This Holiday Pudding Surprise is a show-stopping dessert that combines the deep, comforting flavor of chocolate cake with the bright tartness of cherry pie filling. The batter rises around pockets of fruit and crunchy walnuts, creating a moist, tender crumb with every bite. Its a classic “dump cake” style treat that is surprisingly easy to assemble, making it perfect for busy holiday gatherings or family dinners. The combination of warm spices, rich cocoa, and sweet cherries brings a nostalgic, home-style warmth to your table. Serve it warm with a dusting of powdered sugar or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent finish. This recipe is a reliable crowd-pleaser that feels special without requiring hours of prep time.
Holiday Pudding Surprise
Description
This Holiday Pudding Surprise is a show-stopping dessert that combines the deep, comforting flavor of chocolate cake with the bright tartness of cherry pie filling. The batter rises around pockets of fruit and crunchy walnuts, creating a moist, tender crumb with every bite. Its a classic "dump cake" style treat that is surprisingly easy to assemble, making it perfect for busy holiday gatherings or family dinners. The combination of warm spices, rich cocoa, and sweet cherries brings a nostalgic, home-style warmth to your table. Serve it warm with a dusting of powdered sugar or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent finish. This recipe is a reliable crowd-pleaser that feels special without requiring hours of prep time.Ingredients
Directions
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Preheat oven to 350F (175C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan or line with parchment paper.
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In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
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In a separate medium bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the softened butter, milk, and half of the chopped walnuts.
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Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
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Spread half of the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
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Dollop the cherry pie filling over the batter in small mounds. Do not spread it out completely; leaving mounds creates the "surprise" pockets.
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Drop the remaining batter by spoonfuls over the cherry filling, leaving some of the cherries visible.
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Sprinkle the remaining chopped walnuts over the top.
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Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the cake portion (avoiding the fruit) comes out clean.
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Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before cutting. Dust with powdered sugar and garnish with walnut halves and additional cherries before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 12
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 174.4kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 15.9g25%
- Saturated Fat 5.1g26%
- Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
- Sodium 231.2mg10%
- Total Carbohydrate 9.2g4%
- Dietary Fiber 0.8g4%
- Sugars 7.6g
- Protein 0.6g2%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Storage: Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat individual slices in the microwave for 20-30 seconds for best texture.
Substitutions: You can substitute the cherry pie filling with any canned fruit pie filling (apple, peach, or blueberry work well). For a nut-free version, omit the walnuts or substitute with shredded coconut.
Tip: For an extra rich flavor, add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the wet ingredients. Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing.
