Easy Cherry Pudding
A warm, gooey cherry pudding with a tender cake-like base and sweet cherry topping, perfect for dessert or a cozy family treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a 9-inch square pan, melt the margarine or butter.
- In a bowl, combine sugar, flour, baking powder, and milk.
- Mix until well blended.
- Pour the batter over the melted butter without stirring.
- Drain the cherries and pour them over the batter without stirring.
- Sprinkle the sugar over the cherries without stirring.
- Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting butter for margarine, or using almond milk instead of regular milk for a hint of nuttiness. If you prefer a less sweet dessert, reduce the sugar by 1/4 cup. Feel free to experiment with different fruits, such as blueberries or raspberries, to create your own twist on this classic cherry pudding. Make sure to drain the cherries well to avoid excess moisture in the pudding.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful contrast to the tart cherries. This pudding also pairs beautifully with a drizzle of Where Is The Fat? Chocolate Sauce(Low-Calorie, Low-Fat) for an indulgent treat. Consider adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to enhance the flavor profile, and enjoy this dessert as a sweet ending to a family meal or holiday gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for about 30 seconds or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat the entire dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Cherry Pudding contains roughly 331 calories, with 6g protein, 51g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is a good source of iron (18% of the Daily Value), calcium (18% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (16% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 794mg per serving (35% 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?
Yes, you can use fresh cherries, but you will need to pit and possibly sweeten them slightly, depending on their tartness. Fresh cherries will add a vibrant flavor and texture to the pudding. Just make sure to adjust the baking time if needed, as fresh fruit may release more moisture.
Is it possible to make this pudding gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make this cherry pudding gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check that your baking powder is gluten-free as well. The texture may vary slightly but should still yield a delicious dessert.
Can I prepare the batter ahead of time?
While it’s best to bake the pudding fresh for optimal texture, you can prepare the batter in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just give it a good stir before pouring it into the pan and adding the cherries. However, avoid pouring the cherries on top until you're ready to bake to prevent them from releasing too much moisture.
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).