Layered Cherry Dessert
A delicious layered cherry dessert combining a buttery crust, creamy filling, vanilla pudding, and cherry topping, perfect for gatherings and satisfying a sweet tooth.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix flour and margarine until crumbly.
- Press the mixture into a 9 x 13-inch cake pan.
- Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes; let cool.
- In a mixer, combine 10x sugar, Cool Whip, and cream cheese until smooth.
- Pour the mixture over the cooled crust.
- Mix vanilla pudding with milk until thickened.
- Pour the vanilla pudding over the cream cheese layer.
- Top the dessert with cherry pie filling.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using reduced-fat cream cheese and sugar-free pudding. You can also substitute the Cherry pie filling with blueberry or strawberry for a different flavor profile. If you don’t have Cool Whip, homemade whipped cream can be used, but it may not hold its shape as well. Be sure to let the crust cool completely before adding the layers to avoid melting the cream cheese mixture.
Serving Suggestions
This dessert is best served chilled and can be garnished with fresh cherries or mint leaves for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with Chocolatey Velvet Ice Cream for a decadent treat. For a more complete meal, consider serving it after a hearty dish like Old Fashion Sweet Potato Pie for dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Avoid freezing the dessert, as the texture can change. To enjoy it again, simply serve it cold straight from the fridge. If you want a firmer texture, you can chill it for an hour before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Layered Cherry Dessert contains roughly 447 calories, with 6g protein, 55g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is a good source of iron (19% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (16% of the Daily Value), and protein (12% 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 a different type of pudding?
Yes, you can use any flavor of instant pudding you prefer, such as chocolate or butterscotch. Just keep in mind that the flavor will change the overall taste of the dessert, so choose one that complements the cherry topping.
How do I make this dessert gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that all other ingredients, especially the pudding mix, are certified gluten-free. This will maintain the same delicious layered effect without gluten.
Can I prepare this dessert in advance?
Absolutely! This dessert can be prepared a day ahead of time. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it an ideal option for potlucks or gatherings.
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).