Microwave Dessert
A quick, comforting microwave dessert with fruity filling, cinnamon-spiced topping, crunchy nuts, and a moist cake-like texture, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings swiftly.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine dry cake mix, chopped nuts, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl.
- Pour cherry pie filling into an 8-inch glass baking dish and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle the dry mixture over the fruit filling.
- Drizzle melted margarine over the top.
- Cook on high for 12 to 14 minutes or until the top is no longer doughy.
- Rotate the dish every 4 minutes if your microwave does not have a carousel.
- Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a nut-free version, you can omit the chopped nuts or substitute with rolled oats for added texture. If you don’t have brown sugar, you can use granulated sugar mixed with a little molasses. For a more decadent flavor, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract to the cherry pie filling. This dessert is quick and easy, perfect for a last-minute treat.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dessert warm, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or a chilled dessert wine. For a fun twist, try serving it alongside Aunt Carolyn'S Wacky Cake for a dessert spread that will please any crowd.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave individual portions for 30-60 seconds, or until warmed through. You can also enjoy it cold as a refreshing dessert. Pairing it with whipped cream can enhance the flavors when served cold.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Microwave Dessert contains roughly 446 calories, with 11g protein, 79g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 604mg per serving (26% 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 fruit filling instead of cherry?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute with other fruit fillings like blueberry, apple, or peach. Each will bring its own unique flavor and sweetness to the dessert, making it versatile and fun to customize based on your preference.
Is it possible to make this dessert vegan?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to be vegan by using a vegan cake mix and substituting the melted margarine with a plant-based butter or coconut oil. Ensure that the cherry pie filling does not contain any animal products as well.
What if my microwave doesn't cook evenly?
If your microwave lacks a carousel, rotating the dish every 4 minutes, as mentioned, is critical. You may also want to check for doneness in multiple spots. If it seems undercooked, give it additional time in small increments until the top is set and no longer doughy.
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).