Cherry Square
Cherry Square is a delightful dessert featuring a crisp crust filled with sweet cherry pie filling, perfect for family gatherings and cherry lovers alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients except the cherry pie filling to form a dough.
- Take half of the dough and roll it on wax paper, then transfer it to a cookie sheet.
- Ensure the dough covers the entire cookie sheet with some overhang, like a pie crust.
- Spread the cherry pie filling over the dough.
- Take the remaining dough and place it on top of the cherry filling.
- Pinch together the top and bottom layers of dough to seal.
- Bake at 350°F for 25 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For the perfect dough, ensure your oleo and shortening are at room temperature for easy mixing. If you don't have oleo, you can substitute with unsalted butter. For a twist, consider adding almond extract to the cherry filling, enhancing the flavor. If you prefer a more vibrant color, toss the cherries with a bit of food coloring before spreading.
Serving Suggestions
Cherry Squares are delightful on their own but pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for added decadence. Serve them alongside a cup of tea or coffee for a perfect afternoon treat. For a festive touch, dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Cherry Squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep them fresh longer, refrigerate them for up to a week. Reheat individual squares in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cherry Square contains roughly 395 calories, with 5g protein, 59g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (32% of the Daily Value) and iron (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1111mg per serving (48% 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 canned pie filling?
Yes, you can use fresh cherries! Just pit and slice them, then mix with sugar and a bit of cornstarch to create a thick filling. This will give your Cherry Squares a fresh taste and a delightful texture.
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough is sticky, try adding a little extra flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency. Make sure to work quickly to avoid warming the dough too much, which can make it harder to handle.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make Cherry Squares vegan, substitute the eggs with flaxseed meal or applesauce, and replace the oleo and shortening with a plant-based butter. Ensure that the cherry filling is also vegan-friendly by checking the ingredients.
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).