Cherries in the Snow Dessert
This Easy Cherries in the Snow Dessert is a creamy and fruity no-bake treat featuring luscious cherries layered in a smooth, fluffy cream base. Perfectly balanced in flavor and visually stunning, it’s quick to prepare and ideal for any occasion, from casual nights to festive gatherings.
- Author: Sophie
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins
- Total Time: 2 hrs 15 mins
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 1 to 2 cups fresh or canned cherries, pitted and halved if fresh
- 1 cup heavy cream or whipped cream
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
Optional Ingredients
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (almonds, pecans) or coconut flakes for added texture
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (for chocolate chip variation)
- Zest of 1 lemon or orange (for citrus zest variation)
- Prepare the Cherries: Drain canned cherries well or, if using fresh cherries, pit and halve them to prevent excess liquid from watering down the dessert.
- Whip the Cream: In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream or whipped cream together with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form, creating a fluffy, snowy texture that forms the dessert’s base.
- Fold in Sweetened Condensed Milk: Gently fold the sweetened condensed milk into the whipped cream until fully combined, resulting in a rich and creamy mixture that balances the tartness of the cherries.
- Layer the Dessert: In your chosen serving dish or individual glasses, alternate layers of the creamy mixture and cherries, beginning and finishing with the cream to highlight both flavor and visual appeal.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the assembled dessert for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the cream to firm up slightly. Serve chilled for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Chill your bowls and beaters to help the cream whip faster and fluffier.
- Stop whipping as soon as soft peaks form to avoid turning the cream buttery.
- Taste and adjust sugar depending on the sweetness of your cherries.
- Drain canned cherries thoroughly to keep cream layers from becoming watery.
- This dessert tastes even better if made ahead and chilled overnight.
- Frozen cherries can be used if thawed and drained well.
- For vegan versions, substitute with coconut whipped cream and dairy-free condensed milk.
- Do not freeze this dessert as the whipped cream base will separate and become icy when thawed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/6 of recipe)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: cherries dessert, no-bake dessert, creamy cherry dessert, chilled dessert, easy dessert