Apple Surprise Shurdel
Apple Surprise Shurdel combines tender sliced pears, sweet apple pie filling, and a buttery cake topping for a comforting dessert. Topped with pecans and a hint of ginger, it offers warm, fruity flavors perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights. An easy-to-make treat that impresses with its layered textures.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pour the can of sliced pears (with juice) into a baking pan.
- Spread the apple pie filling evenly over the pears.
- Pour the Duncan Hines butter cake mix over the fruit layer and sprinkle ginger on top.
- Cut the sticks of butter into small pieces and cover the top evenly with them.
- Sprinkle pecans over the butter layer.
- Bake at 350°F for 55 to 60 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider mixing in some cinnamon with the cake mix or adding a pinch of nutmeg to the fruit layer. If you don't have pecans, walnuts or almonds can serve as a delicious substitute. Ensure the butter is evenly distributed to create a rich topping. For a twist, you could use a spice cake mix instead of butter cake to enhance the flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for a delightful contrast. This dessert pairs beautifully with Southern Fried Apples, creating a cozy, comforting meal. Consider a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra touch of sweetness, or serve alongside a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for about 30-45 seconds or until warm. Alternatively, you can reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to maintain the crispness of the top layer.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Apple Surprise Shurdel contains roughly 597 calories, with 5g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 61g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (18% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 apples instead of apple pie filling?
Yes, you can use fresh apples! Just slice and cook them down with sugar, cinnamon, and a bit of lemon juice until tender before layering them over the pears. This will give a fresher taste and make the dessert even more homemade.
What if I want to make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this Apple Surprise Shurdel gluten-free, use a gluten-free cake mix available at most grocery stores. Just ensure that all other ingredients, including the canned fillings, are also gluten-free to accommodate dietary restrictions.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the ingredients and refrigerate the unbaked dish for up to 24 hours. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge to ensure it heats through completely.
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).