Easy Time Squares
Sweet, fruity, and buttery, these easy Time Squares combine a tender cake base with fruit filling and a dusting of confectioners sugar, perfect for dessert or teatime treats.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Gradually add sugar to margarine in a large mixer bowl, creaming at medium speed until light and fluffy.
- At medium speed, add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- At low speed, add sifted flour and lemon juice or extract.
- Pour batter into a well-greased 15 x 10 x 1-inch jelly roll pan.
- Mark off into 24 squares.
- Place one heaping tablespoonful of fruit pie filling in the center of each square.
- Bake for 45 to 50 minutes.
- While warm, sift confectioners sugar over the top.
- Cut into squares and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, you can substitute half of the margarine with unsweetened applesauce. If you prefer a different flavor, try using almond extract instead of lemon. Make sure to sift your flour to prevent lumps in the batter. If you want a more decadent treat, consider adding chocolate chips to the batter, which pairs beautifully with fruit fillings, enhancing the overall flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Easy Time Squares as a delightful dessert at gatherings or alongside a cup of coffee or tea. They make a great addition to a dessert platter, especially when paired with a refreshing drink like Angel Frost Punch. You can also garnish with fresh fruit or whipped cream for an extra touch, making them perfect for any occasion.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Easy Time Squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, place individual squares in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds until warm. You can also enjoy them cold, as the flavors develop even more over time.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Time Squares contains roughly 221 calories, with 2g protein, 21g carbohydrates, and 15g 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 a different type of pie filling?
Absolutely! You can use any fruit pie filling that you prefer, such as cherry, blueberry, or apple. Each filling will give the squares a unique flavor. Just be mindful of the sweetness level, as some fillings may be sweeter than others.
Can I freeze these squares for later?
Yes, you can freeze Easy Time Squares! Once they are completely cooled, wrap them in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
What can I use instead of margarine?
If you want to avoid margarine, you can substitute it with an equal amount of unsalted butter or a vegan butter alternative. Coconut oil is another option that can add a slight coconut flavor, which works well with fruity fillings.
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).