Vintage Cherries in the Snow

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Vintage Cherries in the Snow is the kind of dessert that instantly transports you to a retro holiday table, layered with nostalgia and irresistible flavor. With its fluffy, lightly sweetened cream cheese layer and a vibrant crown of glossy cherry pie filling, this no-bake treat is both stunning and refreshingly easy to assemble. It’s a dessert that looks like you spent hours on it—but really, it’s ready in minutes.

This chilled delight is perfect for spring brunches, baby showers, or whenever you need a burst of cherry goodness without turning on the oven. Whether you’re channeling mid-century vibes or just want a fuss-free dessert that always gets compliments, this one is a crowd-pleaser through and through.

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What Kind of Cherries Should I Use for Vintage Cherries in the Snow?

For that iconic ruby red topping, canned cherry pie filling is the classic go-to. It has just the right balance of tartness and syrupy sweetness, making it ideal for this layered dessert. While you can use homemade cherry topping or even fresh pitted cherries tossed in sugar and lemon juice, the vintage version almost always called for the convenience of canned pie filling—and honestly, it still tastes amazing.

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Ingredients for the Vintage Cherries in the Snow

Cream Cheese
This is the velvety base of the dessert. Make sure it’s softened for easy blending and ultimate fluffiness.

Heavy Whipping Cream
When whipped and folded into the cream cheese, it adds a luxurious lightness.

Powdered Sugar
A bit of sweetness that blends smoothly into the creamy base.

Vanilla Extract
A splash of vanilla enhances the overall flavor and makes the cream filling sing.

Angel Food Cake or Pound Cake (optional)
Some versions layer this with cubes of cake underneath the cream, but you can go crustless or use crushed graham crackers instead.

Cherry Pie Filling
The showstopper on top—those juicy, glossy cherries are what give this dessert its signature look and taste.

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How To Make the Vintage Cherries in the Snow

Step 1: Whip the Cream

Pour the heavy whipping cream into a chilled mixing bowl and whip on high speed until stiff peaks form. Set aside in the fridge while you prep the rest.

Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and mix until fluffy and well combined.

Step 3: Fold It All Together

Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture. Take your time here—you want to keep that airy texture.

Step 4: Layer Your Dessert

In a glass dish or trifle bowl, layer cubed angel food cake or crushed graham crackers (if using). Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the base.

Step 5: Add the Cherries

Top the creamy layer with a generous amount of cherry pie filling, spreading it all the way to the edges.

Step 6: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to let the layers set. Serve chilled with a spoon or spatula, scooping all the way to the bottom for every bite.

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Serving and Storing Vintage Cherries in the Snow

This dessert is best served chilled, straight from the fridge. The creamy texture and juicy cherry topping hold together beautifully when cold. It’s perfect for make-ahead situations like parties or family dinners, since the flavors only get better after a few hours in the fridge.

To store, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Freezing isn’t recommended due to the whipped cream and cream cheese layer, which can become watery once thawed.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Cool Whip instead of heavy cream?

Yes, you can substitute an 8 oz tub of Cool Whip for the homemade whipped cream if you’re short on time. It changes the texture slightly, but it still works.

Do I have to use cake in the base?

Not at all. You can skip the cake completely and just enjoy the creamy filling with cherries on top, or swap in crushed graham crackers for texture.

Can I make this dessert a day ahead?

Absolutely! In fact, it tastes even better the next day once the layers have had time to meld together.

Is there a way to make this lower in sugar?

Yes! Use a sugar-free cherry pie filling and reduce the powdered sugar in the cream layer. It won’t be quite as sweet, but still delicious.

What size dish should I use?

An 8×8 inch glass dish works well, or you can use a trifle bowl if you want to show off the layers.

Can I add other fruits?

You can! While cherries are traditional, you can mix in or swap with strawberries, blueberries, or even a berry blend for variety.

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Want More Dessert Ideas with a Vintage Twist?

If Vintage Cherries in the Snow hits your sweet spot, you’ll definitely want to check out these other nostalgic and no-bake favorites:

• Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding for a fruity, creamy crowd-pleaser.
• No-Bake Easy Cherry Chocolate Chip Pie if you’re into more cherry delights with a crunchy twist.
• Paula Deen’s 5-Minute Fudge for a retro, rich bite of chocolatey goodness.
• Pineapple Upside Down Cake Fudge that delivers all the classic flavor in candy form.
• Blueberry Swirl Yogurt Bites for a lighter fruity option perfect for spring.

Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so it’s right there when you’re ready to whip it up.

And don’t forget to tag me when you make it—did you use cake or go crustless? Try a different fruit on top? I love seeing your twists on the classics.

Looking for even more easy dessert inspiration?
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