How to Make: Sweet Cherry Thing

We’re heading into that time of year where it seems like there’s a get-together or cookout every other weekend. Not that I’m complaining – I love it! But, if you’re like me, you get tired of bringing the same old thing to the party. I know we’ve all got those favorites that people ask for, but there’s so many choices out there – don’t you want to try something new?

For a cookout this weekend, I was asked to bring a dessert. My typical go-to recipe is this Texas Sheet Cake. It’s easy, which is why I’ve been making it for forever, but lately I’ve been on a cherry kick so I’m about to mix things up with a new dessert called Sweet Cherry Thing, a cherry pie filling recipe. They’re gonna love it! I mean, how can you go wrong with shortbread cookies, cherries, cream cheese, and whipped cream? I’ll show you how to make it and then stay tuned because I’ve got some other great recipes ideas that you can explore if you need to bring a dessert.

How to Make: Sweet Cherry Thing

Step 1 – Gather all the ingredients. Note that the whipped topping needs time to thaw and the finished dish needs time to chill so plan accordingly. I’m making mine a day ahead, which is perfect since I don’t want to have to worry about it the day of the party.

Step 2 – Make the crust. Crush the pecan shortbread cookies. (I used 20 cookies to get 2½ cups crushed.)  No need to dirty your food processor; just pop the cookies into a plastic bag and they will break up easily using a mallet. Cut in butter with a pastry blender until the mixture is crumbly. Press the crust mixture into an ungreased 9- x 13-inch pan then bake until lightly browned. (If you want to keep this nice and neat, you can place plastic wrap over the crumb mixture before pressing down. It will help keep the crust even and your hands clean.)

Step 3 – Prepare the topping. Stir together the pie filling, almond extract and vanilla extract and try not to eat all the cherries. (Also, be sure you’re using pie filling and not just canned cherries.)

Step 4 – Prepare the filling. Beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar. Once it’s creamy, fold in the thawed whipped cream until it’s uniformly mixed, but still nice and fluffy.

Step 5 – Assemble the masterpiece. Once the crust is cooled, spoon the whipped cream mixture onto the crust, then top with the cherry mixture, spreading each layer evenly. Cover the dish and allow to chill for at least 8 hours.

And when it’s all set and ready to slice, it’ll look just like this:

I’m sure it’ll be a big hit and, if you were there, I’d share with you too! You can get the full recipe with ingredient amounts to make your own Sweet Cherry Thing by clicking here.

Now, if cherries aren’t your thing or you’re just in the mood for something else, don’t worry.  We’ve got lots of other ideas to inspire you. Check out some of these other options.

Keep it simple!  Brownies and bars that can be cut into squares and eaten with a napkin and your fingers are always good – no one wants to bother with cleaning plates and utensils at a party. 

Shown:
Speckled Blonde Brownies
Cherry Cola Brownies

 

Cookies are always a hit – especially when there are kids at the party.  Put them out in a high-traffic area so people can grab ‘em as they walk by and watch them disappear one by one.

Shown:
Easy Peanut Butter Cookies
Pina Colada Cookies

 

Chilled desserts are so refreshing and a perfect ending to an afternoon of grilling with friends. Just be sure to give the hostess a heads up that you’ll need fridge space or plan on using an insulated carrier.

Shown:
Two-Minute Hawaiian Pie
Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Sandwiches

 

Oh my, pie!  Seriously, who doesn’t like pie? No one!  Bring one of these classics and be the hit of the party. If you want to see even more pie recipes, check out our FREE ecookbook, “Easy as Pie” Recipes.

Shown:
Zesty Summer Pie
Awesome Blueberry Pie

 

I hope that you’re inspired to try something new the next time you’re asked to bring a dessert to a get-together. Just be careful… you may end up having everyone asking you to bring it to their house!

What’s your favorite dessert for a summer cookout or get-together?