Shauna'S Knock 'Em Dead
A creamy, fruity layered dessert featuring vanilla wafers, whipped cream, pineapple, and cherries, perfect for parties or family gatherings with a delightful crunch and sweetness.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place half of the vanilla wafers on the bottom of an 8 x 8-inch pan.
- Cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar.
- Add the egg and beat until light and creamy.
- Spread this mixture over the wafer crumbs in the pan.
- Whip the whipping cream until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold in the chopped nuts, drained crushed pineapple, and drained maraschino cherries into the whipped cream.
- Spread this mixture over the crust in the pan.
- Sprinkle the remaining wafer crumbs on top.
- Let stand in the refrigerator for 24 hours before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, ensure the whipping cream is chilled before whipping. You can substitute crushed cookies for the vanilla wafers if desired, or use a mix of nuts based on personal preference. If you prefer a sweeter dessert, consider increasing the powdered sugar slightly. This no-bake treat is perfect for summer gatherings.
Serving Suggestions
Serve chilled, garnished with additional chopped maraschino cherries or a sprinkle of chopped nuts for added texture. This dessert pairs beautifully with Creamy Tomato Aspic as a refreshing side dish, making it perfect for potlucks or summer picnics.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The dessert will maintain its flavor, but the texture may soften over time. It's best enjoyed chilled right out of the fridge, so there's no need to reheat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Shauna'S Knock 'Em Dead contains roughly 719 calories, with 7g protein, 93g carbohydrates, and 37g fat. It is a good source of protein (14% of the Daily Value) and iron (12% 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 dessert is ideal for making ahead. In fact, letting it sit in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours enhances the flavors and allows the layers to set properly. Just cover it tightly to prevent it from absorbing any odors from the fridge.
What can I use instead of maraschino cherries?
If you prefer not to use maraschino cherries, fresh cherries or even diced strawberries can be a delicious alternative. Just make sure to adjust the sweetness if using fresh fruit, as they may not be as sweet as maraschinos.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make this dessert gluten-free, simply substitute the vanilla wafers with gluten-free cookie crumbs. Many brands offer delicious gluten-free options that will work perfectly in this recipe without compromising on flavor.
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).