Crust: – 25 OREO cookies (regular or double-stuffed), crushed – 5 Tbsp. butter, melted Filling: – 16 oz. (2 - 8 oz. blocks) cream cheese, room temperature – 1 c. powdered sugar – 1 tsp. vanilla – 1/2 tsp. almond extract – 1 (8 oz.) container, frozen whipped topping, thawed – 1 c. chopped maraschino cherries Topping: – 16 marischino cherries, with stems – 2 oz. (1/2 of a 4 oz. baking bar), bittersweet chocolate, melted
With a hand or stand mixer, cream together the cream cheese and powdered sugar and mix until creamy and slightly fluffy. Add the vanilla and almond extract and mix. Gradually add in the thawed whipped topping. Fold in the chopped cherries, and mix together.