Holiday Squares
Holiday Squares are delightful, sweet treats featuring a buttery, tender base topped with a generous layer of fruit filling. Perfect for festive gatherings or casual snacking, they combine rich flavors with a hint of lemon, offering a comforting and nostalgic dessert experience suitable for all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix and blend well the sugar and soft butter.
- Add eggs one at a time to the mixture.
- Add lemon juice and flour a little at a time, mixing after each addition.
- Pour the batter into a greased 15 x 10-inch pan and mark into 32 squares.
- Place 1/2 teaspoon of pie filling on the center of each square.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 to 35 minutes.
- Sift with confectioners' sugar and allow to cool before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract or almond extract to the batter. You can substitute the pie filling with fresh fruit or jam for a different taste. If you prefer a lighter texture, try using cake flour instead of all-purpose flour. This recipe is versatile and can be adapted; for example, you could make a lemon glaze instead of using confectioners' sugar for a refreshing twist, similar to Easy Lemon Cookies.
Serving Suggestions
These Holiday Squares are delightful on their own, but they pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent dessert. Consider serving them alongside a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon treat. They also make a great addition to holiday dessert trays, alongside options like Baker'S Chocolate One Bowl Brownies.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Holiday Squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, place them in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or in an oven at 300°F until warmed through, ensuring they retain their soft texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Holiday Squares contains roughly 124 calories, with 2g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 6g fat.
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! You can use any flavor of pie filling that you prefer, such as cherry, blueberry, or even apple. Each filling will give the squares a unique twist. Just ensure that the filling is not too runny to prevent sogginess in the batter.
How can I make these squares more festive for the holidays?
To make your Holiday Squares more festive, consider adding colorful sprinkles on top after sifting with confectioners' sugar. You could also incorporate seasonal spices like cinnamon or nutmeg into the batter for added warmth and flavor.
Can I make these squares in advance?
Yes, you can prepare these squares a day or two in advance. Just bake and store them in an airtight container. If you prefer, you can bake them and freeze them for up to a month. Just thaw at room temperature 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).