Step back in time to the days of old school cafeterias and nostalgic desserts with this delightful recipe for Old School Cafeteria Cherry Delight. This classic dessert will transport you to a simpler time with its sweet cherry flavor and creamy texture. Perfect for a cozy night in or a family gathering, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home.
**Old School Cafeteria Cherry Delight**
**Ingredients:**
– 1 can of cherry pie filling
– 1 cup of crushed graham crackers
– 1/2 cup of chopped pecans
– 1/2 cup of melted butter
– 1 cup of powdered sugar
– 8 oz of cream cheese, softened
– 1 (8 oz) container of whipped topping
– Maraschino cherries for garnish
**Instructions:**
1. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the crushed graham crackers, chopped pecans, and melted butter. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are fully incorporated.
3. Press this mixture onto the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to form the crust.
4. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 8-10 minutes or until it is lightly golden brown. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely.
5. In a separate bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
6. Fold in half of the whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture until well combined.
7. Spread this cream cheese mixture over the cooled graham cracker crust evenly.
8. Next, spoon the cherry pie filling on top of the cream cheese layer and spread it out evenly.
9. Spread the remaining half of the whipped topping over the cherry pie filling layer.
10. For an extra touch, garnish the dessert with a few maraschino cherries on top.
11. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours to allow the flavors to meld together and for the dessert to set.
12. Once chilled and set, slice into squares and serve chilled. Enjoy the creamy, cherry-filled goodness of this nostalgic dessert.
This Old School Cafeteria Cherry Delight recipe is a wonderful way to bring a taste of the past into your home. The combination of sweet cherry filling, creamy layers, and buttery crust creates a dessert that is both comforting and delicious. Whether you are looking to reminisce about days gone by or simply satisfy your sweet tooth, this recipe is sure to please. Serve this dessert at your next gathering and watch it disappear – it’s a true crowd-pleaser!