Quick Cherry Dessert
A quick and easy cherry dessert with a delicious combination of cherry pie filling, applesauce, and yellow cake mix, topped with cinnamon and nuts or coconut. Microwave-ready and perfect for a quick sweet treat, it appeals to those craving a warm, bubbly fruit dessert in minutes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine cherry pie filling and applesauce in an 8-inch glass baking dish; mix well and spread evenly in the dish.
- Sprinkle with dry yellow cake mix, then with cinnamon and chopped nuts or coconut.
- Microwave oleo on High in the glass dish until melted.
- Drizzle the melted oleo over the cake mixture.
- Microwave the dessert, uncovered, on High for 12 to 13 minutes or until bubbly throughout, rotating the dish 2 or 3 times.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using sugar-free cherry pie filling and a low-fat cake mix. You can also swap the oleo for coconut oil for a slight flavor twist. If you want to add a bit more texture, try mixing in some oats with the dry cake mix. This dessert is quick and easy, perfect for last-minute gatherings!
Serving Suggestions
Serve this delightful dessert warm, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence. It pairs beautifully with a side of Pea Salad for a refreshing contrast. You could also serve it at a potluck or picnic as a sweet treat that everyone will love.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave in short intervals until warmed through, taking care not to overcook as it can lose its texture. Enjoy it warm for the best experience.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Quick Cherry Dessert contains roughly 335 calories, with 3g protein, 47g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is a good source of calcium (10% 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'll need to add some sugar and possibly a thickener like cornstarch to mimic the sweetness and consistency of pie filling. Cook the cherries down a bit before mixing them with the applesauce.
Is there a gluten-free option for this dessert?
Absolutely! Substitute the yellow cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix. Make sure to check that all other ingredients, like the cherry pie filling and applesauce, are gluten-free as well for a completely gluten-free dessert.
Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
While this dessert is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the layers in advance and store them separately. Just assemble and microwave when you're ready to serve. This way, you can enjoy a quick dessert without the hassle of prep time.
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).