Prepare the crust:
In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar (if using). Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand.
Press the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9×9-inch baking dish or a similar size pan. Use the back of a spoon to pack it tightly.
Refrigerate the crust while you prepare the cheesecake filling, allowing it to firm up.
Make the cheesecake layer:
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream (or coconut cream) until stiff peaks form.
Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, followed by the sour cream. Be careful not to deflate the whipped cream—this will keep the cheesecake layer light and fluffy.
Once combined, spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over the prepared graham cracker crust.
Prepare the cherry topping:
In a small saucepan, combine the cherries, sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch (if using). Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cherries break down and the mixture thickens (about 8-10 minutes).
Once the topping has thickened and the cherries are softened, remove the pan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Let the cherry topping cool for a few minutes before spooning it over the cheesecake layer.
Assemble the dessert:
Once the cherry topping has cooled slightly, pour it evenly over the cheesecake layer. Use a spoon to spread the topping if necessary.
Cover the dish and refrigerate the cherry cheesecake lush for at least 3-4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to firm up.
Serving and Storage Tips:
Serving suggestions: Serve chilled, cutting into squares for easy portions. Garnish with extra fresh cherries or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra special touch.
Storage: Store the leftover cherry cheesecake lush in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The dessert will remain fresh, but keep in mind that the crust may soften slightly over time.
Freezing tip: This dessert can be frozen! If you need to make it ahead of time, freeze the cherry cheesecake lush for up to 1 month. Just be sure to cover it well with plastic wrap or foil before freezing. Let it thaw in the refrigerator for several hours before serving.
Variations:
Berry cheesecake lush: Swap the cherries for other fresh or frozen berries, such as strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries. Each fruit will bring its own unique flavor to the topping.
Chocolate lovers: Add a layer of chocolate ganache or sprinkle chocolate shavings over the cheesecake layer before adding the fruit topping. This will give the dessert a richer, more decadent taste.
Lemon zest: For a citrus twist, add lemon zest to the cheesecake filling or the cherry topping. The fresh zing will complement the creamy layers beautifully.
Gluten-free option: For a gluten-free crust, substitute the graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free cookie crumbs or a mixture of crushed gluten-free graham crackers and coconut flour.
FAQs:
Q: Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
A: Yes! This dessert actually benefits from chilling in the fridge for several hours or even overnight, allowing the flavors to meld and the cheesecake filling to firm up. Make it a day ahead for the best results.
Q: Can I use a different fruit for the topping?
A: Absolutely! You can use almost any fruit for the topping, such as blueberries, strawberries, or even peaches. Just adjust the amount of sugar depending on the sweetness of the fruit you use.
Q: Can I make this dessert vegan?
A: Yes, this recipe can easily be made vegan by using plant-based ingredients like vegan cream cheese, coconut cream, and vegan sour cream. Simply swap the dairy ingredients with their plant-based counterparts.
Q: Do I need to bake the crust?
A: No, this is a no-bake dessert! The crust is simply pressed into the dish and chilled to set before adding the creamy cheesecake layer.
Q: Can I use store-bought cherry pie filling?
A: Yes, you can substitute store-bought cherry pie filling for the homemade topping. However, making your own topping from fresh or frozen cherries adds a fresh, natural flavor that enhances the overall dish.
This Cherry Cheesecake Lush is a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and creamy, and it’s sure to be a hit at any gathering. With its easy preparation and irresistible flavor, it’s a must-try dessert that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
