Cherry Surprise | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this fabulous #dessert is made with #cherrypiefilling #coconut and #pecans in a lovely #oatmeal crust. This makes a great #cobbler for #holidays and #Valentine'sDay.

Cherry Surprise

Teresa Ambra

Cherry Surprise is a delicious cherry cobbler that is amazingly sweet. Every bite is filled with luscious cherries, nuts, coconut, and oatmeal. It’s also incredibly quick and easy to put together. You can assemble this wonderful dessert in about 5-8 minutes.

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In less than an hour you can have a very satisfying dessert with a delicious combination of flavors that are simply amazing. Everyone in our household loves this dessert and I think you will enjoy it too.

I write this post as a tribute to a very special lady who passed away in December after a very courageous battle with brain cancer. Debbie Porter gave me this excellent recipe over 30 years ago when we met weekly with a few other families for Bible study while attending the same church in Largo, Florida.

Debbie was famous for her fabulous desserts and this is only one of many I collected from her. We moved away in 1990, and although we hadn’t seen Terry and Debbie in decades, contacts on Facebook kept them in our thoughts. We are always reminded of Debbie whenever making one of her luscious treats.

We were very sad to see Debbie’s passing but I share this recipe with my readers as a way to remember Debbie, her love and zeal for life, her huge smile, and something that tastes as sweet as she was in how she interacted with others! I hope you enjoy it.

We made Cherry Surprise for our Christmas dinner dessert last year. It is a spectacular recipe and everyone came back for more! I will make one suggestion about this recipe. The original recipe calls for 1 1/2 cups brown sugar. That is extremely sweet…too sweet for me. I prefer using only a cup which is still plenty sweet when you consider the pie filling and coconut are both sweet. I’ve altered the recipe reflecting this change.

I initially posted this recipe in March 2013 although I had served it for our Christmas dinner in December 2012. We stayed the holidays with my husband’s family and I made this luscious dessert. Everyone raved over it then. Everyone raves over it now.

I recently remade this recipe (February 2015) for a potluck at our church and it was one of those things that got eaten up really fast. I usually help provide a lunch meal for those who go through New Member’s Classes at our church. I made a delicious soup, homemade bread, and this scrumptious Cherry Surprise along with a Pineapple Sheet Cake. We had pretty hardy eaters that day and everything was eaten up pretty rapidly!

Cherry Surprise | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this fabulous #dessert is made with #cherrypiefilling #coconut and #pecans in a lovely #oatmeal crust. This makes a great #cobbler for #holidays and #Valentine'sDay.

Doesn’t this Cherry Surprise dessert look beautiful?

Cherry Surprise | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this fabulous #dessert is made with #cherrypiefilling #coconut and #pecans in a lovely #oatmeal crust. This makes a great #cobbler for #holidays and #Valentine'sDay.

This luscious dessert is filled with cherry pie filling, nuts, coconut, and oatmeal.

Cherry Surprise | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this fabulous #dessert is made with #cherrypiefilling #coconut and #pecans in a lovely #oatmeal crust. This makes a great #cobbler for #holidays and #Valentine'sDay.

Cherry Surprise is a spectacular dessert that is elegant enough for company.

Cherry Surprise | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this fabulous #dessert is made with #cherrypiefilling #coconut and #pecans in a lovely #oatmeal crust. This makes a great #cobbler for #holidays and #Valentine'sDay.

We served Cherry Surprise for Christmas dinner last year.

Here’s what I did.

Cherry Surprise | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this fabulous #dessert is made with #cherrypiefilling #coconut and #pecans in a lovely #oatmeal crust. This makes a great #cobbler for #holidays and #Valentine'sDay.

I used these ingredients.

Cherry Surprise | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this fabulous #dessert is made with #cherrypiefilling #coconut and #pecans in a lovely #oatmeal crust. This makes a great #cobbler for #holidays and #Valentine'sDay.

Melt butter. Place in mixing bowl. Add oatmeal and brown sugar. Add UNBLEACHED all-purpose flour. Bleached flour toughens baked goods. Add coconut.

Cherry Surprise | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this fabulous #dessert is made with #cherrypiefilling #coconut and #pecans in a lovely #oatmeal crust. This makes a great #cobbler for #holidays and #Valentine'sDay.

Stir all the ingredients together.

Cherry Surprise | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this fabulous #dessert is made with #cherrypiefilling #coconut and #pecans in a lovely #oatmeal crust. This makes a great #cobbler for #holidays and #Valentine'sDay.

Spray a 9×13″ glass baking dish with cooking spray. Place part of the oatmeal mixture into the pan and press down.

