Easy-Time Dessert
A delightful, easy-to-make dessert featuring a buttery cake base topped with cherry pie filling and a dusting of confectioners sugar. Its sweet, tart flavors and moist texture make it perfect for family gatherings or casual get-togethers, offering a comforting treat that combines simplicity with deliciousness.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Gradually add sugar to butter in a large mixer bowl, creaming at medium speed until light and fluffy.
- At medium speed, add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- At low speed, add flour and lemon extract to the mixture.
- Pour the batter into a well-greased 15 x 10 x 1-inch jelly roll pan.
- Mark off the batter into 20 squares.
- Place one heaping tablespoonful of cherry pie filling in the center of each square.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 to 50 minutes.
- While warm, sift confectioners sugar over the cake.
- Cool completely, then cut into squares and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, you can replace half of the butter with unsweetened applesauce. Ensure the cherry pie filling is evenly distributed to avoid sogginess. If you want a different flavor, try using almond extract instead of lemon. This dessert can also be enhanced with the addition of fresh fruit like strawberries or blueberries for a fresh twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these squares as a delightful dessert after dinner or at gatherings. They pair wonderfully with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. For a fun twist, serve them alongside a fruit salad or your favorite American recipes like Dumplings For Soup. Dust with extra confectioners sugar just before serving for a beautiful presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, place individual squares in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or enjoy them cold. If you prefer, you can also lightly warm them in the oven at a low temperature.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy-Time Dessert contains roughly 209 calories, with 2g protein, 48g carbohydrates, and 1g 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 a different fruit filling?
Absolutely! While cherry pie filling works beautifully, you can substitute it with other fruit fillings like blueberry or apple. Just ensure the consistency matches that of cherry pie filling to maintain the dessert's structure.
What if I don't have a jelly roll pan?
If you don't have a jelly roll pan, you can use a regular baking sheet or a 9x13-inch pan. Just adjust the baking time as necessary, checking for doneness with a toothpick.
Can I prepare the batter in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the batter a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before pouring it into the pan and adding the cherry filling. This can save you time on the day you plan to serve it.
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).