Fruitful Squares
Fruitful Squares are chewy, nutty bars packed with raisins, chocolate bits, and maraschino cherries, offering a delightful blend of sweetness and texture. Perfect for snacking, picnics, or dessert, these squares appeal to those who love rich, fruity, and chocolatey treats in every bite.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cream the brown sugar and butter until well combined.
- Add eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.
- Gradually add the flour mixture, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in raisins, chocolate bits, chopped walnuts, and quartered maraschino cherries.
- Pour the batter into a greased and floured 9 x 13-inch pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool before cutting into 2 x 2-inch squares.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, consider using cake flour instead of all-purpose flour. You can also substitute the raisins with dried cranberries for a tart twist or use pecans instead of walnuts for a different nutty flavor. Be sure to sift the dry ingredients thoroughly to avoid clumping. Adjust the baking time slightly if using a glass pan.
Serving Suggestions
These Fruitful Squares are perfect for dessert or as a snack with coffee or tea. Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat or pair with a dollop of whipped cream. They also complement a cheese platter beautifully, making them versatile for gatherings or casual snacking.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Fruitful Squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them, where they will last about a week. To reheat, warm individual squares in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or enjoy them cold for a delightful treat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fruitful Squares contains roughly 843 calories, with 10g protein, 94g carbohydrates, and 52g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (25% of the Daily Value), protein (21% of the Daily Value), and iron (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 763mg per serving (33% 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 substitute the eggs in this recipe?
Yes, you can use flax eggs as a substitute; mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water for each egg. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes until it thickens. This works well in dessert recipes and can add a nutty flavor.
How do I know when the squares are done baking?
To check if the Fruitful Squares are done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, they are ready. If there is wet batter on the toothpick, continue baking for a few more minutes.
Can I freeze these Fruitful Squares?
Absolutely! Wrap the cooled squares tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before serving or enjoy them straight from the freezer for a cold treat.
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).