Fruit Square
A delicious fruit square featuring a buttery batter, sweet pie filling, and optional spices, perfect for dessert or teatime gatherings, appealing to all sweet tooths.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix together shortening, sugar, and egg.
- Stir in buttermilk and vanilla.
- Sift together and stir in flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Spread half the batter in a greased 9 x 13-inch pan.
- Spread pie filling over the batter.
- If desired, sprinkle cinnamon and nutmeg over the pie filling.
- Spoon out the remaining filling for easier spreading.
- Spread the remaining batter over the filling.
- Bake at 375°F for 45 minutes.
- Allow to cool, then frost with vanilla frosting or serve with whipped cream or ice cream.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, consider using unsalted butter instead of shortening. You can substitute the buttermilk with plain yogurt mixed with a little water or milk. If you want to enhance the flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg to the batter. Adjust the sweetness by selecting a fruit pie filling with less added sugar or make your own filling using fresh fruits.
Serving Suggestions
This Fruit Square is delightful on its own but pairs beautifully with whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream for a decadent dessert. For a light meal, serve with a side of fresh fruit or a green salad. It also makes a great addition to a picnic or potluck, alongside other American recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm individual squares in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10 minutes to maintain the cake's moisture and texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fruit Square contains roughly 141 calories, with 2g protein, 20g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1061mg per serving (46% 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 a different type of pie filling?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different flavors like cherry, blueberry, or peach pie filling. Just ensure the filling isn't too watery, as this could affect the texture of the final bake.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this Fruit Square gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the baking soda is also gluten-free. The texture may vary slightly, but it should still be delicious.
Can I freeze the Fruit Square?
Yes, you can freeze the Fruit Square. Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before enjoying.
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).