There’s a certain nostalgia that comes wafting through my kitchen when I whip up this Cherry Cream Trifle, affectionately known as “Cherries in the Snow.” The rich, velvety layers glistening with cherry pie filling remind me of summer picnics and warm family gatherings, where dessert is always the star of the show.
After a long day, I often find myself yearning for a quick yet indulgent treat that feels celebratory without the fuss. This trifle is the answer—effortlessly beautiful and bursting with flavor, it never fails to impress. Whether you’re entertaining loved ones or simply treating yourself, this dessert comes together with minimal effort, using simple ingredients you might already have on hand.
With creamy layers cradled between fluffy angel food cake and those luscious cherries, every bite brings back joyful memories. Join me as we create this captivating dessert that perfectly balances ease and elegance, leaving everyone craving more!
Why You’ll Love Cherries in the Snow?
Simplicity at its finest: This Cherry Cream Trifle requires minimal effort, making it perfect for any home cook.
Decadent flavor: Layers of rich cream cheese, sweet cherries, and light angel food cake blend seamlessly for a taste sensation.
Versatile dessert: Ideal for any occasion, from family gatherings to holiday celebrations, it’s a crowd-pleaser!
Quick assembly: With no baking required, you’ll have dessert ready in no time, allowing you more time to enjoy.
Nostalgic appeal: Each bite transports you to warmer days filled with family and laughter, making it a true comfort food.
For more delightful desserts, don’t miss my easy no-bake cheesecake!
Cherry Cream Trifle Ingredients
For the Cream Mixture
• 12 oz block-style cream cheese – provides a rich and creamy base that beautifully balances flavors.
• ¾ cup powdered sugar – adds just the right amount of sweetness to the cream, enhancing the overall flavor.
• ⅓ cup whole milk – helps achieve a smooth and spreadable consistency for the cream.
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract – introduces a warm, inviting aroma, elevating the cream’s deliciousness.
• 8 oz whipped topping – adds lightness and airy texture, making the dessert feel indulgent yet fluffy.
For the Layers
• 1 each pre-baked angel food cake – its spongy texture soaks up the cream while making each bite delightful.
• 2 cans cherry pie filling – bursts of sweet-tart cherries add a gorgeous finish and bring the “Cherries in the Snow” to life.
This charming dessert highlights delicious Cherries in the Snow, perfect for impressing your guests without the fuss!
How to Make Cherries in the Snow
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Combine cream cheese, powdered sugar, whole milk, and vanilla extract in a mixing bowl; beat together until smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain—this is your luscious cream mixture!
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Fold in the whipped topping gently until fully incorporated, creating a delightful light texture. Take care not to deflate the mixture, as we want it fluffy and airy.
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Tear the angel food cake into ¾-1 inch pieces and layer half of them in the bottom of a serving dish, ensuring an even base that soaks up the flavors beautifully.
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Spread half of the cream mixture over the cake pieces, making sure to cover them generously for a rich, creamy experience in every bite.
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Top with one can of cherry pie filling, distributing the bright red cherries evenly to create a visual feast.
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Repeat the layers with the remaining cake pieces and cream mixture, finishing with the second can of cherry pie filling for that final luscious touch.
Optional: Garnish with a few extra cherries on top for an added pop of color!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Cherries in the Snow
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Creamy Consistency: Whip the cream cheese and sugar together thoroughly to prevent any lumps; a smooth base is crucial for the trifle’s texture.
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Gently Fold: When incorporating whipped topping, use a gentle folding method to maintain airiness. Avoid vigorous stirring which can deflate the mixture.
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Freshness Matters: For the best flavor, use fresh, high-quality cherry pie filling. This can elevate your dessert from good to absolutely delightful.
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Layer Wisely: Ensure even distribution of the cream and cherry filling throughout the trifle. Uneven layers can result in inconsistencies in flavor per bite.
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Chill Before Serving: Let the trifle sit in the refrigerator for a couple of hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing your Cherries in the Snow experience.
How to Store and Freeze Cherries in the Snow
Fridge: Store any leftover Cherry Cream Trifle in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Make sure to cover it tightly to prevent it from absorbing other fridge odors.
Freezer: It’s best not to freeze Cherries in the Snow, as the cream mixture may separate upon thawing. However, if needed, freeze in an airtight container for up to 1 month; thaw in the fridge before serving.
Reheating: This dessert is best served cold and doesn’t require reheating. Enjoy it straight from the fridge for the freshest taste!
