If you're in the mood for a treat that combines the nostalgia of childhood desserts with the ease of modern baking, these Old-Fashioned Cherry Squares are just the ticket. With a buttery, crumbly base and a luscious cherry filling, these squares are perfect for sharing at gatherings or savoring solo with a cup of tea.
Butter is the base of this recipe, lending a rich flavor and tender crumb to the squares. You'll want to make sure it's unsalted for better control over the flavors. Sugar adds sweetness, but also helps create a soft, moist texture. A pinch of salt enhances the overall flavor, balancing out the sweetness of the cherries. The eggs bind everything together, providing structure to the squares. Vanilla extract adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
The flour is the main structure-giver here, and when combined with baking powder, it ensures a lovely, light rise. The star of the show, the cherry pie filling, brings that classic tartness and bright red hue. Optional walnuts add a delightful crunch if you're a fan of texture. Finally, a dusting of powdered sugar on top turns these squares into a picture-perfect dessert.
These cherry squares are delightful on their own, but if you're in the mood to elevate them, try serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. A sprinkle of toasted coconut on top before serving can also add an exotic twist. Perfect for a summer picnic or a cozy winter's evening indoors.
To start, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grab a 9x13-inch baking dish. A light grease with butter or non-stick spray will ensure those cherry squares pop right out when they're done. Next, in a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, sugar, and salt. This is where you want to beat them until the mixture is light and fluffy – we're talking a good 3-4 minutes of mixing.
Once fluffy, it's time to add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. This ensures a smooth, consistent batter. Stir in the vanilla extract, letting that aroma fill your kitchen. In a separate bowl, whisk the flour and baking powder together. This simple step ensures even distribution of the baking powder, which is key for evenly risen squares.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture, folding just until combined. Overmixing can toughen your cake, and nobody wants that! Now, spread two-thirds of this batter into your prepared dish, smoothing it out to the edges. Evenly spread the cherry pie filling over this layer, then dollop the remaining batter on top. It won't cover everything, but that's okay – those cherry pockets are what make these bars special.
If you're using walnuts, sprinkle them over the top for an extra layer of flavor and texture. Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. You'll know it's done when the top turns a lovely golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the dish cool completely in the pan before dusting with powdered sugar and slicing into bars.
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