Cherry Chewbilees

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dessert is a treat for the senses, offering the perfect blend of flavors and textures. The base, made from a combination of brown sugar, walnuts, and coconut, creates a chewy, flavorful crust. The creamy cheesecake filling adds a smooth richness, and the sweet cherry pie filling on top provides a burst of fruity flavor that balances the richness of the rest of the dessert. It’s easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making it ideal for busy days when you want something sweet without a lot of fuss.

Ingredients

• 1-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup butter-flavored shortening
• 1 cup chopped walnuts, divided
• 1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut

Filling:

• 2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
• 2/3 cup sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cans (21 ounces each) cherry pie filling

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and butter-flavored shortening. Use a pastry cutter or your hands to mix until the mixture becomes crumbly. Add 1/2 cup of the chopped walnuts and the shredded coconut, mixing well. Press this mixture into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking pan to form an even crust. Bake for about 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden, then set aside to cool slightly.
2. Prepare the filling: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until the mixture is well combined.
3. Assemble the Chewbilees: Pour the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled crust. Spread the filling into an even layer, making sure it covers the entire crust.
4. Bake the dessert: Bake the dessert at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and lightly golden around the edges. Allow it to cool completely before adding the cherry pie filling.
5. Top with cherry filling: Once the dessert has cooled, spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the top. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts over the cherries for added texture and crunch.
6. Chill and serve: Refrigerate the Cherry Chewbilees for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the filling to set. Slice into squares and serve chilled.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12-16
• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 40-45 minutes
• Chill time: 2 hours minimum

Variations

• Nut-free version: If you’re allergic to nuts or prefer a nut-free version, simply omit the walnuts from both the crust and topping. You can replace them with a bit more shredded coconut or a different topping like granola.
• Fruit variations: While cherry pie filling is classic, feel free to experiment with other pie fillings, such as blueberry, strawberry, or peach, for a different flavor twist.
• Graham cracker crust: Instead of the nutty coconut crust, you can use a graham cracker crust for a more traditional cheesecake base.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover Cherry Chewbilees in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Make sure to keep them well-covered to maintain freshness.
• Reheating: This dessert is best enjoyed chilled and does not need reheating. Simply take it out of the fridge about 10 minutes before serving for easier slicing.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of nut for the crust?

Yes, you can swap the walnuts for other nuts, such as pecans or almonds, to change the flavor of the crust.

2. Can I make Cherry Chewbilees without coconut?

Yes, if you’re not a fan of coconut, you can either omit it entirely or replace it with an extra 1/2 cup of chopped nuts.

3. Can I use a store-bought crust?

Yes, you can use a pre-made graham cracker or cookie crust if you prefer a quicker alternative to the homemade crust.

4. Can I make Cherry Chewbilees ahead of time?

Yes, Cherry Chewbilees can be made a day in advance. Just be sure to refrigerate them and add the cherry topping just before serving.

5. Can I use fresh cherries instead of pie filling?

You can use fresh cherries, but they will need to be cooked down with sugar to create a sauce that resembles pie filling. If you prefer a less sweet topping, you can also make a cherry compote.

6. Can I freeze Cherry Chewbilees?

It’s not recommended to freeze Cherry Chewbilees with the cherry topping, as the fruit can become mushy after thawing. However, you can freeze the crust and cream cheese filling layers separately, and add the topping after thawing.

7. Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

Yes, you can use low-fat or fat-free cream cheese, though the texture may be slightly different. The flavor will still be delicious!

8. Can I add chocolate chips to the filling?

Yes, you can mix some chocolate chips into the cream cheese filling for a chocolatey twist that pairs wonderfully with the cherry topping.

9. How do I make sure the filling is set?

The filling should be lightly golden at the edges and firm in the center when it’s done baking. Allow the dessert to cool completely before adding the cherry topping to ensure it has set properly.

10. Can I substitute the eggs in this recipe?

Yes, you can try egg substitutes like flax eggs or chia eggs, but the texture and consistency may vary slightly.

Conclusion

Cherry Chewbilees are a delightful and indulgent dessert that combines the perfect mix of sweet, creamy, and crunchy textures. The nutty coconut crust, smooth cheesecake filling, and sweet cherry topping make it a crowd favorite that’s sure to impress. With its easy preparation and versatility, this dessert is perfect for holidays, parties, or any occasion where you want to serve something truly special.

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