Ambrosia Squares

🍰 Ambrosia Squares 🍰

Ambrosia Squares are a delightful dessert with a rich history, a medley of delicious components, and a simple preparation process. Here’s everything you need to know:

📜 History:
Ambrosia Squares have roots in traditional Southern American cuisine. Ambrosia, which means “food of the gods” in Greek mythology, is typically a fruit salad. Ambrosia Squares take the concept of this heavenly dish and transform it into a delectable dessert.

🧁 Components:

1. Graham Cracker Crust: The base of Ambrosia Squares is made from crushed graham crackers mixed with melted butter and sugar, providing a sweet and crumbly foundation.

2. Creamy Filling: A luscious layer of cream cheese mixed with powdered sugar and vanilla extract creates a creamy and slightly tangy contrast to the sweetness of the crust.

3. Fruit Medley: The star of the show is the fruit topping, usually a combination of canned mandarin oranges, crushed pineapple, maraschino cherries, and sometimes shredded coconut. These fruits bring a burst of color and tropical flavors to the dessert.

4. Whipped Cream: A final layer of fluffy whipped cream or whipped topping crowns the Ambrosia Squares, adding a light and airy texture.

👩‍🍳 Preparation Steps:

1. Prepare the Crust:

   • Crush graham crackers into fine crumbs.
   • Mix the crumbs with melted butter and sugar.
   • Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a baking dish to form the crust. Let it chill in the fridge to set.

2. Prepare the Filling:

   • In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth.
   • Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and continue to beat until well combined.
   • Spread this cream cheese mixture over the chilled crust.

3. Prepare the Fruit Topping:

   • Drain the canned mandarin oranges and crushed pineapple, ensuring they are not too watery.
   • Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
   • Combine the fruits and maraschino cherries in a bowl.

4. Assemble the Squares:

   • Spread the fruit mixture evenly over the cream cheese layer.
   • Optionally, sprinkle shredded coconut on top for added texture and flavor.

5. Finish with Whipped Cream:

   • Finally, spread a layer of whipped cream or whipped topping over the fruit layer.

6. Chill and Serve:

   • Refrigerate the assembled Ambrosia Squares for at least a few hours, or overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to set.
   • Cut into squares and serve chilled.

⏲️ Preparation Time:
The preparation time for Ambrosia Squares may vary, but it typically takes around 20-30 minutes for the initial preparation, plus a few hours for chilling. So, in total, you should allow for at least 3-4 hours of chilling time to achieve the best results.

Enjoy these heavenly Ambrosia Squares, a delightful combination of creamy goodness and fruity freshness! 🍊🍍🍒🍰

Nutrition Facts and Health Information for Ambrosia Squares:

Nutrition Facts (Approximate, per serving):

• Serving Size: 1 square
• Calories: 250-300 calories
• Total Fat: 15-20g
  • Saturated Fat: 8-10g
• Cholesterol: 30-40mg
• Sodium: 150-200mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 25-30g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1-2g
  • Sugars: 15-20g
• Protein: 3-4g

Health Information:

1. Caloric Content: Ambrosia Squares are relatively high in calories, primarily due to the cream cheese, sugar, and butter in the recipe. It’s best enjoyed in moderation as an occasional treat.

2. Fats: The dessert contains a notable amount of saturated fats from cream cheese and butter. Excessive saturated fat intake can contribute to heart health issues, so be mindful of portion sizes.

3. Sugar: Ambrosia Squares are sweetened with sugar both in the crust and the filling. Consuming too much added sugar can lead to health problems such as obesity and dental issues. Consider reducing sugar if you’re looking for a healthier version.

4. Protein and Fiber: While Ambrosia Squares are not a significant source of protein or dietary fiber, they do contain a small amount. Protein is essential for muscle and tissue repair, while fiber aids in digestion.

5. Sodium: The sodium content is relatively low in Ambrosia Squares, which is generally a positive aspect for those watching their sodium intake.

6. Fruit: The fruit component provides vitamins and natural sweetness. While canned fruits are convenient, they may contain added sugars and be less nutritious than fresh alternatives.

7. Portion Control: Enjoy Ambrosia Squares in moderation. Consider cutting smaller portions to reduce calorie and sugar intake.

8. Customization: You can make healthier variations by using low-fat cream cheese, reducing sugar, and increasing the proportion of fresh fruits to canned fruits.

Remember that the nutrition values can vary based on the specific ingredients and portion sizes you use. If you have dietary restrictions or health concerns, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional or nutritionist for personalized advice.