Woolly Bear Dessert
A rich, fruity dessert with cherry, pineapple, coconut, and nut flavors, topped with a buttery cake layer—perfect for gatherings or satisfying sweet cravings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a buttered 9 x 13-inch pan, fold in sour cherry pie filling, crushed pineapple, yellow cake mix, coconut, and nut meats.
- Melt the margarine.
- Pour the melted margarine over the nut meats and other ingredients.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 60 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, consider using different pie fillings like blueberry or even a mix of fruits for variation. If you're looking for a lighter version, substitute the margarine with a plant-based butter or oil. You can also use chopped walnuts or pecans instead of nut meats for a different flavor profile. Additionally, ensure your cake mix is evenly distributed to avoid clumping during baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Woolly Bear Dessert warm or at room temperature, garnished with whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar. It pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, making it a perfect treat for summer gatherings or holidays. This dessert is also a delightful addition to a potluck, alongside dishes like Oven-Blasted Broccoli.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, cover the dessert tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it in the refrigerator for up to five days. To reheat, simply place a portion in the microwave for about 30 seconds or until warmed through. For an extra touch, serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Woolly Bear Dessert contains roughly 726 calories, with 6g protein, 82g carbohydrates, and 44g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 530mg per serving (23% 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 gluten-free?
Yes, you can make Woolly Bear Dessert gluten-free by using a gluten-free cake mix. Just ensure that all other ingredients, like the pie filling and coconut, are also certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
How can I make this dessert vegan?
To make a vegan version of this dessert, substitute the margarine with a plant-based butter and ensure the cake mix does not contain any dairy ingredients. You can also opt for an egg-free cake mix to keep it completely vegan.
Can I freeze Woolly Bear Dessert?
Yes, you can freeze Woolly Bear Dessert. Once cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to three months. To enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as desired.
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).