Nut Or Jelly Squares
Nut or Jelly Squares are delightful baked treats with a rich, flaky crust and sweet filling, perfect for snacking or sharing at gatherings with family and friends.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Warm to lukewarm 1/4 cup milk and crumble the yeast into the warm milk. Set aside.
- Sift baking powder, salt, sugar, and 1 cup of flour into 6 cups of flour.
- Cut shortening into the flour mixture. Add the yeast mixture.
- Beat eggs until lemon colored, then add to the mixture.
- Knead until smooth. Add flour if necessary.
- Cover with a bowl and set aside.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting part of the lard or Crisco with butter. If you don't have cake yeast, you can use active dry yeast; just double the amount and dissolve it in warm milk before adding. Ensure the milk is lukewarm, as hot milk can kill the yeast. Kneading until smooth is essential for a good texture.
Serving Suggestions
These squares can be enjoyed plain or filled with your choice of jelly or nuts for added flavor. Serve them alongside a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon snack. They also pair beautifully with American recipes like Creamy Carrot Bake or Chocolate Marshmallow Surprise, making them versatile for gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Nut Or Jelly Squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to extend their shelf life, refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through, which will help retain their texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Nut Or Jelly Squares contains roughly 2532 calories, with 20g protein, 564g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (49% of the Daily Value), protein (40% of the Daily Value), and iron (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2400mg per serving (104% 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 fat instead of lard or Crisco?
Yes, you can substitute lard or Crisco with unsalted butter for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that it may alter the texture slightly, making them a bit softer. Alternatively, vegetable shortening can also be used for a similar consistency.
What can I use if I don't have condensed milk?
If you don't have condensed milk, you can make a substitute by simmering regular milk with sugar until it thickens. For a healthier option, blend milk with a sweetener of your choice until smooth. This will mimic the sweetness and texture of condensed milk in your recipe.
How can I tell when the dough has risen enough?
The dough should double in size during the rising process, which typically takes about 1-2 hours in a warm environment. To test if it has risen enough, gently poke the dough; if the indentation remains, it's ready to proceed. If it springs back quickly, give it more time.
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).