Just Good (Cherry Dessert)
A creamy cherry dessert with a buttery crust, topped with cherry pie filling, perfect for gatherings and satisfying sweet cravings with a rich, nutty flavor.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix margarine, flour, sugar, nuts, and salt together to form the crust mixture.
- Press the mixture into a 9x13-inch pan or two 8x2-inch pans.
- Bake at 375°F for 15 minutes until golden.
- Prepare 2 envelopes of Dream Whip according to package directions.
- Mix the prepared Dream Whip with softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture over the baked crust.
- Top with cherry pie filling.
- Refrigerate until chilled and set before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting half of the margarine with butter. If you don’t have Dream Whip, you can use whipped cream instead, but be mindful of the consistency. Ensure the cream cheese is softened well for easy mixing. Adding a splash of vanilla extract can enhance the flavor profile even further.
Serving Suggestions
This dessert is best served chilled, making it a perfect summer treat. Consider pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence. For a delightful contrast, serve alongside a slice of Chocolate-Raspberry Pound Cake to offer a variety of flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing the crust separately from the cream cheese layer and cherry topping. To reheat, allow it to come to room temperature or lightly chill before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Just Good (Cherry Dessert) contains roughly 504 calories, with 8g protein, 60g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1139mg per serving (50% 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 cherry pie filling?
Yes, you can use fresh cherries! Just pit and slice them, then cook them with a bit of sugar and cornstarch to thicken before topping the dessert. This will give your dish a delightful homemade touch.
Is it possible to make this dessert gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to check that the Dream Whip and cherry pie filling are also gluten-free to maintain the integrity of the dessert.
How can I make this dessert more festive for a holiday gathering?
To add a festive touch, consider garnishing with fresh mint leaves or adding a sprinkle of crushed nuts on top. You could also use colored sprinkles or edible glitter to make it more visually appealing for celebrations.
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).