Cherry Cheesecake Trifle

Ingredients:

18 graham crackers

1/2 cup butter, softened

1/2 cup sugar

2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese

1/2 cup sugar

2 (4 ounce) packages vanilla instant pudding

1 cup milk

2 teaspoons grated lemon zest

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup cool whip from 12 ounce container

1 pound can cherry pie filling

1/4 teaspoon almond extract

Remainder of 12 container of cool whip

Directions:

In food processor, combine graham crackers, butter and sugar until crumbly. Set aside.  In large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, pudding, milk, lemon zest and vanilla extract on low until well blended and fluffy. Stir in 1/2 cup Cool Whip. Set aside.  Mix almond extract into cherry pie filling. Set aside.  In trifle bowl, or decorative serving bowl, cover bottom with graham cracker mixture. Next spread a layer of cream cheese mixture over graham crackers. Spread a layer of cherry pie filling over cream cheese mixture, top with Cool Whip. Repeat layers starting with graham cracker mixture and ending with Cool Whip on top. Chill for several hours before serving.