If you’re searching for a dessert that’s both delightfully light and bursting with vibrant flavor, then the Cherries In The Snow Recipe is your new best friend. This nostalgic treat combines fluffy angel food cake, luscious cream cheese frosting, and the sweet tang of cherry pie filling to create layers of irresistible texture and taste. It’s like a cloud of sweetness topped with bright cherries that make every bite feel like a celebration. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering or a casual weekend indulgence, this recipe is a total showstopper that’s surprisingly simple to pull together.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white rectangular dish filled with a dessert that has two visible layers. The bottom layer consists of small pieces of light beige cake or bread, soaked slightly. The top layer is a thick, shiny, bright red cherry topping with whole cherries, covering the entire surface unevenly, creating a glossy and juicy texture. The dish sits on a white marbled surface, with natural light highlighting the rich red color and the texture of the cherries. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering your ingredients for this recipe is a breeze, but each one plays an essential role in bringing together that perfect balance of creamy, airy, and fruity goodness. From the soft cake base to the rich cream cheese mixture, every element is crucial for that signature taste and texture you’ll love.

Angel food cake: The fluffy, airy base gives the dessert a light texture that melts in your mouth.
Cream cheese (softened): Adds a tangy richness and creamy body that balances the sweetness.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese mixture smoothly without graininess.
Frozen whipped topping: Lightens the cream cheese mixture for a cloud-like consistency.
Cherry pie filling: Bursting with juicy cherries and syrup, it adds vibrant color and a fruity pop.

How to Make Cherries In The Snow Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the angel food cake

Start by cutting your baked angel food cake into approximately 1-inch pieces. This size is perfect because it allows the cake to soak up the creamy layer and cherry filling without falling apart or becoming soggy too quickly. Using fresh angel food cake here really makes the texture shine.

Step 2: Create the creamy mixture

In a mixing bowl, whip together the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Then gently fold in the frozen whipped topping, which lightens the whole blend into that signature fluffy, dreamy texture you want. This step is where the magic happens—you’re creating a luscious layer that contrasts beautifully with both the cake and the cherries.

Step 3: Assemble the layers

Take a 9 x 13 baking dish and spread the cream cheese mixture evenly on the bottom. Next, layer the angel food cake pieces over the cream cheese base. Finally, spoon the cherry pie filling evenly over the top, making sure to get plenty of cherries in each bite. This layered assembly is what gives the Cherries In The Snow Recipe its stunning look and irresistible flavor combination.

Step 4: Chill or serve immediately

You can serve this dessert immediately if you like it fresh and slightly firmer, or cover it and chill in your refrigerator for a few hours or overnight. Chilling helps the flavors marry together and the texture become even creamier and more cohesive. Either way, you’re in for a treat.

How to Serve Cherries In The Snow Recipe

A rectangular white baking dish sits on a white marbled surface, filled with one thick, smooth layer of creamy white frosting evenly spread across the top. The frosting has soft swirls and gentle peaks creating a simple, textured surface that covers the entire dish without any visible layers underneath. The edges are neatly coated inside the dish. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To enhance the festive look and add an extra layer of flavor, top your Cherries In The Snow Recipe with some freshly grated white chocolate, a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes, or a few fresh cherries. These touches add texture and visual appeal, making your dessert even more inviting to the eye and palate.

Side Dishes

This dessert pairs wonderfully with light and refreshing sides like a crisp green salad or a platter of fresh seasonal fruits. The bright acidity from the cherries complements savory dishes beautifully and helps cleanse the palate after a rich meal.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress guests, try serving Cherries In The Snow Recipe in individual clear glass bowls or cups to showcase the enticing layers. Alternatively, use decorative trifle bowls for a stunning centerpiece that invites everyone to dig in and enjoy the beautiful layers of flavor and texture.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store any leftover Cherries In The Snow Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The dessert will become even more flavorful as the layers meld together, though the angel food cake may soften a bit more over time, making it even easier to scoop and savor.

Freezing

While this dessert is best enjoyed fresh or chilled, you can freeze leftovers for up to a month. To freeze, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and stir gently to restore the creamy consistency.

Reheating

This dessert is typically served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is not recommended. If you prefer a softer texture after refrigeration or freezing, simply let it sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before serving.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought angel food cake?

Absolutely! Store-bought angel food cake works perfectly for this recipe and can save time without sacrificing taste or texture.

Is there a dairy-free or vegan version of the Cherries In The Snow Recipe?

You can try substituting dairy-free cream cheese and whipped topping alternatives, along with a vegan angel food cake, to make a plant-based version. Just keep in mind the texture and flavor may vary slightly.

Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned pie filling?

Fresh cherries can be used, but for best results, cook them down with sugar to create a syrupy filling similar to the pie filling, ensuring the flavor and texture remain balanced.

How long does this dessert keep its best flavor?

For optimum taste and texture, enjoy it within 3 days when stored in the fridge. It’s delicious fresh but gets better as flavors meld.

Is the Cherries In The Snow Recipe suitable for potlucks?

Definitely! It travels well chilled and is always a crowd-pleaser due to its refreshing, festive look and irresistible layers.

Final Thoughts

I genuinely can’t recommend the Cherries In The Snow Recipe enough—it’s a simple, cheerful dessert that feels special without any fuss. Whether you’re making it for a holiday, a casual dinner, or just because, it’s a joy to share and enjoy. Give it a try, and I’m sure it’ll be one of those recipes you come back to again and again.