Nellie'S Butter Squares
Nellie's Butter Squares are rich, buttery dessert squares with a delicate cake-like texture, perfect for sweet cravings and special occasions, appealing to all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Beat egg yolks and ice water until well combined.
- Add sugar and beat until dissolved.
- Sift cake flour once.
- Add baking powder and salt to flour and sift three times.
- Gradually beat flour mixture into the egg yolk mixture.
- Add vanilla to the batter and mix well.
- Beat egg whites until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold egg whites into the batter.
- Pour batter into a greased 9 x 13-inch pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 to 35 minutes until golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool, then cut into squares.
- Frost top and sides with desired frosting before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, make sure your egg whites are at room temperature before beating them to stiff peaks. If you don't have cake flour, you can substitute with all-purpose flour by removing 2 tablespoons of flour for every cup needed and replacing it with cornstarch. This cake is also delicious with a dusting of powdered sugar instead of frosting for a lighter option.
Serving Suggestions
These butter squares are delightful served plain, but you can also pair them with whipped cream and fresh berries for an added treat. They go well with a cup of tea or coffee, making them a perfect afternoon snack. For a fun twist, serve them alongside Katherine'S Blueberry Cobbler for a dessert spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover butter squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, place individual squares in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or until warm. Avoid reheating the entire batch at once to maintain texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Nellie'S Butter Squares contains roughly 160 calories, with 2g protein, 20g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 749mg 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 use egg substitutes in this recipe?
Yes, you can use egg substitutes such as flax eggs or commercial egg replacers. For every egg yolk, use 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water. For egg whites, you can use aquafaba, which is the liquid from canned chickpeas, as a great vegan alternative.
What type of frosting works best with butter squares?
Cream cheese frosting or a classic buttercream pairs wonderfully with these butter squares. You can also try a chocolate ganache for a richer flavor. Just ensure the squares are completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting.
Can I freeze these butter squares?
Absolutely! You can freeze the butter squares for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. 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).