Sandy Freire'S Cherry Surprise
A delicious cherry and almond dessert with a crunchy cake topping, perfect for gatherings or casual family dinners, combining sweet cherry filling with toasted almonds.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Spread cherry pie filling in the bottom of a greased 9 x 12-inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle dry white cake mix evenly over the cherries.
- Top with slivered almonds.
- Pour melted butter evenly over the entire dish.
- Bake for 45 minutes in a 375°F oven, until nuts are browned.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, try using almond extract in place of some of the melted butter for enhanced flavor. If you don’t have slivered almonds, chopped walnuts or pecans work well too. Ensure the butter is evenly poured to prevent dry spots. For a lighter touch, consider substituting the white cake mix with a sugar-free version. This is a great option for those preferring vegetarian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for a delightful contrast to the tart cherries. It pairs beautifully with Yankee Salad for a balanced meal. Alternatively, enjoy it with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar to elevate the presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover the dish with foil and warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. This dessert tastes great warm or at room temperature.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sandy Freire'S Cherry Surprise contains roughly 789 calories, with 7g protein, 87g carbohydrates, and 48g fat. It is a good source of iron (15% of the Daily Value) and protein (14% 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 canned pie filling?
Yes, you can use fresh cherries! You'll need about 4 cups of pitted and halved cherries. Cook them down with a bit of sugar and cornstarch to create a similar filling consistency before adding them to the baking dish.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the white cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free. It will maintain the same delicious flavor while catering to gluten sensitivities.
How can I make this dessert more decadent?
For a richer experience, add chocolate chips on top of the cake mix before pouring the butter. You could also serve it with a drizzle of chocolate sauce or caramel for extra indulgence.
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).