Mary'S Mosaic Fruit Slices
Colorful and festive fruit slices combining buttery shortbread, vibrant maraschino cherries, and crunchy pecans, perfect for holiday gatherings or cheerful dessert trays.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream together softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add egg and vanilla, mix well.
- Gradually blend in flour until dough forms.
- Press half of the dough into an ungreased baking pan.
- Arrange halved maraschino cherries evenly over the dough.
- Crumble remaining dough over the cherries to form a topping.
- Sprinkle pecan halves evenly on top.
- Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until lightly golden.
- Allow to cool before cutting into slices.
Tips & Substitutions
For a different flavor, consider substituting almond extract for the vanilla. You can also use walnuts or pistachios instead of pecans for a unique twist. Ensure your butter is softened for easier creaming with powdered sugar. If you want to add more fruit, diced pineapple or blueberries can also work well in this recipe, enhancing both flavor and color.
Serving Suggestions
These fruit slices are perfect as a dessert on their own or can be served alongside a scoop of Earl Jenkins' Peach Ice Cream for a delightful treat. Pair with a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon snack. They also make a great addition to potlucks or as a sweet gift for friends and family.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover fruit slices in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, let frozen slices thaw at room temperature or gently reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mary'S Mosaic Fruit Slices contains roughly 1577 calories, with 5g protein, 77g carbohydrates, and 124g fat. It is a good source of calcium (12% of the Daily Value) and potassium (10% 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 make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to check that all other ingredients are gluten-free as well, particularly the maraschino cherries, which can sometimes contain gluten in their processing.
How can I make these fruit slices more colorful?
To enhance the visual appeal, consider adding a variety of fruits like diced kiwi or strawberries along with the maraschino cherries. You can also drizzle a light glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice over the top once they are cooled for an additional pop of color.
What should I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough is too sticky to handle, try chilling it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will help firm it up and make it easier to press into the pan. Alternatively, you can add a little extra flour, one tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is achieved.
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).