Oklahoma Cherry Surprise
A delightful layered dessert featuring a pecan crust, creamy cheese filling, and cherry topping, perfect for gatherings and those who enjoy sweet, nutty flavors with a fruity twist.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt the oleo (butter).
- Mix flour, sugar, and finely chopped pecans and press into a 13 x 9-inch pan to form the crust.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes.
- Allow the crust to cool completely.
- In a bowl, beat together cream cheese, powdered sugar, and Cool Whip until smooth.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled crust.
- Top the spread with cherry pie filling.
- Chill the dessert before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, you can substitute the oleo with unsalted butter. If you prefer a nut-free version, replace pecans with crushed graham crackers. To ensure the crust is perfectly crisp, let it cool completely before adding the cream cheese mixture. If you want to elevate the dessert, try adding a splash of vanilla extract to the cream cheese filling.
Serving Suggestions
Slice the Oklahoma Cherry Surprise into squares and serve chilled as a delightful dessert at gatherings or potlucks. It pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added creaminess. Consider serving alongside coffee or tea for a perfect afternoon treat, or alongside other sweet offerings like Cherry-Pecan Dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It's best served cold, so there's no need to reheat. If you find the dessert has become too soft, a quick chill in the freezer for 10-15 minutes can help firm it up before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Oklahoma Cherry Surprise contains roughly 841 calories, with 16g protein, 90g carbohydrates, and 49g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (33% of the Daily Value), protein (32% of the Daily Value), and iron (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. It also contributes 9g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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. Simply cook them down with sugar and a bit of cornstarch to create a homemade cherry topping. This will add a fresh and vibrant flavor to your dessert, making it even more special.
How can I make this dessert gluten-free?
To make the Oklahoma Cherry Surprise gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to check that the other ingredients, such as the Cool Whip and cherry pie filling, are also gluten-free for a safe and delicious dessert.
Can I prepare this dessert in advance?
Absolutely! This dessert can be made a day ahead. Just prepare it as directed and store it covered in the refrigerator. Allowing it to chill overnight will help the flavors meld together beautifully, making it an ideal make-ahead treat.
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).