Cherry Nut Squares
Cherry Nut Squares offer a delightful combination of sweet cherry filling, crunchy nuts, and tender batter, perfect for parties, picnics, or satisfying dessert cravings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a large bowl, cream together shortening and sugar.
- Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Beat until light and fluffy.
- Add flour, salt, nuts, and vanilla extract; mix well.
- Spread two-thirds of the batter in a thin layer in an ungreased 15½ x 10½ x 1-inch pan.
- Spread the cherry pie filling over the batter, spreading to the edges.
- Drop the remaining batter in small bits on top of the filling.
- Bake for 40 to 45 minutes.
- Cool completely, then cut into squares.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using butter instead of shortening. If you prefer a nut-free version, you can omit the nuts entirely or substitute with sunflower seeds. Ensure the eggs are at room temperature for better incorporation into the batter. You can also experiment with different pie fillings like blueberry or apple for a twist on the classic cherry.
Serving Suggestions
These Cherry Nut Squares are delightful on their own, but they can be enhanced with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a festive touch, drizzle with chocolate sauce. They pair beautifully with coffee or tea, making them a perfect addition to brunch or dessert tables. For more ideas, browse more American recipes that feature fruit.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, place squares in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm in an oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes until heated through. This keeps the texture moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cherry Nut Squares contains roughly 1170 calories, with 16g protein, 167g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (32% of the Daily Value), iron (31% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2093mg per serving (91% 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 use fresh cherries instead of cherry pie filling?
Yes, you can use fresh cherries, but you'll need to add sugar and possibly some cornstarch to thicken the mixture. Pit and chop the cherries, then mix them with sugar to taste and cook briefly until slightly thickened before spreading over the batter.
Can I freeze Cherry Nut Squares?
Absolutely! Once cooled, wrap the squares tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature or reheat directly from the freezer in the oven.
What can I substitute for eggs in this recipe?
If you're looking for an egg substitute, you can use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana for each egg. This will help retain moisture and add a slight sweetness, making it a great option for vegetarian recipes.
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).