Cherry Nut Dessert
A delightful cherry nut dessert featuring tart cherry filling, moist cake topping, and crunchy nuts, perfect for family gatherings or casual get-togethers with a sweet tooth.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9 x 13-inch pan.
- Spread cherry pie filling evenly over the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the cherries.
- Drizzle melted margarine over the cake mix.
- Sprinkle chopped salted mixed nuts over the top.
- Bake for at least 1 hour or until bubbly and golden.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, use high-quality sour cherry pie filling for a richer flavor. If you're looking for a lighter option, substitute the white cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix. You can also replace the mixed nuts with your favorite nuts or seeds for a different texture. Consider adding a pinch of cinnamon to the cake mix for added warmth. This dessert is a great way to use leftover fruit from making American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Cherry Nut Dessert warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast. It pairs beautifully with Orange Creamsicle Fluff for a fun dessert spread. You can also add a drizzle of chocolate sauce or a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top for extra flair. This dish is perfect for potlucks or family gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm individual portions in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or place the entire dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. This dessert can also be enjoyed cold.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cherry Nut Dessert contains roughly 334 calories, with 4g protein, 48g carbohydrates, and 15g fat.
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 pie filling?
Yes, you can use fresh cherries; simply pit and slice them, then mix with sugar and a bit of cornstarch to thicken before layering them in the pan. This will give your dessert a vibrant, fresh flavor.
How do I know when the dessert is done baking?
The dessert is done when the top is golden brown and bubbly around the edges. You can also insert a toothpick into the cake mix layer; if it comes out clean, it's ready to be taken out of the oven.
Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dessert a day in advance and bake it right before serving. Just be sure to store it covered in the refrigerator until you're ready to bake, and add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it's chilled.
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).