Prep: 15 Minutes Cook: 2-3 Hours Numbers of Serves: 10-12 Serves

ministers-delight-american-homemade-recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 can or 21 ounces cherry or apple pie filling
  • 1 package (18-1/4 ounces) yellow cake mix
  • 1/2 cup butter, melted
  • 1/3 cup chopped walnuts, optional

  • Instructions

    1. Place pie filling in a 1-1/2-qt. slow cooker.
    2. Combine the butter and dry cake mix (it should look crumbly) and scatter it on top of the filling.
    3. Sprinkle with walnuts if desired.
    4. Cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours.
    5. Serve in bowls.

    Yield: 10-12 servings.


    For Nutritional And Health Benefits

    This delicious dessert not only satisfies your sweet tooth but can also be beneficial for your health when eaten in moderation. The main ingredient, the fruit filling, delivers essential antioxidants that help protect your cells from damage. Additionally, if walnuts are used, they are considered excellent for heart health because they are rich in omega-three fatty acids and healthy fats, which help maintain balanced cholesterol levels. From a balanced diet perspective, this dish is a great source of energy. Because it cooks slowly on low heat, it retains its natural sweetness. Due to a good amount of carbohydrates, it provides instant energy; however, in a healthy lifestyle, it is best to include this as a weekly cheat meal or save it for special occasions to keep your sugar and calorie intake balanced.

    For Pro Tips And Substitute Ingredients

    To make this traditional dessert absolutely perfect and flavorful, you can use a few special kitchen secrets. A common mistake when making this dish is over-mixing the butter and cake mix until it becomes a dough, which makes it hard; instead, you should only mix it lightly so it stays crumbly and bakes up crispy. While slow cooking, place a clean kitchen towel or paper towel under the cooker lid so that the moisture from the steam does not drip back onto the dessert, helping it stay crunchy. If you want to make this recipe healthier and lighter, you can use coconut oil or low-fat butter instead of regular butter. You can also replace the regular cake mix with a whole-wheat cake mix or a sugar-free alternative, which is a great option for diabetic patients and those watching their weight.

    For Serving And Storing

    The best way to serve this warm and aromatic dessert is alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh whipped cream, as the combination of cold ice cream and warm dessert creates a wonderful flavor. Serving it with a cup of strong unsweetened tea or black coffee makes a perfect pairing for your guests, as it balances out the sweetness. If you have leftovers, let the dish cool down completely and then store it in an airtight container in the fridge, where it will stay fresh for three to four days. To reheat, using an oven is better than a microwave to keep the top layer nice and crunchy. However, if you must use a microwave, heat it for just a few seconds so it stays soft and juicy.