Cherry Oat Dessert Squares
Sweet cherry pie filling combined with crunchy oat and nut topping creates a delightful dessert square, perfect for sharing at gatherings or satisfying a sweet craving.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- In a large bowl, mix sugar, chopped walnuts, quick oats, butter, and flour until crumbly.
- Reserve 1 1/2 cups of the crumb mixture.
- Press the remaining mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch square baking dish.
- Stir cinnamon into the cherry pie filling.
- Spread the cherry filling over the crust.
- Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture over the top, pressing lightly.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until lightly browned.
- Allow to cool.
- Cut into squares to serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a nut-free version, you can substitute the walnuts with sunflower seeds or omit them entirely. If you prefer a sweeter dessert, consider adding a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to the cherry pie filling. Make sure to use quick oats as they create a better texture in these squares. If you're short on time, you can use store-bought cherry pie filling instead of making your own.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Cherry Oat Dessert Squares warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat. They pair beautifully with a refreshing Yogurt Shake or can be enjoyed alongside a cup of hot tea for a delightful afternoon snack. Consider dusting with powdered sugar before serving for a touch of elegance.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or warm them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until heated through. They can also be enjoyed cold straight from the fridge.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cherry Oat Dessert Squares contains roughly 402 calories, with 5g protein, 28g carbohydrates, and 30g 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 frozen cherries instead of cherry pie filling?
Yes, you can use frozen cherries! Simply thaw them and mix with sugar and a bit of cornstarch to thicken before spreading over the crust. This will give you a fresher taste and allow you to control the sweetness.
How can I make these squares gluten-free?
To make these Cherry Oat Dessert Squares gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free. This will maintain the texture while accommodating gluten sensitivities.
Can I make these squares ahead of time?
Absolutely! These squares can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just be sure to let them cool completely before wrapping them tightly. They will taste just as delicious the next day.
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).