Now And Later Dessert
A layered no-bake dessert featuring pound cake, creamy filling, cherry pie filling, and whipped topping, perfect for parties and potlucks with a sweet, fruity flavor profile.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Line the bottom of a 13 x 9-inch baking pan with sliced pound cake.
- Mix cream cheese and 1/4 cup sugar, a dash of almond extract, and enough milk to reach a whipped topping consistency; set aside.
- Mix vanilla instant pudding with remaining milk; then add the cream cheese mixture and spread over the pound cake layer.
- Mix cherry pie filling with 1/4 cup sugar; spread over the cream cheese mixture.
- Top with whipped topping or Cool Whip.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using reduced-fat cream cheese and sugar substitutes. You can also swap almond extract for vanilla if desired. Make sure to allow the dessert to chill for at least a few hours before serving to let the flavors meld. If you're short on time, pre-made whipped topping can be used instead of making your own.
Serving Suggestions
This dessert pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence. For a festive touch, consider garnishing with fresh cherries or slivers of almonds on top. It’s a delightful end to any meal, especially during gatherings or potlucks.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If the dessert becomes too soft, you can re-chill it before serving. Avoid freezing, as the texture may change and become watery upon thawing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Now And Later Dessert contains roughly 684 calories, with 20g protein, 89g carbohydrates, and 31g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (39% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (37% of the Daily Value), and calcium (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 769mg per serving (33% 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 flavor of pudding for this recipe?
Absolutely! While vanilla pudding is traditional, you could experiment with chocolate or butterscotch pudding to create a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that it will alter the overall taste of the dessert.
How can I make this dessert gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, ensure the pound cake is made with gluten-free ingredients. You can also find gluten-free instant pudding mixes. Just double-check the labels to avoid any gluten-containing additives.
Is it possible to make this dessert ahead of time?
Yes, this dessert can be made a day in advance. Just prepare it up to the point of adding whipped topping, cover it well, and refrigerate. Add the topping just before serving to keep it fresh and fluffy.
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).