Pineapple-Apricot Squares
Sweet and tangy pineapple-apricot squares feature a buttery crust with a fruity jam filling and a lattice topping, perfect for dessert, tea parties, or special gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix together flour, baking powder, and sugar.
- Cut in margarine until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- In a separate bowl, combine sour cream, eggs, vanilla, and salt.
- Add the sour cream mixture to the flour mixture and mix well.
- Knead the dough until well combined.
- Divide dough into thirds; press 2/3 into a greased 18 x 12 x 1-inch pan, bringing dough up around the sides.
- Spread apricot jam evenly over the dough in the pan.
- Roll remaining dough into a rectangle and cut into 1/2 inch strips.
- Arrange strips into a lattice pattern over the jam filling.
- Place strips of dough around the sides of the pan to create a border.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 to 55 minutes, until lightly browned.
- Cool the squares and sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting half of the margarine with unsalted butter. If you prefer a different jam, peach or raspberry can work well too. Ensure your sour cream is at room temperature for better mixing, and don't over-knead the dough to keep the squares tender. For an added touch, a dash of almond extract can enhance the apricot flavor beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
These squares are delightful on their own, but you can elevate them by serving with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. For a festive touch, serve alongside Nancy And Norma'S Birthday Cake at gatherings for a delightful dessert spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Pineapple-Apricot Squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze in individual portions. To reheat, simply warm in the oven at 300°F until heated through, or microwave for a few seconds until just warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pineapple-Apricot Squares contains roughly 233 calories, with 5g protein, 41g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is a good source of calcium (19% of the Daily Value) and protein (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 915mg per serving (40% 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 fresh apricots instead of jam?
Yes, you can use fresh apricots! Just cook them down with sugar until they form a jam-like consistency. However, this may alter the baking time slightly, so keep an eye on the squares while they bake.
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough is too sticky, you can sprinkle a little extra flour as you knead it. Be careful not to add too much, as it can make the squares dry. Alternatively, chilling the dough for about 30 minutes can help firm it up for easier handling.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to substitute the regular flour. Just ensure it includes xanthan gum or add it separately according to the package instructions for the best texture in your Pineapple-Apricot Squares.
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).