Pineapple Pudding Cake

My mother used to love making this simple dessert in the summertime. It never lasts very long!

—KATHLEEN WORDEN NORTH ANDOVER, MA

PREP: 25 MIN. BAKE: 15 MIN. + CHILLING MAKES: 20 SERVINGS

1 package (9 ounces) yellow cake mix

1/2 cups cold fat-free milk

1 package (1 ounce) sugar-free instant vanilla pudding mix

1 package (8 ounces) fat-free cream cheese

1 can (20 ounces) unsweetened crushed pineapple, well drained

1 carton (8 ounces) frozen fat-free whipped topping, thawed

1/4 cup chopped walnuts, toasted

20 maraschino cherries, well drained

1. Prepare the cake mix batter according to package directions; pour into a 13-in. x 9-in. baking pan coated with cooking spray.

2. Bake at 350° for 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool completely on a wire rack.

3. In a large bowl, whisk milk and pudding mix for 2 minutes. Let stand for 2 minutes or until soft-set.

4. In a small bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Beat in pudding mixture until blended. Spread evenly over cake. Sprinkle with pineapple; spread with whipped topping. Sprinkle with walnuts and garnish with cherries. Refrigerate until serving.

PER SERVING 1 piece equals 131 cal., 2 g fat (1 g sat. fat), 1 mg chol., 217 mg sodium, 24 g carb., 1 g fiber, 3 g pro. Diabetic Exchange: 1/2 starch.