Cherry Crisp Squares
Cherry Crisp Squares offer a delightful combination of sweet cherry filling and crunchy crumb topping, perfect for dessert lovers seeking a comforting, fruit-filled treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix brown sugar, flour, quick rolled oats, and margarine together to make a crumb mixture.
- Spread half of the crumb mixture in the bottom of an 8-inch pan.
- Spread cherry pie filling over the crumb layer.
- Add the remaining crumb mixture over the top of the cherry filling.
- Bake at 350°F for 45 minutes.
- Allow to cool before serving with whipped topping or ice cream.
Tips & Substitutions
To achieve a perfect crumb topping, ensure your margarine is softened but not melted. You can substitute the cherry pie filling with any fruit filling like apple or blueberry for a different twist. For a vegan version, use plant-based margarine and ensure the pie filling contains no animal products. Add a sprinkle of cinnamon to the crumb mixture for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Cherry Crisp Squares warm, topped with a dollop of whipped topping or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience. They also pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea. For a refreshing contrast, consider serving alongside a glass of Setting Sun Summer Cooler.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Cherry Crisp Squares in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual squares in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10 minutes, ensuring they're warmed through while maintaining their crisp texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cherry Crisp Squares contains roughly 412 calories, with 5g protein, 69g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and protein. It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned pie filling?
Yes, you can use fresh cherries to make your own filling! Simply pit and chop about 2 cups of fresh cherries, mix them with 1/2 cup of sugar and a tablespoon of cornstarch, and let it sit for about 10 minutes before spreading it on the crumb layer.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make Cherry Crisp Squares gluten-free, substitute regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Ensure the oats are certified gluten-free as well. This will allow you to enjoy the same delicious flavor and texture without the gluten.
What can I do if I don't have margarine?
If you don't have margarine, you can use an equal amount of butter or coconut oil as a substitute. Both will provide richness to the crumb mixture. For a vegan option, opt for coconut oil, ensuring it's solid yet pliable for easy mixing.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).