Cherry Dream Squares
Cherry Dream Squares are a delightful dessert featuring a buttery cake crust topped with sweet cherry pie filling and a crunchy nutty topping. Perfect for gatherings or a comforting treat, their combination of tart cherries and sweet crumb topping makes them a family favorite for any occasion.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9 x 13-inch pan.
- In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, 6 tablespoons of margarine, and 1 cup of rolled oats; mix until crumbly.
- Reserve 1 cup of crumbs for topping.
- To the remaining crumbs, add 1 egg; mix well.
- Press the mixture into the prepared pan.
- Pour the cherry pie filling over the crust.
- In a small bowl, mix the reserved crumbs, remaining 1/4 cup rolled oats, 2 tablespoons margarine, chopped nuts, and brown sugar to make the topping.
- Sprinkle the topping evenly over the cherry filling.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 to 40 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Cool before cutting into squares and serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using butter instead of margarine. You can also substitute half of the rolled oats with crushed graham crackers for a different texture. If you prefer, swap the cherry pie filling for blueberry or peach filling to change things up. Ensure to mix the topping well to avoid clumping before sprinkling it over the filling.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Cherry Dream Squares warm or at room temperature, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence. They pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea and make for a delightful afternoon snack. Consider serving them alongside a fresh fruit salad for a balanced treat, or try them with a slice of Impossible French Apple Pie for a dessert spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Cherry Dream Squares in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. For longer storage, these squares can be frozen. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm in the oven at a low temperature until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cherry Dream Squares contains roughly 618 calories, with 3g protein, 56g carbohydrates, and 44g fat. It is a good source of iron (18% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (10% of the Daily Value).
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 make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the Pillsbury Plus white cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix. Ensure that any other ingredients, such as oats and nuts, are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
What can I use instead of cherry pie filling?
You can easily replace the cherry pie filling with other fruit fillings like blueberry, raspberry, or even a homemade fruit compote for a fresher taste. Just ensure that the consistency remains similar for best results.
How do I know when the squares are done baking?
The Cherry Dream Squares are done when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs. Be careful not to overbake, as they can become dry.
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).