Luscious, sweet cherries take the place of bananas in this long-time favorite vanilla wafer layered pudding dessert.

Nilla Cherry Pudding

2 (4-serving size) packages instant vanilla pudding and pie filling
4 1/2 cups milk
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
43 Nilla Wafers (vanilla wafers)
2 1/2 cups Northwest sweet cherries, pitted and halved
2 cups prepared non-dairy whipped topping
Additional Nilla Wafers and Northwest sweet cherries, for garnish

1. Prepare pudding according to package directions using milk and almond extract.
2. Spoon 1/2 cup pudding in bottom of 2-quart serving bowl. Top with 8 wafers, a generous layer of cherries and 2/3 cup pudding. Stand 10 wafers around outside edge of dish. Continue layering 11 wafers, cherries, 2/3 cup pudding, 14 wafers, cherries and remaining pudding.
3. Cover, refrigerate 3 hours or overnight. To serve, spread whipped topping over pudding; garnish with additional wafers and cherries if desired.

Makes 8 servings.

Recipe provided courtesy of Washington State Fruit Commission.