Holidays are a great time to enjoy a special treat. Just because you eat a real food diet, does not mean you can’t have a dessert here and there.

Should you Avoid Dessert?

I try to keep our sweets to a minimum, especially during the winter when sickness is going around.

But I do let my kids pick a treat when we are at a party. We just don’t make it a habit at home.

No-Bake Cheesecake Dessert

This cherry (or blueberry – my personal favorite) jubilee has been one of my favorites for many, many years. It’s sort of like no-bake cheesecake. But way better than something you’d get out of a box mix.

It’s a recipe I got from my mom. She got it from her mom. I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone that doesn’t like it.

Cherry jubilee is a super simple dessert. No baking required. I made it in less than 20 min. while I was making lunch! Gotta love that.

Prep-Ahead Party Dessert

You can prepare cherry jubilee in advance. I like to do it the day before a party. But before I even make the full dessert I make gluten-free graham crackers to use in the crust. If you’ve never tried a homemade graham cracker, you need to.

Try this simple, prep-ahead dessert for your next holiday gathering or church potluck. Just make sure you get a piece, because there probably won’t be any leftovers!

Cherry (or blueberry) Jubilee

Ingredients:

3 cups graham cracker crumbs (crush in food processor)
1 stick melted butter
2 Tbsp. organic cane sugar or sucanat

1 pkg. (8 oz.) cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
2 cups whipped cream OR 1 pkg. dream whip, prepared as directed

1 can cherry or blueberry pie filling OR 2 cups fresh fruit

Instructions:

1. Mix the graham cracker crumbs, butter and sugar. Press into a 9×13-inch pan.
2. Mix cream cheese, powdered sugar and whipped cream with a mixer until well-combined. Spread over the crust.
3. Top with fruit. Refrigerate.
4. Serve cold. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.