Ann'S Cherry Crunch
A rich cherry crunch dessert with a buttery nut crust, creamy topping, and sweet cherry filling, perfect for family gatherings or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix together butter, flour, and chopped pecan nuts.
- Pat the mixture over the bottom and sides of a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
- Bake at 300°F for 1 hour.
- Let the crust cool completely.
- Blend together softened cream cheese, Cool Whip, lemon juice, and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cooled crust.
- Top with cherry pie filling.
- Make the dessert a day in advance for best flavor.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crunchier crust, consider using unsalted butter and toasting the chopped pecans before mixing them in. You can substitute the cherry pie filling with blueberry or apple pie filling for a different flavor. If you want to reduce sugar, try using a sugar substitute in the cream cheese mixture, but be cautious as it may alter the texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Ann's Cherry Crunch chilled for the best flavor. It pairs beautifully with Baked Breaded Chicken as a hearty meal or can be enjoyed on its own as a refreshing dessert. Consider garnishing with mint leaves or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an elegant touch when serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. If the crust starts to get soggy, try placing it in the oven at a low temperature for a few minutes to crisp it back up before serving again. Always keep the dessert covered to maintain its freshness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ann'S Cherry Crunch contains roughly 487 calories, with 9g protein, 42g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned cherry pie filling?
Yes, you can use fresh cherries, but you'll need to cook them down with sugar and a bit of cornstarch to create a pie filling consistency. This will enhance the flavor and freshness of the dessert.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make Ann's Cherry Crunch gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that all other ingredients, especially the baking powder, are gluten-free as well.
Is there a way to make this dessert dairy-free?
Absolutely! You can use dairy-free cream cheese and whipped topping as alternatives. Additionally, replace the butter with a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil to accommodate a dairy-free diet.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).