I absolutely adore a dessert that feels special but takes zero fuss in the kitchen.
This glorified rice recipe Cherry Confetti Fold is exactly that: a creamy, dreamy delight with bright cherry bursts and fluffy texture that comes together in a snap, making it perfect for busy family dinners or an easy potluck contribution.
It’s inspired by generations of cherished, simple recipes, transforming everyday ingredients into a memorable sweet treat.
Get ready to delight your taste buds with this effortless, make-ahead dessert!
Ingredient List with Smart Choices
Gathering your ingredients for this easy, family-friendly dessert is the first step towards a truly delicious glorified rice recipe Cherry Confetti Fold. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups (360g) Cooked White Rice: Chilled and separated for the best, non-clumpy texture. Day-old rice works perfectly!
- 8 oz (225g) Whipped Topping: Thawed from frozen, this provides lightness and sweetness. (Or fresh homemade whipped cream for a richer flavor).
- 15 oz (425g) Crushed Pineapple: Well-drained to prevent a watery dessert.
- 21 oz (595g) Cherry Pie Filling: The star flavor for that festive ‘confetti’ look. (Or 2 cups pitted, halved fresh cherries, macerated with 2 Tbsp sugar if preferred).
- 1 cup (50g) Mini Marshmallows: Adds extra fluffiness and a soft chew (optional, but my kids love them).
- 1/4 cup (50g) Granulated Sugar: Adjust to your sweetness preference; use less if your pie filling is already very sweet.
- 1 tsp (5ml) Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the sweet flavors beautifully.
Everyday Pantry vs. Fresh: Feel free to use leftover cooked rice and canned fruit for ultimate convenience, or opt for fresh cherries when they’re in season for a vibrant burst of natural flavor. It’s a great way to make quick meals even easier.
Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free Swaps
Making this dessert diet-friendly is simple! Use certified gluten-free rice without worry. For a delicious dairy-free glorified rice, swap the regular whipped topping for a coconut cream or almond-based alternative. Both yield a wonderfully creamy texture.
Smart Substitutions
Get creative with your fruit! Replace cherries with other berries like strawberries or raspberries, or even a well-drained canned fruit cocktail for a different color theme. For a richer taste, homemade whipped cream elevates this easy dinner idea to something truly gourmet.
Easy Step-by-Step Cooking Directions
Creating this delicious glorified rice recipe Cherry Confetti Fold is so simple, you’ll wonder why you haven’t made it sooner. Follow these steps for a perfect treat every time:
- Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients (5 minutes). Ensure 2 cups (360g) cooked rice are completely cooled and separated. Thoroughly drain 15 oz (425g) crushed pineapple, pressing out excess liquid. If using fresh cherries, pit and halve them for easy folding.
- Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients. In a large mixing bowl (I use my trusty 10-inch bowl for this!), gently fold together 8 oz (225g) thawed whipped topping, drained pineapple, 21 oz (595g) cherry pie filling, 1/4 cup (50g) sugar, and 1 tsp (5ml) vanilla extract until just combined and smooth.
- Step 3: Fold in Rice and Marshmallows (2 minutes). Add the cooled rice and 1 cup (50g) mini marshmallows. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold until everything is evenly distributed. If the mixture seems too thick, gently fold in an extra tablespoon of milk or a splash of cherry juice.
- Step 4: Chill to Perfection (Minimum 1 hour). Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour to allow flavors to meld and the mixture to set firmly. For a creamier, more cohesive texture, chill 4 hours or overnight.
Inline Shortcuts: For ultimate convenience, use pre-cooked rice packets or any leftover rice from last night’s meal. There’s truly no need to cook anything fresh for this treat! To speed up the chilling process, I sometimes spread the mixture in a shallow 9×13 inch baking dish; it chills much faster that way.
Customizing Your Confetti Fold
Personalize your glorified rice recipe with a few simple additions! Stir in a squeeze of lemon juice for a bright, zesty contrast. For a healthier twist, reduce added sugar by using unsweetened pineapple and less granulated sugar. A sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes adds a delightful crunch and tropical note.
Ideal Uses and Serving Suggestions
This easy glorified rice recipe Cherry Confetti Fold is perfect for any occasion. Serve it as a delightful weeknight dessert, bring it to potlucks, or enjoy it at family gatherings. It even works as a special treat in a lunchbox.
- Occasions for Your Glorified Rice: Weeknight dessert, potlucks, family gatherings, holiday meals, lunchbox treat.
- Perfect Pairings: Serve chilled on its own. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint or a few extra cherry halves for a lovely presentation.
- Leftovers, Storage, & Reheating: Store leftover glorified rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Do not freeze, as the texture of the whipped topping will change significantly.
Everyday Benefits of Cooking with Glorified Rice Recipe Cherry Confetti Fold
This creamy rice dessert offers several practical advantages for busy home cooks. It saves time with minimal prep and no baking required, making it ideal for quick meals and family dinners. Using common pantry staples, it’s a budget-friendly option and provides a satisfyingly sweet finish to any meal, truly one of the best easy potluck desserts.
This family-friendly sweet treat is a smart way to use up leftover rice and create a delightful dessert without much fuss. It’s a perfect make-ahead dessert for meal prep planning, ensuring you always have a delicious option ready to go.
