Cherry Nut Surprise
A delightful cherry and pineapple dessert with a crunchy nut topping, perfect for gatherings or family dinners, offering a sweet, tangy, and nutty flavor combination.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease the bottom of a 13 x 9-inch glass baking dish with butter.
- Mix the drained crushed pineapple and cherry pie filling together and pour into the prepared baking dish.
- Spread the dry yellow cake mix over the fruit mixture by handfuls.
- Sprinkle the walnut pieces evenly over the cake mix.
- Pour the melted butter over the top of the entire dish.
- Bake until golden brown, about 30 minutes.
- Serve warm or cold.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a splash of almond extract to the fruit mixture. If you don't have walnuts, pecans or almonds can be a great substitute. For a richer taste, try using butter-flavored cake mix instead of yellow. Make sure to spread the cake mix evenly to ensure even baking. This dessert is reminiscent of classic American recipes, perfect for gatherings.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on top for a delightful contrast. This dish pairs beautifully with a side of Stewed Chicken In Gravy for a comforting meal. It can also be enjoyed cold, making it a versatile dessert option for any occasion.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, place individual portions in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds, or reheat the entire dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. This ensures the topping stays crisp.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cherry Nut Surprise contains roughly 204 calories, with 1g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 16g 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 cherry pie filling?
Yes, you can substitute fresh or frozen cherries, but you'll need to add a bit of sugar and cornstarch to thicken the mixture. Adjust the sweetness based on the tartness of the cherries to ensure a balanced flavor in the dessert.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can use a gluten-free cake mix in place of the regular yellow cake mix. Just ensure that all other ingredients, such as the pie filling and pineapple, are also gluten-free to maintain the integrity of the dish.
Can I prepare this dessert ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the fruit mixture and layer it with the cake mix and walnuts ahead of time. Cover and refrigerate until ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight 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).