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There are some desserts that just take you back to childhood — that silky cream layer, sweet cherry topping, and buttery crust that feels like a hug in every bite. This Weight Watchers Cherry Delight Dessert brings that nostalgia back, but with a light, smart twist you can actually enjoy without any guilt.
It’s a no-bake, creamy, and refreshing dessert that satisfies your sweet tooth while keeping SmartPoints in check. Whether you’re following WW, calorie counting, or just want a lighter dessert, this version keeps everything you love — minus the overload of sugar and butter.
🍰 What Makes This Recipe Stand Out
What makes this Cherry Delight special is its balance — you get the same creamy texture and bright cherry topping, but with clever substitutions like nonfat Greek yogurt, light cream cheese, and a crisp graham-style base made from light digestive biscuits or low-fat graham crackers.
It’s perfect for:
- Summer gatherings or Sunday dessert
- When you crave something sweet but “light”
- A make-ahead treat that chills beautifully in the fridge
And the best part? Each serving is only 4–5 WW points, depending on your program — so yes, you can absolutely have dessert tonight.
💬 Personal Blogger Note
I’ve always had a soft spot for Cherry Delight. My grandmother made the classic version with full-fat cream cheese and sugary cherry pie filling, and it was heavenly — but oh, so heavy.
When I started my Weight Watchers journey, I didn’t want to lose that tradition, so I began testing lighter versions. After a few tweaks and swaps (and a few kitchen disasters!), this version turned out so rich and satisfying that my family didn’t even notice it was the “light” one.
Now, it’s my go-to dessert whenever I host friends — everyone always asks for seconds and the recipe.
🥣 Equipment You’ll Need
You don’t need anything fancy — just these basics:
- 8×8-inch glass dish (or 9×9 for thinner layers)
- Hand mixer or whisk – for a fluffy cream layer
- Mixing bowls – one for crust, one for filling
- Spatula – to spread layers evenly
- Measuring cups/spoons – for accuracy
- Plastic wrap – for chilling and setting the dessert
If you’re prepping this for a party, you can also make it in mini dessert cups or mason jars — super cute and perfectly portioned.
🧂 Ingredients
For the Light Graham Crust
- 1 cup low-fat graham cracker crumbs (or digestive biscuits, finely crushed)
- 2 tbsp light butter, melted
- 1 tbsp unsweetened applesauce (adds moisture, fewer points)
- ½ tsp cinnamon (optional for warmth)
For the Creamy Filling
- 1 (8 oz) block light cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup nonfat Greek yogurt (adds protein + creaminess)
- 3 tbsp powdered erythritol or monk fruit sweetener (or sugar-free powdered sugar)
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup light whipped topping (Cool Whip Light) – optional, for extra fluff
For the Cherry Topping
- 1 can sugar-free cherry pie filling (look for “no sugar added” label)
OR make your own:- 2 cups frozen pitted cherries
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp erythritol
- ¼ cup water
- A squeeze of lemon juice
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Light Graham Crust
- In a mixing bowl, combine graham crumbs, melted butter, applesauce, and cinnamon.
- Mix until the texture feels like wet sand.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of your dish.
- Chill in the fridge for 15 minutes to set.
💡 Tip: You can lightly toast the crust in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5 minutes for a more “baked” flavor — totally optional but so worth it.
Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Filling
- In a clean bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and lump-free.
- Add Greek yogurt, vanilla, and erythritol. Beat until creamy and light.
- Fold in light whipped topping gently with a spatula for that airy texture.
- Spread this mixture evenly over your chilled crust.
💬 Personal Tip: If you chill the filling for 10 minutes before layering, it sets cleaner and gives your dessert perfect layers when cut.
Step 3: Add the Cherry Layer
- If using canned sugar-free cherry pie filling, spoon it gently over the cream layer.
- If making homemade:
- Combine cherries, erythritol, cornstarch, water, and lemon juice in a saucepan.
- Simmer for 8–10 minutes until thickened, then cool completely before layering.
Spread evenly with a spatula.
