Quick Cherry Squares
Sweet and tangy cherry squares feature a buttery crust, creamy filling, and vibrant cherry topping, perfect for dessert lovers and family gatherings alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 13 x 9-inch cake pan.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Add the eggs one at a time; beat until light and fluffy.
- Stir in the almond extract.
- Mix in the all-purpose flour and baking powder until the batter is smooth.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread evenly.
- Spoon cherry pie filling onto the batter in 16 spots across the surface.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool slightly, then sprinkle the top with powdered sugar before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using brown sugar instead of granulated sugar. If you don't have almond extract, vanilla extract is a great substitute. To enhance the cherry flavor, mix in some fresh or frozen cherries with the pie filling. Be careful not to overmix the batter; just combine until smooth for the best texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the cherry squares warm or at room temperature. They pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, making them a perfect dessert for gatherings. For an extra festive touch, consider serving them alongside Halloween Treats during the fall season. Dust with additional powdered sugar just before serving for a beautiful presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cherry squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, place individual squares in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Quick Cherry Squares contains roughly 257 calories, with 6g protein, 54g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is a good source of iron (14% of the Daily Value), protein (12% of the Daily Value), and calcium (11% 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 cherries instead of cherry pie filling?
Yes, you can use fresh or frozen cherries instead of pie filling. If using fresh cherries, pit and chop them, then mix with a bit of sugar and cornstarch to create a similar consistency to pie filling. Adjust the sugar to taste based on the sweetness of the cherries.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make gluten-free cherry squares, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that any additional ingredients, such as baking powder, are also gluten-free. The texture may vary slightly, but it should still be delicious!
Can I freeze the cherry squares?
Absolutely! To freeze, wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight or 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).