Holiday Cherry Squares
Festive cherry squares combine crunchy corn flake crust with sweet marshmallows, coconut, cherries, and nuts, making a delightful treat perfect for holiday gatherings and special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking pan, combine corn flake crumbs, softened margarine, and sugar.
- Press down firmly with the back of a spoon to form a crust.
- Sprinkle miniature marshmallows, flaked coconut, and chopped cherries evenly over the crust in layers.
- Pour Eagle Brand milk evenly over the top.
- Sprinkle chopped nuts evenly over all, pressing lightly into the mixture.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 25 minutes or until lightly brown around the edges.
- Refrigerate before cutting into 1 1/2 x 1 1/2-inch squares.
Tips & Substitutions
For a gluten-free option, consider using gluten-free corn flakes for the crumbs. If you prefer a less sweet treat, reduce the sugar to 2 tablespoons. Adding a teaspoon of almond extract can enhance the cherry flavor. You can also substitute chopped pecans for the nuts for a different flavor profile, similar to what you might find in Candied Fruit Bread.
Serving Suggestions
These Holiday Cherry Squares make an excellent dessert for holiday gatherings. Serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence. They pair beautifully with coffee or hot chocolate, making them perfect for cozy winter nights. Consider serving them with Cherry Surprise Cookies for a delightful dessert platter.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to enjoy them warm, reheat individual squares in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or until just warmed through. These treats can also be frozen for longer storage; just thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Holiday Cherry Squares contains roughly 565 calories, with 6g protein, 64g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (41% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (41% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and calcium. It also contributes 6g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
Yes, you can use fresh cherries, but be sure to pit and chop them first. Fresh cherries will provide a different texture and flavor, making the squares slightly less sweet. Adjust the sugar accordingly if you prefer them less sweet.
What can I substitute for flaked coconut?
If you're not a fan of coconut, you can omit it entirely or replace it with additional corn flake crumbs or chopped nuts. This will change the texture but maintain the overall flavor profile of the squares.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, to make it vegan, use a plant-based margarine instead of regular margarine and opt for a dairy-free sweetened condensed milk alternative. This will keep the squares creamy while adhering to a vegan diet.
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).