Cherry Mess
A delicious layered dessert featuring cherries, pineapple, and a buttery cake topping, perfect for family gatherings or casual get-togethers with a sweet, fruity flavor.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and butter a 9 x 13-inch pan.
- Pour the cherries into the bottom of the prepared pan, then add the crushed pineapple on top.
- Sprinkle the dry white cake mix evenly over the fruit layer.
- Cut the butter into small pieces and distribute on top of the cake mix.
- Bake in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of almond extract to the fruit layer. If you want to reduce fat, substitute one stick of butter with unsweetened applesauce. You can also use a gluten-free cake mix for a gluten-free version. Make sure to evenly distribute the butter pieces for a more uniform bake.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on top for a delightful dessert. It pairs beautifully with Strawberry Ice Cream Punch for a refreshing beverage option. This dish also makes a great potluck item, so consider bringing it to your next gathering to share with friends and family.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place individual servings in the microwave for about 30 seconds or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can warm the entire dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cherry Mess contains roughly 447 calories, with 3g protein, 70g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is a good source of iron (11% of the Daily Value).
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?
Yes, you can use fresh cherries! Just make sure to pit and slice them before layering. Fresh fruit will add a vibrant flavor, but you might need to adjust the sweetness since canned cherries are often packed in syrup.
What can I do if the top doesn't brown?
If the top isn’t browning as desired, you can broil it for a few minutes at the end of baking. Just keep a close eye to avoid burning. Another tip is to ensure the butter is evenly distributed to help with browning.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the fridge before baking. Just be sure to bring it to room temperature before putting it in the oven to ensure even cooking.
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).