Recipe: Cherry Lush

I recently made this recipe for my family and it was a hit!  It is very simple and tastes great. 

Cherry Lush

9 graham crackers (one package)

1 cup of walnuts (optional)

1/2 cup butter (melted)

2 tbsp. granulated sugar

8 oz. cream cheese, softened

1 cup powdered sugar

2-8 oz. tubs Cool Whip

42 oz. cherry pie filling (2-21 oz. cans)

1/2 cup walnuts chopped, for topping (optional)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  In a food processor, blend the graham crackers and walnuts until finely chopped.  (I do not have a food processor so I did this by hand.)  Add in the butter and sugar until well combined and press into the bottom of a greased 13x9 pan.  Bake for 8 minutes and let cool completely.

In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.  Beat in about 1 cup of Cool Whip so there are no lumps.  Fold in the remaining whipped topping from the container of Cool Whip you took one cup from.  Spread the cream cheese mixture over the crust. 

Add the cherry pie filling in an even layer.  Top with the other tub of Cool Whip.  Garnish with chopped walnuts if desired.

Cover and chill for at least 2 hours or overnight.

*I have one daughter who does not like nuts so I didn't use them in the crust or on the top.