Why You’ll Love this Sweet Cherry Dessert Recipe
When you take a bite of this Sweet Cherry Dessert, you’ll quickly understand why it’s a favorite in my kitchen. The burst of juicy cherries combined with a buttery, crumbly topping creates a delightful contrast in textures.
It’s incredibly easy to whip up, making it perfect for both casual family dinners and special gatherings. I love how it fills my home with a sweet aroma while it bakes.
Plus, serving it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream elevates the experience even more. Trust me, once you taste it, you’ll find yourself craving this dessert again and again!
Ingredients of Sweet Cherry Dessert
When it comes to whipping up something sweet and satisfying, the ingredients are where the magic begins. For this Sweet Cherry Dessert, we’re working with some familiar pantry staples and a couple of delightful additions that bring everything together. You might even have most of these items lying around your kitchen, just waiting for the perfect dessert moment.
So, let’s plunge into what you’ll need to create this mouthwatering treat.
Ingredients for Sweet Cherry Dessert:
- 2 (21 ounce) cans of cherry pie filling
- 1 (18 ounce) package of Duncan Hines lemon supreme cake mix
- 3/4 cup of melted butter (that’s about 1 to 1 1/2 cubes, depending on your preference for butteriness)
- 1/2 cup of chopped nuts (optional, but worth considering if you like a little crunch)
Now, let’s chat about the ingredients for a moment. The cherry pie filling is the star of this dessert, bringing that sweet, fruity goodness straight to your taste buds.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even try using fresh cherries in season, but let’s not kid ourselves—sometimes, we need quick and easy, right?
And that lemon cake mix? It’s the secret weapon that balances the sweetness of the cherries perfectly; it adds a zesty undertone that really amps up the flavor.
If you decide to add nuts, go for your favorites—walnuts or pecans would both be delicious. Just remember, it’s totally fine to skip them if that’s not your thing.
Cooking should be fun, not stressful, and this dessert is all about simplicity and joy. So gather your ingredients, and let’s get ready to bake something fabulous!
How to Make Sweet Cherry Dessert
Alright, let’s explore how we make this Sweet Cherry Dessert. First off, preheat your oven to a cozy 350 degrees F. While that’s warming up, grab a 9×13 baking dish and give it a light greasing—trust me, you don’t want your masterpiece to stick.
Now, take those two cans of cherry pie filling (that’s 42 ounces of pure cherry goodness) and spread them evenly across the bottom of the dish. This is where the magic begins; those cherries are going to bubble and burst into a sweet, syrupy delight as they bake.
Next up, it’s time to sprinkle on about 1/2 to 3/4 of the dry cake mix from that 18-ounce package of Duncan Hines lemon supreme cake mix. Don’t stress too much about being perfect here; you just want to create a nice, even layer over the cherries.
Then, melt 3/4 cup of butter—yep, that’s about 1 to 1 1/2 cubes depending on your butter preference. Drizzle this melted butter all over the cake mix like you’re creating a beautiful, buttery waterfall. It doesn’t have to be neat; in fact, the more rustic, the better.
If you’re feeling nutty, sprinkle 1/2 cup of your chosen chopped nuts on top. Personally, I often skip the nuts because, well, I’m a little nutty myself. But if you like that crunch, go for it.
Now, pop that baking dish into your preheated oven and let it work its magic for about 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the crust is golden and baked through. The aroma wafting through your kitchen? That’s the sweet scent of success.
Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for a bit (because burning your tongue is so not chic), and then serve it up with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Remember, this dessert is pretty sweet, so you might want to keep your portions on the smaller side. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you later. Enjoy!
Sweet Cherry Dessert Substitutions & Variations
After you’ve mastered the basics of the Sweet Cherry Dessert, you might find yourself wanting to switch things up or cater to specific tastes.
You can easily substitute the cherry filling with other fruits like blueberries or peaches for a different flavor profile. If you’re avoiding gluten, try a gluten-free cake mix.
For a nut-free version, simply skip the nuts or replace them with seeds. You can also experiment with flavored cake mixes, like chocolate or yellow, to add a unique twist.
Don’t hesitate to explore these variations to find your perfect sweet treat!
What to Serve with Sweet Cherry Dessert
To elevate your Sweet Cherry Dessert experience, consider serving it with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
The coolness of the ice cream perfectly contrasts the warm, sweet cherries, creating a delightful balance. If you’re feeling adventurous, a drizzle of chocolate sauce can add a rich touch that compliments the cherries beautifully.
For a crunch factor, sprinkle some toasted almonds or walnuts on top. Pairing this dessert with a hot cup of coffee or a chilled dessert wine can also enhance its flavors.
Trust me, these additions will take your dessert to the next level!
Additional Tips & Notes
While making the Sweet Cherry Dessert, I’ve found a few tips that can elevate your experience.
First, consider using fresh cherries when they’re in season; they add a delightful freshness. If you want a bit of tartness, add a splash of lemon juice to the cherry filling.
I’ve also found that letting the dessert cool before serving enhances the flavors. Don’t skip the whipped cream or vanilla ice cream; they balance the sweetness perfectly.
Finally, if you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cake mix for an unexpected twist. Enjoy every delicious bite!