Cherry Surprise | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this fabulous #dessert is made with #cherrypiefilling #coconut and #pecans in a lovely #oatmeal crust. This makes a great #cobbler for #holidays and #Valentine'sDay.

Add 2 cans of cherry pie filling.

Cherry Surprise | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this fabulous #dessert is made with #cherrypiefilling #coconut and #pecans in a lovely #oatmeal crust. This makes a great #cobbler for #holidays and #Valentine'sDay.

Add chopped nuts.

Cherry Surprise | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this fabulous #dessert is made with #cherrypiefilling #coconut and #pecans in a lovely #oatmeal crust. This makes a great #cobbler for #holidays and #Valentine'sDay.

Sprinkle remaining oatmeal topping over top.

Cherry Surprise | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this fabulous #dessert is made with #cherrypiefilling #coconut and #pecans in a lovely #oatmeal crust. This makes a great #cobbler for #holidays and #Valentine'sDay.

Bake at 350 for about  35-40 minutes or until done.

Cherry Surprise | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this fabulous #dessert is made with #cherrypiefilling #coconut and #pecans in a lovely #oatmeal crust. This makes a great #cobbler for #holidays and #Valentine'sDay.

We love Cherry Surprise. It’s a festive, elegant dessert that your whole family will enjoy.

Cherry Surprise | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this fabulous #dessert is made with #cherrypiefilling #coconut and #pecans in a lovely #oatmeal crust. This makes a great #cobbler for #holidays and #Valentine'sDay.

This recipe is so quick and easy to throw together too. About fifteen minutes prep work and then baking time. Voila! A beautiful dessert is the outcome.

Here’s the recipe.

CHERRY SURPRISE

(Recipe from Debbie Porter, when we attended First Baptist Church Indian Rocks, Largo, FL)

Cherry Surprise | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this fabulous #dessert is made with #cherrypiefilling #coconut and #pecans in a lovely #oatmeal crust. This makes a great #cobbler for #holidays and #Valentine'sDay.

Cherry Surprise

Teresa Ambra
Cherry Surprise is one of those mouthwatering desserts you can't get enough of! This superb cobbler-type dessert includes cherry pie filling, coconut and walnuts in a delicious streusel crust and topping. This is great served warm with ice cream. Excellent dessert for company or holidays like Christmas or Valentine's Day.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 15
Calories 407 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 9x13" glass baking dish
  • 1 mixing bowl
  • 1 wooden spoon
  • measuring cups
  • measuring spoons
  • 1 nut chopper if nuts are not previously chopped

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups oatmeal
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened or melted
  • 2 cups UNBLEACHED all-purpose flour bleached flour toughens baked goods
  • 2 cans cherry pie filling
  • 1 cup light brown sugar packed
  • 1 cup coconut
  • 1 cup pecans or walnuts, chopped (but any kind of nuts will do) (measure after chopping)

Instructions
 

  • Mix oatmeal, flour, brown sugar and coconut together.
  • Stir well to combine.
  • Add melted butter and mix until very well combined.
  • (It is almost easier to mix this with your hands!)
  • Take ¾ of the mixture and put it on the bottom of a greased 9x13” baking dish.
  • Press mixture firmly into pan.
  • Pour pie filling over mixture.
  • Sprinkle nuts over top.
  • Crumble remaining oatmeal mixture over top of nuts.
  • Bake at 350° for 35-40 minutes until lightly browned and bubbly.

Notes

NOTE: The original recipe called for 1 1/2 cups brown sugar which we've always felt was too much. One cup brown sugar seems sufficient to provide a great tasting dessert.
© Can’t Stay Out of the Kitchen

Nutrition

Calories: 407kcalCarbohydrates: 55gProtein: 4gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 33mgSodium: 23mgPotassium: 194mgFiber: 3gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 544IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 36mgIron: 2mg
Keyword cherries, cherry dessert, dessert
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

 