Tips, Variations, and Dietary Adjustments
For the best results, ensure your rice is thoroughly chilled and not sticky before mixing. Always fold ingredients gently to keep the whipped topping light and airy, using a rubber spatula for optimal texture.
Creative Confetti Fold Ideas
- Add a touch of almond extract for a marzipan-like flavor.
- Incorporate a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth.
- Mix in chopped pecans or walnuts for a nutty crunch.
Diet-Friendly Cherry Rice
- Low-Carb: Use cooked and cooled riced cauliflower instead of white rice, along with sugar-free whipped topping and sugar-free pie filling or fresh fruit with a sugar substitute. This creates a great low-carb glorified rice.
- Plant-Based: Opt for a plant-based whipped topping (like coconut cream or oat-based) and ensure all other ingredients are vegan-friendly, making a delicious vegan cherry rice dessert.
- Kid-Safe: This recipe is naturally kid-friendly! For younger children, ensure cherries are pitted and halved to prevent choking hazards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is glorified rice suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, this glorified rice recipe Cherry Confetti Fold is naturally gluten-free as long as you use certified gluten-free rice. No special adjustments are needed for the rice itself to enjoy this treat.
How can I meal prep with glorified rice for the week?
This glorified rice recipe is excellent for meal prep! Prepare a larger batch and portion it into individual containers for easy grab-and-go desserts or snacks throughout the week. It keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days.
What’s the best way to store homemade glorified rice?
Store your homemade glorified rice recipe Cherry Confetti Fold in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This keeps it fresh and prevents it from absorbing other fridge odors, ensuring maximum deliciousness.
Can I use fresh cherries instead of pie filling?
Absolutely! If using fresh cherries, pit and halve them. I often macerate them with a little sugar for about 30 minutes beforehand to release juices and enhance sweetness for a vibrant cherry confetti fold.
Why is my glorified rice watery?
This usually happens if the crushed pineapple isn’t drained very well, or if the whipped topping breaks down from overmixing or not chilling long enough. Ensure thorough draining and gentle folding for the best glorified rice texture.
Can I freeze this glorified rice recipe?
Freezing is not recommended for this glorified rice recipe Cherry Confetti Fold. The whipped topping will likely separate and become watery upon thawing, severely affecting the creamy texture we all love.
Can I add other fruits to this glorified rice?
Yes, feel free to experiment! Well-drained diced peaches, mandarin oranges, or mixed berries would all be delicious additions or substitutions in your glorified rice recipe. Enjoy customizing your confetti fold!
This glorified rice recipe Cherry Confetti Fold is proof that incredible desserts don’t have to be complicated, making quick meals and family dinners a breeze. It’s a simple, joyful dish that brings smiles to every table. So, roll up your sleeves, whip up a batch, and create some sweet memories. Don’t forget to save this recipe on Pinterest for later!
glorified rice recipe Cherry Confetti Fold
- Total Time: 67 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free (with rice choice), Dairy-Free (with swaps)
Description
This Cherry Confetti Fold is a creamy, dreamy no-bake dessert featuring bright cherry bursts and fluffy texture, made with cooked rice, whipped topping, pineapple, and cherry pie filling. It’s an effortless, make-ahead sweet treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked white rice, chilled and separated (day-old works perfectly)
- 8 oz whipped topping, thawed from frozen (or fresh homemade whipped cream for richer flavor)
- 15 oz crushed pineapple, well-drained
- 21 oz cherry pie filling (or 2 cups pitted, halved fresh cherries macerated with 2 Tbsp sugar)
- 1 cup mini marshmallows, optional
- 0.25 cup granulated sugar, adjust to sweetness preference
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Ensure 2 cups (360g) cooked rice are completely cooled and separated. Thoroughly drain 15 oz (425g) crushed pineapple, pressing out excess liquid. If using fresh cherries, pit and halve them for easy folding.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, gently fold together 8 oz (225g) thawed whipped topping, drained pineapple, 21 oz (595g) cherry pie filling, 0.25 cup (50g) sugar, and 1 tsp (5ml) vanilla extract until just combined and smooth.
- Fold in Rice and Marshmallows: Add the cooled rice and 1 cup (50g) mini marshmallows. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold until everything is evenly distributed. (If mixture seems too thick, gently fold in an extra tablespoon of milk or a splash of cherry juice.)
- Chill to Perfection: Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour to allow flavors to meld and the mixture to set firmly. For a creamier, more cohesive texture, chill 4 hours or overnight.
Notes
For best results, ensure rice is chilled and pineapple is well-drained. This recipe is flexible; use leftover or pre-cooked rice and canned fruit for convenience, or fresh cherries when in season. To speed up chilling, spread the mixture in a shallow 9×13 inch baking dish. Customize with a squeeze of lemon juice, reduced sugar (using unsweetened pineapple), or toasted coconut flakes. For dietary options, use certified gluten-free rice and a coconut cream or almond-based whipped topping alternative for a dairy-free version. You can also substitute cherries with other berries (strawberries, raspberries) or well-drained canned fruit cocktail.
- Prep Time: 7 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 0.75 cup (about 180 g)
- Calories: 320 calories
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 75 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg
Keywords: no-bake dessert, cherry, rice, easy, potluck, make-ahead, family-friendly, whipped topping, pineapple, marshmallows