Fruit Cocktail Squares
Description:
Embark on a nostalgic journey with this timeless recipe for Fruit Cocktail Squares! ๐๐ฐ Bringing forth flavors reminiscent of days gone by, this dessert encapsulates the essence of indulgence and simplicity. Picture sinking your teeth into a luscious vanilla cake adorned with succulent fruit cocktail, all baked into a harmonious union of sweetness. Each bite is a delightful symphony of flavors and textures, offering a unique twist on traditional desserts. Whether served as a midday treat or a comforting after-dinner delight, these squares are guaranteed to leave a lasting impression. Prepare to be captivated by the magic of this exceptionally moist and utterly delicious dessert!
Recipe Overview:
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: Approximately 2 dozen squares
Ingredients:
- 1 cup butter
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/3 cup maraschino cherry juice (reserved from the fruit cocktail)
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 can (approx. 15 oz) fruit cocktail, drained
- 1/4 cup shredded coconut
- 1/4 cup maraschino cherries, chopped
Instructions:
-
Preparation:
- Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC).
- Grease a 9-inch square baking pan to prepare it for the delightful creation to come.
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Prepare the Syrup:
- Begin by draining the fruit cocktail, ensuring to reserve 1/3 cup of the tantalizing syrup.
- Enhance the syrupโs flavor by adding 1 tablespoon of maraschino cherry syrup to the reserved fruit cocktail syrup. Set aside for later use.
-
Chop the Fruit:
- Take the drained fruit cocktail and chop it into smaller, bite-sized pieces. Set aside for incorporation into the batter later on.
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Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined. This flour mixture will form the base of our delectable squares.
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Cream Butter and Sugar:
- In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This process creates a smooth and creamy base for our batter.
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Incorporate Wet Ingredients:
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract into the creamed butter and sugar mixture until fully combined. This step adds richness and depth of flavor to our batter.
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Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
- Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the creamed mixture, alternating with the syrups reserved earlier. Mix until a smooth batter forms, ensuring all ingredients are fully incorporated.
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Add Fruit and Coconut:
- Gently fold in the chopped fruit cocktail, shredded coconut, and chopped maraschino cherries into the batter. This adds bursts of fruity sweetness and delightful texture to our squares.
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Bake to Perfection:
- Spread the prepared batter evenly into the greased baking pan, ensuring a smooth surface.
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the squares are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Cool and Serve:
- Once baked to perfection, remove the pan from the oven and allow the squares to cool completely in the pan. This ensures they set properly and are easy to cut into perfect portions.
- For an added touch of sweetness, sprinkle icing sugar over the top of the cooled squares before serving, if desired.
Enjoy Your Culinary Creation!
Indulge in the irresistible allure of Fruit Cocktail Squares, a dessert that transcends time with its classic charm and irresistible flavors. Share these delectable treats with loved ones and watch as smiles spread with each heavenly bite. Whether enjoyed as a delightful snack or a comforting dessert, these squares are sure to become a cherished favorite in your recipe repertoire. Happy baking! ๐๐ฐ
