Aunt Debbie’s Cherry Dessert 🍒
History:
Aunt Debbie’s Cherry Dessert is a delightful and classic dessert that has been a family favorite for generations. It is a timeless recipe that has been passed down through the family, making it a cherished treat at gatherings and special occasions.
Components:
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Cherry Filling: The star of this dessert is a delicious cherry filling made from ripe, juicy cherries. You can use fresh cherries or canned cherry pie filling, depending on your preference and the season.
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Graham Cracker Crust: The dessert features a sweet and crunchy graham cracker crust that complements the fruity cherry filling perfectly. This crust is made from graham crackers, sugar, and melted butter.
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Cream Cheese Layer: On top of the graham cracker crust, there is a creamy and rich layer of cream cheese. This layer is made with cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract, giving the dessert a luscious texture.
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Whipped Topping: To finish it off, the dessert is topped with a fluffy layer of whipped topping, which adds a light and airy element to balance the sweetness.
Steps to Prepare Aunt Debbie’s Cherry Dessert:
Step 1: Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust
- Crush graham crackers until you have fine crumbs.
- Mix the crumbs with sugar and melted butter.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to create the crust.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Layer
- In a mixing bowl, beat together softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Spread this cream cheese mixture over the graham cracker crust.
Step 3: Add the Cherry Filling
- Carefully spread the cherry filling evenly over the cream cheese layer.
Step 4: Top with Whipped Topping
- Gently spread a layer of whipped topping over the cherry filling, creating a fluffy top layer.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
- Cover the dessert and refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours, or until it’s nicely set.
- When it’s ready, serve Aunt Debbie’s Cherry Dessert in squares, and garnish with additional cherries or a dusting of graham cracker crumbs if desired.
Time Needed:
The total time required to prepare Aunt Debbie’s Cherry Dessert will vary, but it typically takes around 15-20 minutes to prepare the components and assembly. However, the dessert needs to be chilled for at least 2-3 hours to set properly. So, you should plan ahead to allow for the chilling time.
Enjoy making and indulging in this delightful, emoji-worthy dessert! 🍒😋
Certainly, here’s some nutrition information and health considerations for Aunt Debbie’s Cherry Dessert:
Nutrition Facts (Approximate values per serving):
- Calories: 350-400 kcal
- Fat: 15-20g
- Saturated Fat: 8-10g
- Carbohydrates: 45-55g
- Sugar: 30-40g
- Protein: 3-5g
Health Information:
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Caloric Content: Aunt Debbie’s Cherry Dessert is relatively high in calories, primarily due to the sugar, cream cheese, and whipped topping. It’s a treat to be enjoyed in moderation.
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Saturated Fat: This dessert contains a fair amount of saturated fat, primarily from the cream cheese and whipped topping. High consumption of saturated fats can be linked to heart health issues, so it’s advisable to enjoy this dessert in moderation.
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Sugar: The cherry filling and the graham cracker crust contribute to a significant sugar content. High sugar intake can lead to weight gain and increased risk of conditions like diabetes and heart disease. Be mindful of your sugar consumption when indulging in this dessert.
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Protein: While there is some protein in the cream cheese, it’s not a significant source of this nutrient. This dessert is not a substantial source of protein, which is important for muscle and tissue repair.
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Portion Control: It’s important to watch your portion sizes. The recommended serving size for Aunt Debbie’s Cherry Dessert should be moderate to avoid excessive calorie and sugar intake.
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Balanced Diet: Enjoy this dessert as an occasional treat as part of a balanced diet. Incorporating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains into your daily meals will help provide essential nutrients and balance out the indulgence.
Remember, enjoying desserts like Aunt Debbie’s Cherry Dessert is perfectly fine as part of a varied diet. However, it’s best not to make it a regular habit, and be mindful of portion sizes, especially if you’re concerned about calorie intake or managing your sugar and fat consumption. 🍒😊