Step 4: Chill & Serve
Cover your dish with plastic wrap and chill for at least 3 hours (overnight is even better).
Once set, cut into squares or spoon into dessert cups. Garnish with a dollop of whipped topping or a fresh cherry if you’re feeling fancy.
🍒 WW SmartPoints Breakdown (per serving, makes 9 servings)
Ingredient | Points |
---|---|
Low-fat graham crumbs (1 cup) | 8 |
Light butter (2 tbsp) | 3 |
Applesauce | 0 |
Light cream cheese | 6 |
Nonfat Greek yogurt | 0 |
Light whipped topping | 3 |
Sugar-free cherry topping | 2 |
Total per serving (approx.) | 4–5 WW Points |
✅ Note: Points may vary slightly based on your program and exact brand (especially pie filling and yogurt).
💫 Why You’ll Love It:
✨ Light, creamy, and indulgent without the guilt
🍒 Only 4–5 SmartPoints per serving
🧊 Perfect make-ahead dessert for gatherings
🍽 Balanced sweetness — not overly rich
❤️ No baking required — just chill and enjoy
🧁 Ingredient Substitutions
- Cream Cheese: Use Neufchâtel or fat-free cream cheese to lower points.
- Yogurt: Plain nonfat Greek yogurt gives protein and creaminess — you can sub with vanilla Greek yogurt (unsweetened).
- Sweetener: Erythritol, allulose, or monk fruit work best. Avoid stevia blends (they can get bitter).
- Crust: Use crushed WW snack biscuits or even a few oatmeal cookies for variation.
- Fruit Topping: Try blueberry, raspberry, or strawberry — they all work beautifully.
🧠 Health & Nutrition Insights
This dessert feels indulgent but actually supports your goals:
- High in protein thanks to Greek yogurt
- Low in added sugar with smart sweeteners
- Lower fat than the traditional version
- Portion-friendly – naturally satisfying without overdoing it
Each serving gives you around 120–130 calories, 7g protein, 5g fat, 8g net carbs, and that creamy-sweet texture that’s worth every bite.
🍽 Serving Ideas
Serve chilled as-is or try:
- With a sprinkle of crushed almonds for crunch
- A swirl of fat-free whipped cream on top
- Or a drizzle of sugar-free chocolate syrup for a “Black Forest” twist
It pairs beautifully with coffee or herbal tea after dinner.
🧊 Storage & Meal Prep Tips
- Fridge: Store covered for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze individual portions for up to 2 weeks. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Make-Ahead: Perfect for prepping a day before parties — it actually tastes better the next day.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use fat-free cream cheese?
Yes! It’ll make the texture slightly lighter but still creamy. Just let it soften well before beating.
2. Can I use other fruits?
Absolutely — blueberries, raspberries, and peaches all make wonderful variations.
3. What can I use instead of Cool Whip?
Whipped Greek yogurt or sugar-free whipped cream both work beautifully.
4. How can I make it dairy-free?
Use dairy-free cream cheese (like Kite Hill) and coconut yogurt.
5. How long should it chill before serving?
At least 3 hours, but overnight gives you the best texture and clean slices.
🧾 Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hrs 15 mins
- Course: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
- Servings: 9
- Calories per serving: ~130
🍒 Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | 130 |
Protein | 7g |
Fat | 5g |
Carbs | 12g |
Fiber | 2g |
Net Carbs | 10g |

Weight Watchers Cherry Delight Dessert Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup low-fat graham cracker crumbs
- 2 tbsp light butter
- 1 tbsp applesauce
- 1 8 oz light cream cheese
- 1 cup nonfat Greek yogurt
- 3 tbsp erythritol
- 1 tsp vanilla
- ½ cup Cool Whip Light
- 1 can sugar-free cherry pie filling
Instructions
- Combine crust ingredients and press into dish; chill 15 mins.
- Beat cream cheese, yogurt, vanilla, and sweetener until creamy. Fold in Cool Whip.
- Spread filling over crust.
- Add cherry layer on top.
- Chill 3 hours, slice, and enjoy!