Cherry Dream Squares(Microwave)
Cherry Dream Squares offer a delightful combination of sweet cherry filling, oatmeal crumble topping, and moist cake base, perfect for dessert lovers and easy to prepare in minutes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, 6 tablespoons of oleo, and 1 cup of oats. Mix until crumbly.
- Reserve 1 cup of the crumbs for topping. To the remaining crumbs, add 1 egg and mix until well blended.
- Press the crumb mixture into a 9x13-inch glass baking dish.
- Pour cherry pie filling over the crust and spread to cover.
- To the reserved crumbs, add the remaining 1/4 cup of oats, 2 tablespoons of oleo, chopped nuts, and brown sugar. Beat until thoroughly mixed.
- Spread the crumb mixture over the cherries.
- Microwave at 70% power for 12 to 14 minutes, turning the dish a quarter turn twice during cooking.
- Cool and serve with whipped cream or ice cream.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more intense cherry flavor, consider using a homemade cherry pie filling instead of canned. If you're looking for gluten-free options, try substituting the white cake mix with a gluten-free blend. Additionally, you can use coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free version. To enhance the texture, mix in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg with the oats.
Serving Suggestions
These Cherry Dream Squares are delightful when served warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They make for a delicious dessert at any gathering, especially when paired with coffee or tea. For a fun twist, serve alongside **Cookie Theadora** for a delightful dessert platter.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Cherry Dream Squares in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual squares in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds on low power to maintain their texture. Alternatively, serve them cold as a refreshing dessert.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cherry Dream Squares(Microwave) contains roughly 399 calories, with 7g protein, 70g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (51% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium 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 other fruit fillings instead of cherry?
Yes, you can substitute cherry pie filling with other fruit fillings like blueberry, raspberry, or apple. Each will give a different flavor profile, making it a versatile recipe. Just ensure the consistency is similar to maintain the structure of the squares.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the Cherry Dream Squares up to a day in advance. Just cover them well and store them in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, you can enjoy them cold or give them a quick reheat in the microwave.
How can I make this dessert more festive?
To make your Cherry Dream Squares more festive, consider adding a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top before serving. You could also garnish with fresh cherries or mint leaves for a pop of color. Pairing these with a refreshing drink like lemonade can elevate your dessert experience.
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).