Are you craving a dessert that’s both stunning and simple to make? Look no further! This Layered Cherry Delight is the perfect answer for those busy weeknights or special occasions when you want something impressive without spending hours in the kitchen. It's a beautiful combination of textures and flavors – sweet cherries, creamy pudding, and buttery crumble – all layered for a delightful treat. This easy recipe is perfect for beginner bakers and seasoned dessert enthusiasts alike, making it a fantastic addition to your collection of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this homemade cooking masterpiece!
Ingredients:
For the Cherry Layer:
- 1 (21 ounce) can cherry pie filling (or 4 cups fresh cherries, pitted and halved)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
For the Pudding Layer:
- 2 (3.4 ounce) packages instant vanilla pudding mix
- 3 cups cold milk
For the Crumble Topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
Instructions:
Get started: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Prepare the Cherry Layer: If using fresh cherries, combine them with cornstarch and water in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and the cherries are tender, about 5-7 minutes. If using canned pie filling, skip this step.
Make the Pudding Layer: In a large bowl, whisk together the pudding mix and cold milk until smooth and creamy.
Assemble the Delight: Spread the cherry layer evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Pour the pudding layer over the cherries.
Prepare the Crumble Topping: In a medium bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Add the Crumble: Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the pudding layer.
Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the pudding is set.
Cool and Serve: Let the cherry delight cool completely before serving. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to set properly.
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavor: Use brown sugar in the crumble topping instead of white sugar.
- Add some crunch: Incorporate chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, into the crumble topping.
- Make it your own: Substitute the vanilla pudding for chocolate or butterscotch pudding.
- Fruit variations: Experiment with other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or peaches.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 300-350 Fat: 15-20g Saturated Fat: 8-10g Cholesterol: 20-30mg Sodium: 150-200mg Carbohydrates: 40-50g Sugar: 25-35g Protein: 4-6g
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
This layered cherry delight is a delicious and easy dessert recipe perfect for any occasion. Its simple ingredients and straightforward instructions make it accessible to everyone, regardless of their cooking experience. Enjoy this delightful treat, and remember to share your culinary creations with friends and family! It’s a wonderful homemade dessert that will bring joy to everyone's table. This easy recipe is a fantastic addition to your collection of delicious dishes and the best recipes for satisfying sweet cravings.