Cherry Crunch is a classic American dessert casserole that became especially popular during the 1960s and 1970s when convenient cake mixes and canned fruit fillings transformed home baking. This easy cherry dessert combines sweet cherries with buttery yellow cake mix and crunchy pecans for a warm, cobbler-like treat that’s both rustic and comforting. The recipe’s simplicity made it a favorite for church suppers, family potlucks, and casual holiday gatherings because it could be assembled quickly with pantry staples. As the dessert bakes, the butter melts into the cake mix to create a crisp golden topping while the cherries bubble underneath into a rich, syrupy filling. Served warm on its own or with vanilla ice cream, Cherry Crunch remains a nostalgic comfort dessert loved for its sweet-tart fruit flavor and irresistible buttery crunch.
Ingredients
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp corn syrup
- 30 oz water-packed cherries, with liquid (2 cans)
- 1 box yellow cake mix (dry)
- 1 ½ sticks butter (melted)
- 1 cup pecans (broken into pieces)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cherry Filling
- Preheat oven to 325°F.
- In a mixing bowl, stir together the sugar, corn syrup, and canned cherries with their liquid.
Step 2: Fill the Baking Dish
- Pour the cherry mixture into an ungreased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 3: Add Cake Mix
- Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the cherries.
Step 4: Add Butter and Pecans
- Drizzle the melted butter evenly across the cake mix layer.
- Sprinkle generously with broken pecan pieces.
Step 5: Bake the Dessert
- Bake for 45–55 minutes until the top is golden brown and the cherry filling is bubbling.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
- Allow to cool slightly before serving warm.
Tips
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream for a classic pairing.
- Substitute cherry pie filling for a sweeter version.
- Add walnuts instead of pecans for a different nutty flavor.
- Use white cake mix for a lighter topping texture.
- Add cinnamon for extra warmth and spice.
- Mix in crushed pineapple for a fruity twist.
- Try peaches or blueberries instead of cherries.
- Toast the pecans before baking for deeper flavor.
- Reduce sugar slightly if using sweetened canned cherries.
- Store leftovers refrigerated and reheat before serving.
Nutrition
Calories: 445kcalCarbohydrates: 58gProtein: 4gFat: 23gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 38mgSodium: 340mgPotassium: 180mgFiber: 2gSugar: 38gVitamin A: 520IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 45mgIron: 1.6mg
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