Cherry Or Strawberry Crunch
A luscious layered dessert combining fruity pie filling, pineapple, and a crunchy topping, perfect for gatherings or family treats with sweet, tart, and buttery flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put pie filling in the bottom of an 8 x 12-inch oblong dish or pan and smooth out.
- Add pineapple on top of the filling, then sprinkle sugar over the pineapple.
- Spread dry cake mix evenly on top of the pineapple and pie filling.
- Pour melted margarine over the dry cake mix.
- Sprinkle chopped pecans on top.
- Bake for 45 minutes at 350°F or until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, try using fresh strawberries instead of cherry pie filling for a lighter flavor. Ensure the margarine is fully melted before pouring it over the cake mix for even coverage. If you prefer a crunchier topping, consider adding a sprinkle of rolled oats to the pecans. Also, a dash of cinnamon can enhance the sweetness beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Cherry or Strawberry Crunch warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for added richness. It pairs wonderfully with Helen'S Salad Dressing for a lighter meal option. For gatherings, consider serving it alongside Easy, Delicious Baked Chicken for a satisfying spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds, or pop the whole dish back in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cherry Or Strawberry Crunch contains roughly 1064 calories, with 3g protein, 26g carbohydrates, and 109g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (15% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (14% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 4g 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 a different type of fruit filling?
Absolutely! This recipe is versatile, allowing you to use any fruit pie filling you prefer, such as blueberry or apple. Just keep in mind that different fruits may alter the sweetness, so adjust the sugar accordingly.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the yellow cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix. Additionally, ensure that the other ingredients, like pie filling and pecans, are certified gluten-free to keep the entire dish safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
You can prepare the layers ahead of time by assembling everything in the baking dish and covering it with plastic wrap. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking it 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).