Baked Cherry-Pineapple Dessert
A warm, fruity baked dessert featuring cherries and pineapple topped with cake mix and pecans, perfect for cozy gatherings and satisfying sweet cravings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain cherries and pineapple well.
- Place the drained fruit in a buttered 12 x 7 1/2 x 1 1/2-inch baking dish.
- Spread the dry cake mix evenly over the fruit.
- Sprinkle with broken pecans.
- Drizzle with melted butter.
- Bake at 350°F for 40 to 50 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
- Serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding a splash of almond extract to the fruit mixture. If you don’t have pecans, walnuts or slivered almonds can be great substitutes. For a twist, mix in some shredded coconut or chocolate chips for added richness. Ensure to drain the canned fruits well to prevent a soggy dessert, as excess liquid can affect the texture.
Serving Suggestions
This dessert is delightful when served warm, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for added creaminess. It pairs beautifully with Kristin'S Cupcakes for a sweet gathering or can be enjoyed alongside fresh fruit for a light finish. A drizzle of caramel sauce can also elevate the flavor profile.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for about 30 seconds or until warm. You can also reheat the entire dish in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, covering it with foil to prevent over-browning.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Cherry-Pineapple Dessert contains roughly 834 calories, with 6g protein, 52g carbohydrates, and 70g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (18% of the Daily Value), iron (13% of the Daily Value), and protein (12% 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 cherries and pineapple instead of canned?
Yes, you can definitely use fresh cherries and pineapple. Be sure to pit the cherries and chop the pineapple into small pieces. However, remember that using fresh fruits may require additional sugar to match the sweetness of canned fruits, so adjust to taste.
Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the fruit layer and cake mix topping ahead of time, store them separately in the fridge, and then assemble just before baking. This makes it a convenient option for gatherings or parties, allowing you to focus on other dishes like Company Vegetables.
What can I do if I don’t have a 12 x 7 1/2-inch baking dish?
If you don’t have the exact baking dish size, you can use a similarly sized dish, or even a 9 x 13-inch dish. The baking time may vary slightly, so keep an eye on it and bake until the top is golden brown and the fruit is bubbly.
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).