Cherry Pineapple Crunch
Cherry Pineapple Crunch is a delightful dessert featuring layers of sweet cherry pie filling and crushed pineapple, topped with a buttery cake mix and crunchy pecans. Baked to golden perfection, it's a crowd-pleaser for family gatherings or casual get-togethers, offering a perfect balance of tart, sweet, and nutty flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spread cherry pie filling evenly in a 9 x 13 inch baking dish.
- Spread crushed pineapple over the cherry filling.
- Sprinkle yellow cake mix evenly over the fruit layers.
- Sprinkle chopped pecans on top of the cake mix.
- Drizzle melted margarine over the entire top.
- Bake for 45 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a delicious twist, consider adding a dash of almond extract to the cherry pie filling for enhanced flavor. If you don’t have pecans, walnuts or almonds can serve as great substitutes. Ensure you evenly distribute the cake mix to achieve a uniform crunch. This dessert is perfect for gatherings, similar to the festive touch of a Christmas Feast.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an indulgent treat. It pairs beautifully with a side of Sunset Salad for a refreshing contrast. This dish is perfect for potlucks or family gatherings, making it a great option alongside other American recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the microwave for about 30 seconds or until warm, or reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, covered with foil to prevent over-browning.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cherry Pineapple Crunch contains roughly 696 calories, with 7g protein, 44g carbohydrates, and 58g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. It also contributes 6g 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 fresh cherries instead of cherry pie filling?
Yes, you can use fresh cherries but you'll need to cook them down with sugar and a bit of cornstarch to create a filling consistency similar to pie filling. This will enhance the flavor and ensure the right texture in your Cherry Pineapple Crunch.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the yellow cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix. Ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free, and you'll have a delicious gluten-free version of Cherry Pineapple Crunch that everyone can enjoy.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the layers in advance and store them separately in the fridge. When ready to serve, assemble the layers and bake as directed. This makes it convenient for hosting, especially when paired with other desserts like Oatmeal Brownies for variety.
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).