Fruit Dessert Squares
A vibrant, fruity dessert square featuring a cookie crust, creamy topping, and an assortment of fresh fruits, perfect for parties or a delightful treat for all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Cut cookie dough into 1/8-inch thick slices.
- Arrange cookie slices, slightly overlapping, into a 14 x 10-inch rectangle on a lightly greased foil-lined baking sheet.
- Press slices together lightly with fingers to form a crust.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until golden brown.
- Cool completely and carefully remove foil.
- In a bowl, beat softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture over the cooled cookie crust.
- Arrange assorted fruits on top of the cream cheese layer.
- Heat apricot or peach preserves with water until liquid, then gently brush over the fruits.
Tips & Substitutions
For a firmer crust, chill the sugar cookie dough before slicing. Feel free to substitute the cream cheese with Greek yogurt for a lighter option. You can also use any seasonal fruits that you prefer or have on hand. Adding a sprinkle of lemon juice over the fruits can enhance their flavor. If you want to add some crunch, consider topping with chopped nuts or granola, which also pairs beautifully with Cocoa Swirl Coffee Cake.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these fruit dessert squares as a delightful finish to a summer barbecue or picnic. They also make a great addition to brunch alongside other sweet treats like Christmas Morning Monkey Bread. For an elegant presentation, cut into smaller squares and garnish with a mint leaf. Pair with a light dessert wine or a refreshing iced tea for a perfect balance.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cookie crust may soften over time, so it's best to enjoy the dessert fresh. If you need to reheat the dessert, place individual servings in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to slightly warm them without melting the cream cheese layer.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fruit Dessert Squares contains roughly 93 calories, with 2g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (21% 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 make this dessert ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cookie crust and cream cheese layer a day in advance. Just assemble the fruits and glaze on the day you plan to serve it to ensure maximum freshness. This makes it a perfect dessert for entertaining, allowing you to spend more time with your guests.
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).