Quick Cherry Delight
A quick and creamy cherry delight with marshmallows and pecans, perfect for a light dessert or potluck treat that combines sweet, tart, and crunchy flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl.
- Mix until well blended.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using a reduced-fat Cool Whip or substituting Greek yogurt for some of the Cool Whip. If you don't have pecans, walnuts or almonds work well as alternatives. Be sure to drain the crushed pineapple thoroughly to prevent the dessert from becoming too watery. This Quick Cherry Delight can be made a day in advance for flavors to meld.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this delightful dessert in individual cups or bowls for a fun presentation. It pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a festive touch, garnish with fresh cherries or mint leaves. This dish makes a perfect addition to summer potlucks or holiday gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The dessert is best enjoyed cold, so there's no need to reheat it. Just give it a quick stir before serving again to refresh its texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Quick Cherry Delight contains roughly 1471 calories, with 21g protein, 156g carbohydrates, and 91g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (109% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (61% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (60% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 649mg per serving (28% 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 fresh cherries instead of cherry pie filling?
Yes, you can use fresh or frozen cherries, but you will need to cook them down with some sugar and cornstarch to create a thick syrup-like consistency similar to cherry pie filling. This will enhance the flavor and texture of the Quick Cherry Delight.
Is this dessert suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Quick Cherry Delight is suitable for vegetarians as it contains no meat or animal-derived ingredients. However, always check the Cool Whip label for any potential additives that may not align with specific dietary preferences.
Can I make this dessert gluten-free?
Absolutely! All the ingredients in this Quick Cherry Delight are naturally gluten-free. Just ensure that the miniature marshmallows are certified gluten-free, as some brands may contain gluten as a filler.
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).