Make Ahead Options
These Cherries in the Snow are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the cream mixture (cream cheese, powdered sugar, whole milk, vanilla extract, and whipped topping) up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerating it in an airtight container to maintain its fluffy texture. Additionally, you can tear the angel food cake into pieces and store them in a separate container for up to 3 days; this keeps them fresh and ready to absorb the creamy layers. When you’re ready to serve, simply layer the cake, cream mixture, and cherry pie filling as instructed—this way, you’ll enjoy a delightful dessert that feels freshly whipped up, even on the busiest of nights!
What to Serve with Cherries in the Snow?
Creating a memorable dessert experience goes beyond just the sweet treat—it’s about the perfect companions to enhance every bite.
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Fluffy Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a cloud-like texture, inviting guests to dig in with delight.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy vanilla complements the cherry flavor beautifully, making each bite even more indulgent and satisfying.
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Chocolate Shavings: A sprinkle of chocolate shavings introduces rich cocoa notes, creating a delectable contrast to the sweet cherries.
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Shortbread Cookies: Crunchy shortbread provides a buttery contrast that enhances the trifle’s creamy richness, perfect for a delightful textural play.
These additions take “Cherries in the Snow” to an impressive new level, ensuring an unforgettable dessert spread that brings joy to any occasion!
Variations & Substitutions for Cherries in the Snow
Feel free to get creative with this dessert and adapt it to your taste preferences or dietary needs!
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Dairy-Free: Substitute cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative and replace whipped topping with coconut whipped cream for a delightful non-dairy version.
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Sugar-Free: Use sugar substitutes like erythritol or stevia in the cream mixture for a low-sugar option that doesn’t compromise on taste.
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Fruit Swaps: Instead of cherry pie filling, try using fresh strawberries or blueberries for a delicious twist on the classic flavor profile!
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Chocolate Drizzle: For an indulgent touch, drizzle melted dark chocolate over the top layer before serving, adding an elegant flair.
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Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped nuts, such as pecans or almonds, in between the layers for an unexpected crunch and richer texture.
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Minty Fresh: Add a hint of freshness by folding in some chopped mint leaves into the cream mixture, giving your trifle an uplifting twist!
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Spiced Variations: Incorporate a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg into the cream base to warm up the flavors, perfect for colder months.
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Layering Alternatives: Swap angel food cake with ladyfingers or sponge cake for a different texture while maintaining the layered delight of this trifle.
Let your imagination wander as you explore these variations, and make this dessert truly your own!
Cherries in the Snow Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best cherries for my trifle?
Absolutely! When selecting cherries, look for firm ones with a vibrant color and shiny skin. Avoid any with dark spots or wrinkles, as these may indicate overripeness. Fresh cherries can significantly enhance your trifle’s flavor, so opt for those at their peak season for that sweet-tart burst you’ll love!
How long can I store leftovers in the fridge?
You can store any leftover Cherry Cream Trifle in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Make sure the container is tightly sealed to keep the trifle fresh and free from absorbing other flavors in the fridge.
Can I freeze Cherry Cream Trifle?
It’s best not to freeze Cherries in the Snow due to the creamy mixture potentially separating upon thawing. However, if you must freeze it, place it in an airtight container and consume within 1 month for the best quality. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it slowly in the fridge overnight before serving.
What if my cream mixture is too thick?
If your cream mixture turns out thicker than you’d like, simply add a splash of whole milk or a touch more whipped topping. Stir gently until you reach your desired consistency. A smooth, creamy texture is key to making your trifle delightful!
Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Very much! In fact, I recommend preparing Cherries in the Snow a few hours or even the night before serving. This gives the flavors time to meld beautifully, creating a dessert that’s even more delicious. Just be sure to cover it well in the fridge.
Is this trifle suitable for people with allergies?
Be cautious of potential allergens! The recipe contains cream cheese, dairy, and gluten from the angel food cake, so it’s not suitable for those with lactose intolerance or gluten allergies. If needed, you can substitute the cream cheese with dairy-free cream cheese and use a gluten-free cake variant for a safe alternative.
Cherries in the Snow: Indulge in This Creamy Delight!
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Combine cream cheese, powdered sugar, whole milk, and vanilla extract in a mixing bowl; beat together until smooth and creamy.
- Fold in the whipped topping gently until fully incorporated, creating a delightful light texture.
- Tear the angel food cake into ¾-1 inch pieces and layer half of them in the bottom of a serving dish.
- Spread half of the cream mixture over the cake pieces, covering them generously.
- Top with one can of cherry pie filling, distributing the cherries evenly.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining cake pieces and cream mixture, finishing with the second can of cherry pie filling.