Strawberry, Raspberry Or Pineapple Squares
A delightful frozen dessert featuring mixed berries or pineapple, crunchy Grape-Nuts topping, and a light whipped filling—perfect for warm days and entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix flour, brown sugar, Grape-Nuts, and melted margarine to form crumbs.
- Spread the crumbs on a cookie sheet and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes, stirring often to prevent burning.
- Drain some juice from the frozen berries or pineapple.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat egg whites, sugar, and lemon juice on high speed until soft peaks form, about 10 minutes.
- Fold in large Cool Whip into the whipped egg whites mixture.
- Spread half of the crumb mixture evenly in a 9 x 13-inch pan.
- Layer the fruit mixture over the crumbs.
- Top with the remaining crumb mixture.
- Cover the pan with foil and freeze until firm.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crunchier texture, consider substituting some of the flour with almond flour or adding chopped nuts to the crumb mixture. If you don't have Grape-Nuts, crushed granola can be a great alternative. For a lighter option, you can use egg substitute in place of egg whites. Adjust the sweetness by using honey or agave syrup instead of granulated sugar for a unique flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these squares chilled, topped with a dollop of whipped cream or yogurt for added creaminess. They pair nicely with a fresh fruit salad or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert. For a brunch option, consider serving alongside a slice of Oatmeal-Sunflower Bread for a balanced meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer for up to three months. To enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving. If you prefer a softer texture, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving. Avoid refreezing once thawed to maintain quality.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Strawberry, Raspberry Or Pineapple Squares contains roughly 399 calories, with 9g protein, 46g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is a good source of protein (18% of the Daily Value) and iron (12% 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 fruit instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh fruit instead of frozen berries or pineapple. Just make sure to adjust the amount of lemon juice as fresh fruit may not have as much juice. Also, consider macerating the fresh fruit with sugar to enhance its flavor before layering it in the dessert.
How can I make these squares vegan?
To make this recipe vegan, replace the margarine with a plant-based alternative and use aquafaba (chickpea brine) instead of egg whites. You can also substitute granulated sugar with coconut sugar or a similar vegan sweetener to keep it in line with vegan dietary preferences.
What is the best way to cut these squares?
For clean cuts, use a sharp knife and cut while the squares are still slightly frozen. This will help maintain the structure of the layers. If the squares are too hard, let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly before cutting.
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).