Cherry Cheese Dessert
A creamy cherry cheese dessert featuring a pecan crust, topped with sweet cherry pie filling and fluffy whipped topping, perfect for gatherings and sweet cravings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix oleo, flour, chopped pecans, and sugar.
- Press the mixture into a 9 x 13-inch pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes.
- Cool completely.
- In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until creamy.
- Fold in Cool Whip.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture over the cooled crust.
- Top with cherry pie filling.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter instead of oleo. You can also substitute the pecans with walnuts or almonds if you prefer. Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature for easier mixing. If you want to make it a bit healthier, use a light version of Cool Whip. This dessert is reminiscent of Aunt Jill's Muffins in its creamy and fruity flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
This Cherry Cheese Dessert is delightful on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence. Consider serving it with coffee or tea for a lovely afternoon treat. For a festive touch, garnish with fresh cherries or mint leaves to enhance presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cherry topping may release some juice, so it’s best to serve it chilled. If you want to enjoy it warm, consider microwaving individual portions for about 15-20 seconds, just until the cream cheese layer is slightly soft.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cherry Cheese Dessert contains roughly 1071 calories, with 16g protein, 104g carbohydrates, and 54g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (47% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (41% of the Daily Value), and protein (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin A. It also contributes 13g 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 make this dessert ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this dessert a day in advance. Just be sure to store it in the refrigerator to keep it fresh. The flavors will meld beautifully overnight, making it even more delicious when served the next day.
Can I use a different type of fruit topping?
Absolutely! You can substitute the cherry pie filling with other fruit toppings like blueberry or strawberry, depending on your preference. Just ensure the fruit is sweetened adequately to balance with the cream cheese layer.
Is this dessert suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Yes, this Cherry Cheese Dessert is suitable for vegetarian diets as it contains no meat or meat by-products. Just double-check the ingredients of the Cool Whip and cream cheese to ensure they meet your dietary requirements.
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).