Cherry cranberry dessert squares

Cherry Cranberry Dessert Squares Recipe - Sweet and Tangy Delight

Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 12

Introduction

Cherry cranberry dessert squares are a delicious and festive dessert that combines the tartness of cranberries with the sweetness of cherries. This dessert is perfect for the holiday season or any time you want a sweet treat with a bit of a tangy twist.

History

The combination of cherries and cranberries in a dessert is a classic flavor pairing that has been enjoyed for generations. This recipe takes that classic flavor combination and turns it into a delicious and easy-to-make dessert that is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

Ingredients

1 refrigerated pie crust
3 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
1 cup sugar
0.25 cup cornstarch
0.5 tsp cinnamon
0.25 cup water
1 can 21 oz (595 g) cherry pie filling
2 packs (3.4 oz (96 g)) instant vanilla pudding & pie filling mix
2 cups skim milk
0.5 tsp rum extract
1 cup frozen light whipped topping, thawed

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C).
Microwave the pie crust pouch on defrost for 20-40 seconds, or let it stand at room temperature for 15-20 minutes.
Remove the crust from the pouch and unfold it, peeling off the plastic sheets.
Press the pie crust into the bottom of a 13x9 pan, cutting it to fit. Press the seams firmly to seal and prick the crust generously with a fork.
Bake the crust at 425°F for 9-11 minutes, or until it turns light golden brown. Allow it to cool.
In a medium nonstick saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, cornstarch, and cinnamon. Mix well.
Stir in the water and bring the mixture to a boil. Cook and stir over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes, or until the cranberries pop and the sauce becomes very thick and translucent.
Add the cherry pie filling and mix well. Cover the surface with plastic wrap and refrigerate until cool.
In a medium bowl, combine the pudding and milk. Stir in the rum extract and blend with a wire whisk until thickened.
Spoon the thickened pudding over the baked crust. Top it evenly with the cranberry mixture and refrigerate for 30-60 minutes, or until set.
Serve with whipped topping.
Per serving: 1 starch, 3 fruits, 1 fat. Calories per serving: 310.

Variations

Try using different fruits, such as raspberries or blueberries, in place of the cranberries.
Add a sprinkle of chopped nuts or a drizzle of caramel sauce on top for extra flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to prick the pie crust with a fork before baking to prevent it from puffing up too much.

- Make sure to cook the cranberry mixture until it is very thick and translucent to ensure that the dessert sets properly.

- Refrigerate the dessert for at least 30-60 minutes before serving to allow it to set properly.

Serving Suggestions

Serve cherry cranberry dessert squares with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Cooking Techniques

This recipe uses a combination of baking, stovetop cooking, and refrigeration techniques to create a delicious and easy-to-make dessert.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have instant pie filling mix, you can use vanilla pudding mix instead.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the cranberry mixture and pudding ahead of time and assemble the dessert just before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve cherry cranberry dessert squares on a decorative platter or individual dessert plates for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair cherry cranberry dessert squares with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy and comforting dessert experience.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of cherry cranberry dessert squares in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of cherry cranberry dessert squares contains approximately 310 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of cherry cranberry dessert squares contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of cherry cranberry dessert squares contains approximately 8 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of cherry cranberry dessert squares contains approximately 2 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Cherries and cranberries are both rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C and antioxidants.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy and wheat.

Summary

Cherry cranberry dessert squares are a delicious dessert that is relatively low in calories and fat, making it a great option for those looking for a sweet treat without too much guilt.

Summary

Cherry cranberry dessert squares are a delicious and easy-to-make dessert that is perfect for the holiday season or any time you want a sweet treat with a bit of a tangy twist. Enjoy this festive dessert with family and friends for a special treat that is sure to impress.

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the first time I saw this recipe for cherry cranberry dessert squares. I was just a young girl, eager to learn everything I could about cooking from my own grandmother. She was a master in the kitchen, and I was always in awe of the delicious dishes she would create.

One summer day, as we were flipping through an old cookbook together, my grandmother came across a recipe for these delightful dessert squares. The combination of sweet cherries and tart cranberries caught her eye, and she knew we had to give it a try.

As we gathered the ingredients and began to prepare the dish, my grandmother shared the story of how she had first learned to make these squares. She told me that many years ago, when she was just a young bride, she had visited a friend who had served them at a dinner party. The flavors had been so incredible that my grandmother had begged for the recipe, determined to recreate the dessert herself.

Over the years, my grandmother had tweaked the recipe to suit her own tastes, adding a touch of cinnamon and a sprinkle of almonds for extra flavor and texture. She had made the dessert for countless family gatherings and special occasions, always receiving rave reviews from everyone who tried it.

As we worked together in the kitchen that day, my grandmother patiently guided me through each step of the recipe. She showed me how to pit the cherries, chop the cranberries, and mix the batter just right so that the squares would turn out perfect every time.

I watched in awe as my grandmother worked her magic, turning a handful of simple ingredients into a mouthwatering dessert that would soon become one of my favorites. I could see the joy in her eyes as she taught me the recipe, passing down her knowledge and love for cooking to another generation.

As the dessert squares baked in the oven, filling the kitchen with their sweet aroma, my grandmother and I sat down at the table to enjoy a slice together. The squares were everything I had imagined and more – a perfect balance of sweet and tart, with a buttery crust that melted in my mouth.

As we savored each bite, my grandmother shared more stories of her adventures in the kitchen and the recipes she had collected over the years. She told me about the time she had learned to make homemade pasta from an Italian chef, and the secret to her famous chocolate chip cookies that she had discovered from a neighbor.

I listened intently, soaking up every word and committing each recipe to memory. I knew that one day, I would carry on my grandmother's legacy, sharing her love for cooking with my own family and friends.

As we finished our dessert, my grandmother smiled at me and said, "Cooking is about so much more than just following a recipe. It's about passion, creativity, and love. Always remember that, and you will never go wrong."

And with those words, I knew that I had learned more than just a recipe that day. I had learned the true art of cooking from the best teacher I could have ever asked for – my beloved grandmother.