Pimento Cheese Dessert
A creamy, colorful dessert blending pimento cheese with sweet mandarin oranges and marshmallows, finished with Cool Whip and nuts. Perfect for parties and casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix the pimento cheese spread and orange juice together until well combined.
- Add the miniature marshmallows and stir until evenly incorporated.
- Cut the mandarin oranges into small pieces and add them to the mixture.
- Let the mixture sit for a few minutes until it thickens.
- Fold in the Cool Whip gently until fully combined.
- Add nuts to the mixture and stir well.
- Pour the mixture into a long baking dish and refrigerate until firm.
Tips & Substitutions
For added texture and flavor, consider mixing in chopped pecans or walnuts along with the nuts. If you prefer a sweeter dessert, you can substitute the pimento cheese spread with a sweeter cheese spread. Since this recipe requires Cool Whip, you can also use homemade whipped cream as a substitute for a fresher taste. This dessert pairs beautifully with Fuzzy Navel Freeze.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this unique dessert chilled, garnished with additional mandarin orange slices or a sprinkle of nuts on top for presentation. It can be a fun addition to potlucks or as a light summer dessert. For a complete meal, consider pairing it with savory dishes or browse more American recipes for complementary sides.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld as it sits. If you need to reheat it, avoid using a microwave, as this dish is best served chilled. Instead, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pimento Cheese Dessert contains roughly 850 calories, with 22g protein, 85g carbohydrates, and 50g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (45% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (41% of the Daily Value), and calcium (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 594mg 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 make this dessert ahead of time?
Yes, this pimento cheese dessert can be made a day in advance. Just prepare it as instructed and store it in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to develop more fully, enhancing the overall taste when served.
Is there a non-dairy option for this recipe?
While pimento cheese spread typically contains dairy, you can look for dairy-free alternatives made from cashew or almond cheese. For the Cool Whip, consider using a coconut whipped cream to maintain the light and fluffy texture without dairy.
What can I use instead of miniature marshmallows?
If you prefer a healthier option, you can substitute miniature marshmallows with diced fresh fruit like bananas or strawberries for added natural sweetness and flavor. Alternatively, consider using yogurt-covered raisins for a similar texture.
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).