Cherry Treats
Cherry Treats are delightful dessert bars featuring a flaky crust, sweet cherry filling, and a lattice top, perfect for sharing with family and friends during special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sift together flour, baking powder, sugar, and baking soda.
- Add margarine and shortening to the dry ingredients.
- Cut in margarine and shortening until the mixture is very crumbly.
- Add egg, vanilla, and milk; mix well.
- Use two-thirds of the dough to spread on an ungreased cookie sheet.
- Spread cherry pie filling evenly over the dough.
- Use the remaining dough to create a lattice top over the cherry filling.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using butter instead of margarine and shortening. You can also substitute part of the flour with almond flour for a nutty taste. If you don't have cherry pie filling, fresh or frozen cherries mixed with sugar and cornstarch can work well. Remember to let the dough rest for a few minutes before spreading to make it easier to work with.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Cherry Treats warm or at room temperature, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for a delightful dessert. They also pair beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream. For a fun twist, try serving them with a drizzle of Icing For Cheese Cake over the top for extra sweetness.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Cherry Treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, place individual pieces in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or warm in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cherry Treats contains roughly 1279 calories, with 18g protein, 204g carbohydrates, and 46g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (51% of the Daily Value), protein (36% of the Daily Value), and iron (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 955mg per serving (42% 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 pie filling?
Yes, you can use fresh cherries! Simply pit and slice them, then mix with sugar and a bit of cornstarch to create a filling similar to pie filling. This will give you a fresher flavor and a bit of texture.
What can I use instead of margarine?
You can substitute margarine with an equal amount of unsalted butter for a richer taste. Alternatively, coconut oil can be used for a dairy-free option, though it may impart a slight coconut flavor.
How can I make these treats more festive?
To make your Cherry Treats more festive, consider adding a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top before serving. You could also incorporate almond extract in place of vanilla for an enhanced flavor that complements the cherries beautifully.
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).