Cherry Dessert Squares
Sweet cherry-flavored dessert squares with a crunchy nut topping and a glossy glaze, perfect for parties or family gatherings, offering a delightful balance of tart and sweet flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix the cherry chip cake mix, eggs, and melted oleo by hand until well combined.
- Spread the batter evenly in a 9 x 13 x 2-inch baking pan.
- Spread the cherry pie filling over the cake mixture.
- Sprinkle chopped nuts over the cherry filling.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) until the top is golden brown, about 30 minutes.
- Allow to cool, then drizzle with a glaze made from powdered sugar and water.
- Cut into 1-inch squares and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the cake mix. You can substitute unsalted butter for oleo if preferred. If you're not a fan of nuts, feel free to omit them or replace them with chocolate chips for a sweeter touch. Make sure to spread the cherry pie filling evenly to ensure every bite is delicious.
Serving Suggestions
These cherry dessert squares are delightful on their own but can be paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. They also make a lovely addition to a picnic spread alongside dishes like Cucumber-Onion Salad. For a festive touch, dust with extra powdered sugar before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cherry dessert squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, place a square in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds until warmed through, or enjoy them cold for a refreshing treat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cherry Dessert Squares contains roughly 269 calories, with 4g protein, 40g carbohydrates, and 11g fat.
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 cherry pie filling?
Yes, you can use fresh cherries. Pit and chop about 2 cups of fresh cherries, and toss them with a bit of sugar to mimic the sweetness of pie filling. Spread them over the batter just like the cherry pie filling for a fresh twist.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make gluten-free cherry dessert squares, simply use a gluten-free cherry chip cake mix. Be sure to check the labels on all other ingredients, including the powdered sugar, to ensure they are gluten-free.
Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dessert squares a day ahead. Just bake and allow them to cool completely before covering them tightly. They will stay fresh for a day or two and can be drizzled with glaze right before serving.
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).