Crowd-Pleaser Cherry Squares Recipe
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 36 squares
Description:
This delightful cherry square recipe is the perfect balance of sweetness, texture, and flavor. A hit at any gathering, these bars combine coconut, walnuts, and maraschino or candied cherries, making for a colorful, crowd-pleasing dessert. Based on a beloved classic from the Company’s Coming cookbook, once you make this, you’ll quickly understand why it’s a favorite. Easy to make and with just the right amount of sweetness, these bars are ideal for parties, potlucks, or simply a treat to brighten up your day.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 1 1/4 cups |
| Brown sugar | 1/3 cup |
| Butter | 1/2 cup |
| Margarine | 2 tablespoons |
| Eggs | 1 1/4 |
| Brown sugar (for second layer) | 1 cup |
| Flour (for second layer) | 1/2 cup |
| Baking powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Coconut | 1 cup |
| Walnuts | 1/2 cup |
| Maraschino cherries | 1 jar (drained) |
| Icing sugar | 1/2 cup |
| Butter (for icing) | 1 tablespoon |
| Margarine (for icing) | 1 tablespoon |
| Vanilla | 1 teaspoon |
| Water | 2 tablespoons |
Nutritional Information (Per Square)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 124.8 kcal |
| Fat Content | 6.1 g |
| Saturated Fat Content | 3.6 g |
| Cholesterol Content | 20.2 mg |
| Sodium Content | 40.8 mg |
| Carbohydrate Content | 17 g |
| Fiber Content | 0.6 g |
| Sugar Content | 12.8 g |
| Protein Content | 1.3 g |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the First Layer
-
Crumble the Ingredients
Begin by combining the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, butter, and margarine in a bowl. Use a pastry cutter, fork, or your hands to crumble the mixture together until it forms a coarse texture.
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Press into the Pan
Take the crumbled mixture and press it firmly into an ungreased 9 x 9-inch baking pan. Make sure it is evenly distributed across the bottom of the pan. -
Bake the First Layer
Place the pan in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). Bake for 15 minutes or until the base layer is lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside while you prepare the second layer.
Step 2: Prepare the Second Layer
-
Beat the Eggs
In a separate bowl, lightly beat the eggs with a fork or whisk. -
Mix the Remaining Ingredients
To the beaten eggs, add the remaining brown sugar, flour, baking powder, salt, coconut, and walnuts. Stir well until everything is fully combined. -
Prepare the Cherries
If using maraschino cherries, be sure to drain them thoroughly before adding them to the mixture. Alternatively, if using candied cherries (especially around Christmas), you can use a mix of red and green for a festive touch. -
Spread Over the First Layer
Carefully spread the cherry mixture over the first baked layer in the pan. -
Bake Again
Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the second layer is set and golden on top. Once done, remove from the oven and allow to cool completely before adding the icing.
Step 3: Prepare the Icing
-
Mix the Icing Ingredients
In a small bowl, combine the icing sugar, butter, margarine, vanilla, and water. Beat together until smooth. If the icing is too thick, add a little more water, a teaspoon at a time, until it reaches a spreadable consistency. -
Spread the Icing
Once the bars have cooled completely, spread the icing evenly over the top. This icing will add a sweet finishing touch to the cherry squares.
Step 4: Cut and Serve
Once the icing has set, cut the cherry squares into 36 pieces, and they are ready to serve! Enjoy the sweet combination of coconut, walnuts, and cherries in every bite.
Recipe Notes:
- Cherries: If you prefer not to use maraschino cherries, feel free to substitute with candied cherries or even fresh cherries for a more natural flavor.
- Nuts: Walnuts can be replaced with your favorite nuts, such as pecans or almonds, for a different flavor.
- Icing Consistency: The icing recipe makes just a small amount, ensuring that it’s spreadable without being overwhelming. If you want a thicker layer of icing, you can double the icing ingredients.
- Storage: These cherry squares store well at room temperature for up to 3 days, or you can refrigerate them for up to a week. They also freeze well for up to 3 months.
Crowd-Pleaser Cherry Squares are a delightful, easy-to-make dessert perfect for any occasion. With the perfect balance of textures from the crust, coconut, walnuts, and sweet cherries, plus a hint of vanilla icing on top, these squares will quickly become a family favorite.
