Legend has it that young George Washington gained a reputation for honesty because he couldn't fib about chopping down his father's cherry tree. We can't vouch for that, but we can say that this easy, no-bake treat, which combines the flavors of chocolate, cherries, and cheesecake, is the perfect way to mark National Cherry Month-and that's no lie.
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups chocolate graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup sugar, divided
- 1/3 cup butter or margarine, melted
- 12 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 teaspoons grated lemon peel
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups frozen whipped topping, thawed
- 1 20-ounce can cherry pie filling
Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup of the sugar, and the butter or margarine, mixing well.
- Firmly press the crumb mixture into the bottom of a 9- by 9- by 2-inch baking pan (a great job for kids).
- Place the pan in the refrigerator to chill while you make the cheesecake filling.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, lemon peel, vanilla extract, and the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar. Beat with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
- Fold in the whipped topping, then spread the mixture onto the chilled crust.
- Spread the cherry pie filling over the cheese mixture. Chill the cheesecake in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Serves 9.
