Cherry Nut Crunch
Cherry Nut Crunch is a warm, fruity dessert with crunchy nuts and buttery topping, perfect for family gatherings or casual get-togethers, offering comfort and sweet flavor.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Spread cherry pie filling evenly in the bottom of a casserole dish.
- Sprinkle yellow cake mix over the cherry filling without mixing.
- Distribute nuts over the cake mix layer.
- Dot with cut-up butter evenly over the top.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) until golden brown, about 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider mixing in a teaspoon of vanilla extract or almond extract with the cherry filling. If you're out of yellow cake mix, a vanilla or butter cake mix works well as a substitute. To make this a bit healthier, you can use less butter or substitute with applesauce. Chopped dark chocolate can also be sprinkled for a richer taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on top for a delightful dessert experience. This dish pairs beautifully with Tasty Coconut Pie for a sweet spread at gatherings. Consider serving it alongside coffee or tea for a comforting afternoon treat.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for about 30 seconds, but this may result in a softer texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cherry Nut Crunch contains roughly 719 calories, with 8g protein, 60g carbohydrates, and 52g fat. It is a good source of protein (16% of the Daily Value) and potassium (15% 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 cherry pie filling?
Yes, you can use fresh cherries, but you'll need to cook them down with sugar and cornstarch to create a similar consistency to pie filling. This will enhance the flavor and give a fresher taste to your dish.
What type of nuts can I use in this recipe?
Pecans and walnuts are excellent choices, but you can also try almonds or hazelnuts for a different flavor profile. Just make sure to chop them roughly for even distribution in the dish.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the layers and assemble the dish a day in advance. Cover it tightly and refrigerate. Just bake it when you're ready to serve, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
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).