Cherry Oat Squares
Cherry Oat Squares combine tart cherry filling with crunchy oat and walnut topping, creating a sweet, nutty dessert perfect for gatherings or afternoon tea.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- In a large bowl, mix sugar, chopped walnuts, quick oats, butter or margarine, and flour until crumbly.
- Reserve 1 1/2 cups of the crumb mixture.
- Press the remaining crumb mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch square baking dish.
- Stir cinnamon into the can of cherry pie filling.
- Spread the cherry filling over the crust.
- Sprinkle the reserved crumbs over the top, pressing lightly.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool before cutting into squares.
Tips & Substitutions
For a nuttier flavor, you can toast the walnuts before adding them to the mixture. If you don’t have quick oats, rolled oats can be used, though the texture may vary slightly. Consider substituting half the butter with applesauce for a lighter version. Adding a pinch of nutmeg can enhance the flavor profile, complementing the cinnamon beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
These cherry oat squares make for a delightful snack or dessert, perfect for picnics or potlucks. They pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent treat. For a refreshing drink, serve alongside a Banana Yogurt Shake to balance the sweetness.
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 a microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes for a freshly baked taste.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cherry Oat Squares contains roughly 812 calories, with 10g protein, 46g carbohydrates, and 67g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. It also contributes 5g 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 fresh cherries instead of cherry pie filling?
Yes, you can definitely use fresh cherries. Pitting and chopping about 2 cups of fresh cherries is a great alternative. You may need to add a bit of sugar and cornstarch to thicken the mixture, as fresh cherries are juicier than pie filling.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute the butter with a plant-based margarine and use a vegan cherry pie filling. Ensure that the sugar you use is vegan-friendly, as some sugars are processed with bone char.
What can I use instead of walnuts?
If you have nut allergies or prefer a different flavor, you can use pecans or almonds as a substitute for walnuts. Alternatively, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds can provide a nice crunch without the nuts.
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).