Gerbeaud Squares
Gerbeaud Squares are decadent layered pastry squares filled with jam and sugared walnuts, topped with chocolate icing—perfect for special occasions and rich dessert lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix 1/2 cup ground walnuts and 1 tablespoon sugar together and set aside.
- Sift flour, baking soda, 1 tablespoon sugar, and salt into a bowl.
- Cut butter into the flour mixture until crumbly.
- Add egg yolks, whole egg, yeast cake, and sour cream; knead together well.
- Divide the dough into 4 equal parts.
- Roll one part of the dough to fit a 14 x 12-inch pan.
- Place the rolled dough in the bottom of the pan.
- Spread a thin layer of apricot preserves or raspberry jam over the dough.
- Sprinkle about one-third of the sugared walnuts over the jam.
- Roll out the second portion of dough to fit the top of the walnuts.
- Spread jam over the second layer.
- Sprinkle with another third of the sugared walnuts.
- Roll the third portion of dough to fit on top of the walnuts.
- Spread jam over the third layer.
- Sprinkle with the remaining sugared walnuts.
- Roll out the fourth portion of dough and place on top of the walnuts.
- Let the assembled layered pastry rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes.
- Allow to cool and then spread with chocolate icing.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter dough, consider using a combination of all-purpose flour and cake flour. If you don't have sour cream, Greek yogurt can be a good substitute. Ensure that the butter is cold when mixing to achieve a flaky texture. When layering, feel free to experiment with different jams or preserves, such as apricot or raspberry, for varied flavors.
Serving Suggestions
These Gerbeaud Squares are delightful on their own but can be served with a side of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence. They also pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea, making them a perfect treat for brunch or an afternoon snack. For a savory contrast, consider serving alongside a dish like Sweet Cabbage And Kielbasa.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Gerbeaud Squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate them, and they will last about a week. To reheat, simply warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes until slightly warm and the icing is softened.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Gerbeaud Squares contains roughly 266 calories, with 10g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1477mg per serving (64% 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 nut instead of walnuts?
Yes, you can substitute ground almonds or pecans for the walnuts. Each nut will impart a unique flavor profile, so choose one that matches your taste preferences.
What if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough is sticky, try adding a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a manageable consistency. Be cautious not to add too much, as this could affect the final texture.
Can I freeze the Gerbeaud Squares?
Absolutely! Once baked and cooled, wrap the squares tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing them in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
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).