[b]Cherry Surprise[/b]
Recipe Type: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Author: Teresa Ambra adapted from Debbie Porter, when we attended First Baptist Church of Indian Rocks, Largo, FL
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 15
Superb cobbler-type dessert with cherry pie filling, coconut and walnuts in a delicious streusel crust and topping. This is great served warm with ice cream.
Ingredients
  • 2 cups oatmeal
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened or melted
  • 2 cups UNBLEACHED all-purpose flour (bleached flour toughens baked goods)
  • 2 cans cherry pie filling
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 cup coconut
  • 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts, but any kind of nuts will do
Instructions
  1. Mix oatmeal, flour, brown sugar and coconut together.
  2. Stir to combine.
  3. Add melted butter and mix until very well combined.
  4. (It is almost easier to mix this with your hands!)
  5. Take ¾ of the mixture and put it on the bottom of a greased 9×13” baking dish.
  6. Press mixture firmly into pan.
  7. Pour pie filling over mixture.
  8. Sprinkle nuts over top.
  9. Crumble remaining oatmeal mixture over top of nuts.
  10. Bake at 350° for 35-40 minutes until lightly browned and bubbly.
Cherry Surprise | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this fabulous #dessert is made with #cherrypiefilling #coconut and #pecans in a lovely #oatmeal crust. This makes a great #cobbler for #holidays and #Valentine'sDay.

Cherry lovers will greatly enjoy this dessert. Dollop a scoop of ice cream on top if you desire.

Cherry Surprise | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this fabulous #dessert is made with #cherrypiefilling #coconut and #pecans in a lovely #oatmeal crust. This makes a great #cobbler for #holidays and #Valentine'sDay.

This dessert is amazing down to the last bite. 

Cherry Surprise | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this fabulous #dessert is made with #cherrypiefilling #coconut and #pecans in a lovely #oatmeal crust. This makes a great #cobbler for #holidays and #Valentine'sDay.

Grab a fork or spoon and enjoy a bite of Cherry Surprise with me!

You may also enjoy these delicious recipes!

Cherry Berries On A Cloud

Cherry Berries On A Cloud | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | Prepare to wow your guests with this awesome, decadent #dessert! It has a meringue crust, #cheesecake layer with #marshmallows & topped with a #cherry & #strawberry glaze. It's perfect for #holidays like #Christmas, #ValentinesDay or special occasions.

Cherry Dump Cake Cobbler

Cherry Dump Cake Cobbler | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this fantastic #cobbler features #CherryPieFilling & #pineapple along with #walnuts & #coconut. Since it's a #DumpCake the recipe is layered and dumped out into the baking dish. So easy & only 6 ingredients! #CherryCobbler #CherryDumpCakeCobbler

Cherry Strudel Cake

Cherry Strudel Cake | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this rich, decadent #cake is absolutely divine! It's perfect for either a #holiday #breakfast or for #dessert. It uses #CherryPieFilling in the middle, a streusel topping & icing with #almond extract. Tastes like eating #CherryStrudel but so much easier! #coffeecake #CherryCoffeecake #CherryCake #Brunch #HolidayBreakfast #CherryDessert #CherryStrudelCake
Cherry Surprise | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this fabulous #dessert is made with #cherrypiefilling #coconut and #pecans in a lovely #oatmeal crust. This makes a great #cobbler for #holidays and #Valentine'sDay.

Cherry Surprise

Teresa Ambra
Cherry Surprise is one of those mouthwatering desserts you can't get enough of! This superb cobbler-type dessert includes cherry pie filling, coconut and walnuts in a delicious streusel crust and topping. This is great served warm with ice cream. Excellent dessert for company or holidays like Christmas or Valentine's Day.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 15
Calories 407 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 9×13" glass baking dish
  • 1 mixing bowl
  • 1 wooden spoon
  • measuring cups
  • measuring spoons
  • 1 nut chopper if nuts are not previously chopped

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups oatmeal
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened or melted
  • 2 cups UNBLEACHED all-purpose flour bleached flour toughens baked goods
  • 2 cans cherry pie filling
  • 1 cup light brown sugar packed
  • 1 cup coconut
  • 1 cup pecans or walnuts, chopped (but any kind of nuts will do) (measure after chopping)

Instructions
 

  • Mix oatmeal, flour, brown sugar and coconut together.
  • Stir well to combine.
  • Add melted butter and mix until very well combined.
  • (It is almost easier to mix this with your hands!)
  • Take ¾ of the mixture and put it on the bottom of a greased 9×13” baking dish.
  • Press mixture firmly into pan.
  • Pour pie filling over mixture.
  • Sprinkle nuts over top.
  • Crumble remaining oatmeal mixture over top of nuts.
  • Bake at 350° for 35-40 minutes until lightly browned and bubbly.

Notes

NOTE: The original recipe called for 1 1/2 cups brown sugar which we’ve always felt was too much. One cup brown sugar seems sufficient to provide a great tasting dessert.
© Can’t Stay Out of the Kitchen

Nutrition

Calories: 407kcalCarbohydrates: 55gProtein: 4gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 33mgSodium: 23mgPotassium: 194mgFiber: 3gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 544IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 36mgIron: 2mg
Keyword cherries, cherry dessert, dessert
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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