Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Phase 1: Whipping the Cream
- In a large, chilled bowl, combine the cold heavy whipping cream and 1 cup of the powdered sugar. Using an electric mixer, whip until thick and stiff (7-8 minutes), forming firm peaks. Set aside.
Phase 2: Crafting the Cheesecake Filling
- In a separate large bowl, beat the room temperature cream cheese, remaining 1 cup powdered sugar, vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon fresh lemon zest, and 2 tablespoons full-fat sour cream with an electric mixer until completely smooth and lump-free.
- Gently fold or mix the reserved whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture at low speed until just combined, being careful not to deflate the whipped cream.
Phase 3: Assembling Your Layers
- Lay a single layer of graham crackers on the bottom of an ungreased 9 x 13-inch baking pan, breaking crackers as needed to fill gaps.
- Spread a thin, even layer of the cheesecake filling over the graham crackers, then spoon one can of cherry pie filling evenly on top.
- Carefully spread another thin layer of cheesecake filling over the cherry pie, then place another single layer of graham crackers on top, pressing gently.
- Repeat the previous layering step once more: cheesecake filling, cherry pie filling, cheesecake filling, then graham crackers.
- Spread the remaining cheesecake filling evenly over the last layer of graham crackers. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours (ideally overnight) for crackers to soften and cake to set.
Phase 4: The Grand Finale
- When ready to serve, unwrap the cake and spoon the last can of cherry pie filling generously on top. Serve chilled.
Nutrition
Notes
Achieve a smooth filling by using room temperature cream cheese and cold heavy whipping cream for stiff peaks. Use an electric mixer and offset spatula for ease. Chill for at least 3 hours, preferably overnight, for ideal texture. Store refrigerated 3-4 days or frozen for up to 1 month. Serve chilled, garnished as desired. Nutrition information is estimated based on common ingredients and serving sizes and may vary.