Cherry-Pecan Dessert
A delightful cherry and pecan dessert featuring tart red cherries, cinnamon, and almond flavoring, perfect for gatherings or a sweet treat anytime.
Ingredients
- 16 oz. can pitted tart red cherries (water pack)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda ⓘ
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon margarine or butter, melted ⓘ
- 1/4 cup sugar ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 2 drops almond extract ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract ⓘ
Instructions
- Drain cherries, reserving liquid.
- Add enough water to cherry liquid to equal 1 cup; set aside.
- In a bowl, combine flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
- Combine cherries and 2 tablespoons of the dry ingredients.
- Beat egg until thick and lemon colored.
- Gradually add 1 cup sugar.
- Beat for 5 minutes.
- Stir in remaining dry ingredients until combined.
- Stir in 1 tablespoon melted margarine and almond extract.
- Stir in cherry mixture.
- Transfer to a greased 9 x 9 x 2-inch baking pan.
- Top with pecans.
- Bake in 325°F oven for 45 to 50 minutes or until golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Ensure to adjust the baking time as needed. You can also swap out the pecans for walnuts or omit them entirely if there are nut allergies. Experimenting with different extracts, like vanilla, can enhance the flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent treat. It’s a delightful pairing with coffee or tea, making it a perfect after-dinner dessert. To elevate the experience, consider serving it alongside Mushroom Bread Appetizers for a unique twist on your meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or warm in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until heated through. This dessert tastes great both warm and chilled.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cherry-Pecan Dessert contains roughly 215 calories, with 4g protein, 49g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (52% of the Daily Value) and calcium (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 736mg per serving (32% 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?
Absolutely! If using fresh cherries, pit and chop them, then toss them with a little sugar to enhance sweetness. You may need to adjust the liquid content slightly since fresh cherries have more juice than canned varieties.
What can I substitute for margarine?
You can easily substitute margarine with unsalted butter for a richer flavor. Coconut oil or even vegetable oil can also work well if you're looking for a dairy-free option. Adjust the quantity accordingly, as different fats can have varying moisture content.
How do I know when the dessert is done baking?
The dessert is done when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes of baking to avoid overcooking, which can dry it out.
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).