Cherry Cha Cha

This year I made the Cherry Cha Cha for dessert at Christmas. It's the dessert that my grandma always made for family gatherings. And since everyone loves it and she no longer makes desserts, we decided that I would carry on the tradition! Cherry Cha Cha is an easy no bake dessert made with canned cherry pie filling, Oreo cookie crumbs, whipped cream, and marshmallows. It's a great dessert for throwing together last minute and perfect for family gatherings, summer BBQ's, or potlucks .

We usually have a variety of different desserts at our Christmas dinner, rather than just one. Because more desserts are always better, right? However, sometimes I can't help but change things ( just a little); for the better, of course. So instead of the usual graham crumbs, I used Chocolate Oreo cookie crumbs. Because everyone knows that chocolate makes everything better too~!

🥘 Ingredient Notes

In some circles, this little gem of a dessert is also known as Cherry Delight. But cherry delight recipes tend to have cherries as the top layer. This recipe has cherries in the middle, sandwiched between delicious whipped cream mixed with marshmallows. And chocolate on the bottom and top! You just can't go wrong when all this deliciousness is encased in chocolate!

• Whipping cream. I recommend using real whipping cream (not Cool Whip). You'll want to make sure the whipping cream is at least 33%- 36% fat. Don't use the spray whipping cream because it will run.
• Oreo chocolate baking crumbs. If you can't find Oreo baking crumbs, use regular chocolate baking crumbs.
• Cherry Pie Filling (canned). Make sure you are buying the canned cherry pie filling NOT canned cherries or it won't be sweet enough or have the right texture.

📖Variations & Substitutions

• Dairy-free. You can use a dairy-free whipped topping and vegan margarine.
• Cherry pie filling. You can use homemade cherry pie filling. Or switch it up and use Blueberry or Saskatoon Berry Pie Filling!
• Oreo baking crumbs. You can use regular graham cracker crumbs.

🔪 How to Make Cherry Cha Cha

And this No Bake Cherry Marshmallow Dessert is sooo easy to make!

PREP:

• Spray the bottom of a 9X13 pan with non-stick cooking spray.
• Combine Oreo cookie crumbs and melted butter.
• Press ⅔ of the mixture onto the bottom of the 9X13 pan. Set aside the remainder. 
• With an electric mixer, whip cream to soft peak.
• Then add icing sugar, and vanilla and whip to stiff peaks. Add marshmallows and mix well.

ASSEMBLY:

1. Step 1: Spread half of the marshmallow mixture on top of the crumb base.

2. Step 2: Spread cherry pie filling over marshmallow layer.

3. Step 3: Spread the remainder of the marshmallow mixture over the cherries.

4. Step 4: Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over top of the marshmallow layer. Refrigerate, covered for at least 6 hours or overnight.

🥗What to serve with Cha Cha Cherry

If you're having a summer gathering with family and friends, you'll want something easy! I love to serve this Beef on a Bun (shown) with Slow cooker Baked beans and salad such as this Strawberry Spinach Pecan Salad.

If you're looking to serve this after a holiday dinner, I recommend this Picnic Ham recipe with Old Fashioned Scalloped Potatoes and Carrot Casserole (with Stove Top Stuffing)!

👪 Serving size

This makes 12 servings, but you can cut it in half or double or triple it. Simply click on the serving size in the recipe card, put in the number of servings you'd like and the recipe amounts will adjust accordingly. You'll want to double this recipe for a large crowd! You can use a ½ sheet cake pan.

🌡️Storing

Store in a sealed container, in the fridge, for up to 3 days. You can also make this dessert ahead.

I usually make it the day before I'm serving it because it has to be refrigerated for a minimum of 6 hours prior to serving.

This dessert does not stand up to freezing.

❔ Recipe FAQ's