so you can spend more time enjoying the fun and less time worrying about the desserts!
I hope you give this No Bake Cherry Dessert a try—I promise it’ll be a hit! And please, let me know how it turns out. Did you experiment with different flavors? I’d love to hear about it! Happy cooking, friends!
