Table of Contents

Crowd-Pleaser Cherry Squares: A Slice of Nostalgia

The scent of these cherry squares instantly transports me back to my grandmother’s kitchen. Every Christmas, without fail, a platter of these appeared amongst the usual festive cookies and cakes. I remember sneaking squares before dinner, the sticky-sweet icing clinging to my fingers, the nutty, cherry-studded filling a delightful surprise. While the adults sipped eggnog, I’d be plotting how to snag just one more of these delightful squares. This recipe isn’t just about baking; it’s about recreating a cherished memory, a tradition passed down through generations. And now, I’m thrilled to share this little piece of my family history with you.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yields: 24 squares
Dietary Type: Not specified

Ingredients

First Layer (Crust)

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter or margarine

Middle Layer (Filling)

2 eggs
1 1/4 cups packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 pinch salt
1 cup medium grind coconut (desiccated coconut works well)
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 cup candied cherries or maraschino cherries (drained well and halved)

Top Layer (Icing)

1 cup icing sugar (powdered sugar)
2 tablespoons butter or margarine, softened
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon water (plus more if needed)

Equipment Needed

9×9 inch baking pan
Mixing bowls
Electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer)
Measuring cups and spoons
Rubber spatula
Baking paper (optional)
Cooling rack

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare the First Layer (Crust): In a medium bowl, combine the 1 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour and 1/3 cup packed brown sugar.
Incorporate the Fat: Cut in the 1/2 cup (1 stick) of cold butter (or margarine) using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You can also pulse it in a food processor for a quicker result. The key is to avoid overworking the dough.
Press into Pan: Press the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of an ungreased 9×9 inch baking pan. For easy removal, you can line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This makes lifting the baked squares out much easier.
Bake the Crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. This par-baking ensures the crust is sturdy enough to support the filling.
Prepare the Second Layer (Filling): While the crust is baking, prepare the filling. In a separate bowl, lightly beat the 2 eggs with a whisk or fork.
Combine Filling Ingredients: Add the 1 1/4 cups packed brown sugar, 1 tablespoon flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, and a pinch of salt to the beaten eggs. Mix well until everything is thoroughly combined.
Add Texture and Flavor: Stir in the 1 cup medium grind coconut, 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, and 1/2 cup candied cherries (or well-drained and halved maraschino cherries). Ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Assemble and Bake: Once the crust is par-baked, remove it from the oven. Spread the filling mixture evenly over the warm crust. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the filling is set and lightly golden brown.
Cool Completely: Remove the baked squares from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This is crucial for clean cutting. If you try to cut them while they are still warm, the filling may be too soft and the squares will fall apart.
Prepare the Top Layer (Icing): While the squares are cooling, prepare the icing. In a small bowl, beat the 1 cup icing sugar and 2 tablespoons softened butter (or margarine) with an electric mixer until smooth.
Adjust Consistency: Add the 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1 tablespoon water. Beat until the icing is smooth and spreadable. If the icing is too thick, add a little more water, a teaspoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency. Remember, you want it thin enough to spread easily but not so thin that it runs off the edges of the squares.
Ice the Squares: Once the squares are completely cool, spread the icing evenly over the top.
Cut and Serve: Cut the squares into desired sizes (approximately 2-inch squares) and serve.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Nut Variation: Feel free to substitute other nuts for the walnuts, such as pecans or almonds.
Cherry Choice: Candied cherries provide a chewier texture, while maraschino cherries offer a brighter, sweeter flavor. Using a mix of both can add complexity. Make sure to drain maraschino cherries very well and pat them dry with paper towels before adding them to the filling.
Even Baking: For even baking, rotate the pan halfway through the baking time.
Crisp Edges: For extra crispy edges, use a metal baking pan instead of a glass one.
Icing Consistency: If you prefer a thicker icing, reduce the amount of water. For a thinner glaze, add more water, a teaspoon at a time.
Prevent Sticking: Ensure the squares are completely cool before cutting to prevent sticking. Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts for a neater finish.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These cherry squares are perfect served at room temperature. They make a wonderful addition to any dessert platter, potluck, or afternoon tea. They also pair well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Storage:

Room Temperature: Store the squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Refrigerator: For longer storage, refrigerate the squares in an airtight container for up to a week.
Freezer: Freeze the squares in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Nutritional Information

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	250 kcal	13%
Total Fat	12g	18%
Saturated Fat	7g	35%
Cholesterol	30mg	10%
Sodium	50mg	2%
Total Carbohydrate	35g	12%
Dietary Fiber	1g	4%
Sugars	25g
Protein	3g	6%

Variations & Substitutions

Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour in the crust with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. You may need to add a little more liquid to the crust to help it come together.
Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free margarine in place of the butter in the crust and icing.
Coconut-Free: If you don’t like coconut, you can omit it from the filling and replace it with an equal amount of chopped nuts or dried fruit.
Seasonal Fruit: Experiment with other chopped dried or candied fruits, such as cranberries, apricots, or peaches.
Extract Flavors: Swap the vanilla extract in the icing for almond extract, lemon extract, or even a touch of rum extract for a unique twist.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use fresh cherries instead of candied or maraschino cherries?
A: While you could use fresh cherries, they contain a lot of moisture. If you choose to use them, pit them, chop them finely, and pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels before adding them to the filling to prevent a soggy result.

Q: How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?
A: Par-baking the crust before adding the filling is crucial for preventing sogginess. Also, be sure to let the squares cool completely before cutting them.

Q: Can I make these squares ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! These squares can be made a day or two in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator.

Q: What if I don’t have a 9×9 inch pan?
A: You can use an 8×8 inch pan, but the squares will be slightly thicker, and you may need to increase the baking time by a few minutes.

Q: My icing is too thick. What should I do?
A: Add a teaspoon of water at a time until you reach the desired consistency. Be careful not to add too much, or the icing will become too thin.

Final Thoughts

These Crowd-Pleaser Cherry Squares are more than just a recipe; they’re a slice of comfort, a taste of tradition, and a reminder of cherished memories. Don’t be afraid to experiment with variations to make them your own! I encourage you to gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and embark on this delightful baking adventure. And, most importantly, share these squares with loved ones and create some memories of your own. I’d love to hear how they turn out for you! Perhaps you’ll even discover a new family favourite.

Crowd-Pleaser Cherry Squares Recipe