Festive Fruit Squares Recipe
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Recipe Category: Dessert
Keywords: Fruit, Low Protein, Healthy, Winter, Christmas, Weeknight, Oven, Less than 4 Hours
Description:
This delightful recipe for Festive Fruit Squares has been passed down through generations, carrying with it the warmth and nostalgia of Christmases past. With its origins tracing back at least 50 years, it’s a cherished tradition in many households, including that of the contributor’s mother, who lovingly prepared it each Christmas season when cranberries were in abundance.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 333
- Fat: 10.8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 36.2mg
- Sodium: 274.1mg
- Carbohydrates: 56.8g
- Fiber: 2.3g
- Sugar: 35.3g
- Protein: 3.9g
Ingredients:
Fruit Layer:
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 apples, sliced
- 1 1/2 cups fresh cranberries
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons margarine
Cake Batter:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup shortening
- 1 egg
- 1 cup milk
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Fruit Layer:
- In a small bowl, mix together the sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Sprinkle half of the sugar mixture over the bottom of an 8-inch square baking pan.
- Arrange the apple slices over the sugar mixture, followed by the fresh cranberries.
- Sprinkle the remaining sugar mixture over the fruit.
- Pour the water over the fruit and dot with margarine.
- Place the pan in a preheated 400ยฐF (200ยฐC) oven for 10 minutes while you prepare the cake batter.
-
Prepare the Cake Batter:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut in the shortening using a pastry blender or blending fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs (about 8 to 10 strokes).
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg and stir in the milk.
- Add the egg and milk mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. The batter will be lumpy.
-
Assembly and Baking:
- Remove the pan with the fruit layer from the oven.
- Spread the prepared cake batter evenly over the hot fruit.
- Return the pan to the oven and bake at 400ยฐF (200ยฐC) for about 35 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
-
Serving:
- Serve the Festive Fruit Squares warm, preferably upside down to showcase the beautiful fruit layer.
- These squares are delightful on their own but can also be enjoyed with a dollop of hard sauce, a scoop of ice cream, or a swirl of whipped cream.
Notes:
- The combination of tart cranberries, sweet apples, and warm spices makes these Festive Fruit Squares a perfect treat for the winter season, especially during Christmas.
- While this recipe traditionally calls for margarine, you can also use butter for a richer flavor.
- Ensure the cake batter is spread evenly over the fruit layer for uniform baking.
Enjoy the festive flavors and the heartwarming memories that come with every bite of these delightful fruit squares!
