Grandma'S Dessert
A nostalgic layered dessert with fruity filling, cake topping, and crunchy pecans, perfect for family gatherings or casual entertaining with sweet, tart, and buttery flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix cherry pie filling and crushed pineapple in a 9 x 13-inch pan.
- Sprinkle cake mix evenly over the fruit mixture.
- Spread pecans on top of the cake mix.
- Dot with small pieces of butter.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a yellow cake mix instead of white. You can also enhance the fruit mixture by adding cinnamon or nutmeg. If you're short on time, substitute the homemade version with a store-bought cherry pie filling. To make it a bit healthier, try using low-sugar or no-sugar-added versions of the pie filling and crushed pineapple.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this delightful dessert warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for an extra treat. It pairs beautifully with Betty'S Pound Cake for a dessert buffet. For a festive touch, consider garnishing with fresh cherries or pineapple slices. This dish is perfect for family gatherings or potlucks.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 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 a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandma'S Dessert contains roughly 544 calories, with 12g protein, 79g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (25% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (22% of the Daily Value), and iron (21% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 550mg per serving (24% 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 fruit instead of canned?
While canned fruit provides convenience, you can use fresh cherries and pineapples, but be sure to adjust the sugar content accordingly. Fresh fruits may require a bit more cooking time to soften, so keep an eye on the baking process.
Is this dessert suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is suitable for vegetarians, as it contains no meat or animal-derived ingredients other than butter. For a dairy-free version, you can substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative.
Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the fruit mixture and layer the cake mix and pecans a day in advance. Cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to bake. Just remember that baking it fresh will yield the best texture.
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).