Cherry-Coconut Dessert
A delightful cherry-coconut dessert featuring a tender cake base topped with cherry pie filling and shredded coconut, perfect for family gatherings or casual get-togethers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine the cake mix and softened margarine, beating well.
- Reserve 1/2 cup of the cake mixture.
- Press the remaining mixture into a 13 x 9-inch baking dish to form a crust.
- Spread cherry pie filling evenly over the crust.
- Sprinkle shredded coconut over the cherry filling.
- Sprinkle the reserved cake mixture over the coconut layer.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) until light brown, about 25 minutes.
- Cool completely and cut into squares.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting half of the margarine with coconut oil. If you prefer a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free cake mix instead. Ensure the cherry pie filling is well distributed to avoid dry spots in the dessert. You can also add a splash of vanilla extract to the cake mix for extra depth.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Cherry-Coconut Dessert chilled or at room temperature. It pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for added richness. For a festive touch, garnish with fresh cherries or a sprinkle of toasted coconut. This dessert is perfect for picnics or as part of a dessert spread with Ethel'S Sweet Relish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, place individual squares in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cherry-Coconut Dessert contains roughly 395 calories, with 1g protein, 13g carbohydrates, and 39g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (11% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 3g 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 instead of 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 achieve a similar consistency as cherry pie filling. This will enhance the flavor and keep the dessert moist.
Is it possible to make this dessert vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute the margarine with a vegan butter alternative and use a vegan cake mix. Ensure the cherry pie filling and coconut are also vegan-friendly. This way, you can enjoy a delicious vegan version of this dessert.
How can I make the coconut layer more pronounced?
To enhance the coconut flavor, add a mix of sweetened and unsweetened coconut flakes. You can also fold some coconut extract into the reserved cake mixture before sprinkling it on top. This will give your dessert a more intense coconut taste.
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).