A Rich, Fruity, No-Bake Dessert That Comes Together in Layers of Flavor and Texture

Looking for a show-stopping dessert that’s incredibly easy to make and full of deep chocolate and vibrant cherry flavor? The Chocolate Cherry Delight in a Jar is your answer. Whether you’re celebrating something special or just want a weeknight treat, this dessert combines velvety whipped cherry cream, juicy fresh cherries, and a chocolate cookie crumble that adds the perfect crunch.

Best of all? It’s customizable, no-bake, and can be made ahead.

Why You’ll Love It

  • Gluten-Free & Vegan-Friendly: No eggs, no dairy, and gluten-free options for everyone to enjoy.

  • Textural Bliss: Soft cream, juicy cherries, and crunchy cookie crumble in every spoonful.

  • No-Bake Convenience: No oven time—just a food processor and some jars!

  • Beautiful Presentation: Perfect for parties, gifting, or a fancy-feeling treat at home.

Ingredients

🍫 Chocolate Cookie Crumble

From Scratch:

  • 1/4 cup (45 g) dark chocolate

  • 1/3 cup (35 g) gluten-free rolled oats

  • 1/4 cup (40 g) nuts/seeds (cashews, walnuts, or more oats)

  • 1–2 tbsp maple syrup

  • 1–2 tbsp almond or cashew butter (or coconut oil)

  • Pinch of salt

From Store-Bought Cookies:

  • 4 gluten-free digestive biscuits or graham crackers

  • 1/4 cup (45 g) dark chocolate

  • 1–2 tbsp maple syrup

  • 1–2 tbsp almond or cashew butter (or coconut oil)

  • Pinch of salt (optional)

🍒 Cherry Cream:

  • 2 cups vegan whipped cream

  • 1/4 cup cherry marmalade or jam

🍒 Other Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup fresh cherries (chopped, with some left whole for topping)

  • Dark chocolate for decoration (shaved or curled)

Equipment Needed

  • Food processor

  • Mixing bowl

  • Small jars or dessert glasses

  • Spoon or piping bag for cream

  • Grater or peeler for chocolate curls (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1️⃣ Make the Chocolate Cookie Crumble

Option A – From Scratch:

  1. In a food processor, combine dark chocolate, oats, nuts or seeds, maple syrup, nut butter, and a pinch of salt.

  2. Pulse until you get a coarse crumble. Adjust the texture with more syrup or nut butter as needed.

Option B – With Cookies:

  1. Crush the gluten-free cookies in the processor or a ziplock bag.

  2. Melt the chocolate and mix with crushed cookies, maple syrup, nut butter, and salt if needed.

Tip: Want a firmer crunch? Use less syrup or nut butter. Prefer a softer texture? Add a little more.

2️⃣ Whip the Cherry Cream

  1. In a mixing bowl, fold together the vegan whipped cream and cherry marmalade or jam until evenly combined.

  2. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.

3️⃣ Prep the Cherries

  1. Chop most of the fresh cherries, removing pits.

  2. Leave a few whole (with stems if possible) for garnish.

4️⃣ Layer the Jars

Start layering in clear jars or glasses:

  • Layer 1: A spoonful of chocolate cookie crumble.

  • Layer 2: Chopped cherries (add a small spoon of cherry jam here if you want an extra cherry punch).

  • Layer 3: A layer of cherry cream.

Repeat until the jar is full, ending with a smooth layer of cherry cream.

5️⃣ Final Touches

  1. Pipe a swirl of extra cherry cream on top.

  2. Garnish with a whole cherry and a sprinkle of dark chocolate curls or shavings.

Optional: Add a drizzle of melted dark chocolate or a sprig of mint for extra flair.

6️⃣ Chill Before Serving (Optional)

Pop the jars into the fridge for 30 minutes to firm up the layers and let the flavors meld.

Variations & Swaps

  • No cherries? Try raspberries or strawberries with a touch of lemon zest.

  • Want nut-free? Use seeds or extra oats instead of nuts in the crumble.

  • Dairy-friendly version? Use whipped cream or mascarpone mixed with cherry preserves.

  • Boozy twist? Soak cherries in Kirsch or amaretto for an adult version.

Make-Ahead Tips

  • Crumble and cherry cream can be prepped a day in advance.

  • Assemble the jars up to 12 hours ahead and store in the fridge—just add final toppings before serving.

Perfect For…

  • Dinner parties – Guests will love the presentation and flavors.

  • Picnics & potlucks – Just screw the lids on the jars for easy transport.

  • Gifting – Tie a ribbon around the jar and attach a tag for a thoughtful, homemade treat.

  • Weeknight indulgence – Treat yourself without turning on the oven.

Final Thoughts

The Chocolate Cherry Delight in a Jar brings together rich chocolate, fresh fruit, and luscious cream in a format that feels both decadent and playful. It’s proof that plant-based desserts can be exciting, beautiful, and absolutely satisfying.

✨ Whether you’re vegan, gluten-free, or just a dessert lover looking for something special, this one’s for you.

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🍒🍫 Happiness really does come in jars.

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