Old-Fashioned Classic Cherry Delight Dessert is a wonderfully simple yet incredibly satisfying dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. This recipe is incredibly useful for anyone looking for a quick, delicious, and crowd-pleasing treat that evokes nostalgic charm.
Key Ingredients for Old-Fashioned Classic Cherry Delight Dessert
- 1 (21-ounce) can cherry pie filling
- 1 (18.25-ounce) package white cake mix (not the self-rising variety)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, for added crunch)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
How to Make Old-Fashioned Classic Cherry Delight Dessert
This Old-Fashioned Classic Cherry Delight Dessert is a dream to prepare, boasting a remarkably easy assembly that results in an undeniably delicious and deeply satisfying treat. The magic lies in its simplicity, transforming basic ingredients into a heavenly combination of sweet cherries and a tender, slightly crisp cake topping. The creamy cherry filling, baked to perfection beneath a golden crust, offers a rich texture that will have everyone asking for seconds. Expect to spend around 10 minutes of active preparation time, with an additional 40-50 minutes for baking.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven and prepare the baking dish: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the cherry filling base: Pour the entire can of cherry pie filling into the prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly across the bottom, ensuring it covers the dish as much as possible. If you’re using nuts, sprinkle the chopped pecans or walnuts evenly over the cherry pie filling.
- Mix the dry cake ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the white cake mix with the vanilla extract and ground cinnamon. Whisk them together thoroughly to distribute the vanilla and cinnamon evenly throughout the dry mix.
- Combine wet and dry cake ingredients: Pour the melted butter over the cake mix mixture. Using a fork or a pastry blender, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Be careful not to overmix; you want a crumbly texture rather than a smooth batter.
- Create the cake topping: Sprinkle the crumbly cake mixture evenly over the cherry pie filling and nuts in the baking dish. Ensure the entire surface of the cherry filling is covered with this topping.
- Bake the dessert: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the cherry filling is bubbly around the edges. A toothpick inserted into the cake topping should come out clean.
- Cool before serving: Once baked, remove the Old-Fashioned Classic Cherry Delight Dessert from the oven and let it cool for at least 15-20 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set slightly, making it easier to serve and preventing it from being too runny.
Why You’ll Love This Old-Fashioned Classic Cherry Delight Dessert
You’ll fall head over heels for this Old-Fashioned Classic Cherry Delight Dessert for so many reasons! Its star feature is the irresistible contrast between the warm, gooey cherry filling and the tender, slightly crisp cake topping – it’s comfort food at its finest. Making this delightful treat at home is incredibly cost-effective, saving you money compared to store-bought alternatives or expensive bakery desserts, while delivering superior flavor and freshness. The simple yet elegant combination, enhanced by the optional nutty crunch and subtle cinnamon notes, elevates it beyond a basic cobbler or crumble.
It’s a dessert that consistently delivers smiles and warm memories with every bite, reminiscent of childhood treats and family gatherings. This Old-Fashioned Classic Cherry Delight Dessert offers a taste of nostalgia that’s perfect for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or just a cozy evening in. Don’t wait any longer; gather your ingredients and treat yourself and your loved ones to this incredibly easy and delicious dessert today!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Properly storing and reheating your Old-Fashioned Classic Cherry Delight Dessert will ensure you can enjoy its deliciousness for days to come.
- Refrigeration: Once cooled completely, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or transfer the dessert to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, you can gently warm individual servings in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, or reheat a larger portion in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. Avoid overheating, which can make the topping soggy.
- Freezing: This dessert freezes beautifully. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap the entire dessert tightly in plastic wrap followed by a layer of aluminum foil, or place it in a freezer-safe airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To thaw, transfer it to the refrigerator overnight and then reheat as directed above.
Final Thoughts
The Old-Fashioned Classic Cherry Delight Dessert truly embodies simple elegance and nostalgic comfort. It’s a dessert that’s easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and sure to become a beloved staple in your recipe repertoire. Gather your loved ones and whip up this delightful treat to create sweet memories.
Old-Fashioned Classic Cherry Delight Dessert
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Pour the entire can of cherry pie filling into the prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly across the bottom, ensuring it covers the dish as much as possible. If you’re using nuts, sprinkle the chopped pecans or walnuts evenly over the cherry pie filling.1 (21-ounce) can cherry pie filling, 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- In a medium bowl, combine the white cake mix with the vanilla extract and ground cinnamon. Whisk them together thoroughly to distribute the vanilla and cinnamon evenly throughout the dry mix.1 (18.25-ounce) package white cake mix, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pour the melted butter over the cake mix mixture. Using a fork or a pastry blender, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Be careful not to overmix; you want a crumbly texture rather than a smooth batter.1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, 1 (18.25-ounce) package white cake mix, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Sprinkle the crumbly cake mixture evenly over the cherry pie filling and nuts in the baking dish. Ensure the entire surface of the cherry filling is covered with this topping.1 (18.25-ounce) package white cake mix, 1 (21-ounce) can cherry pie filling, 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the cherry filling is bubbly around the edges. A toothpick inserted into the cake topping should come out clean.
- Once baked, remove the Old-Fashioned Classic Cherry Delight Dessert from the oven and let it cool for at least 15-20 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set slightly, making it easier to serve and preventing it from being too runny.