Low-fat Cranberry Squares

Cranberry Squares Recipe - Low-fat and Delicious from USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 12

Introduction

Low-fat Cranberry Squares are a delicious and easy-to-make dessert that is perfect for the holiday season. These squares are bursting with the tart and sweet flavors of cranberries, making them a festive treat for any occasion.

History

Cranberries have been a staple in American cuisine for centuries, with Native Americans using them for both food and medicine. The combination of cranberries with a light and fluffy cake batter in this recipe creates a delightful dessert that is sure to please any crowd.

Ingredients

1 cup cranberries, washed and halved
1.25 cups sugar, divided
1 cup flour
0.25 cup cornstarch
1 tbsp baking powder
0.5 tbsp baking soda
0.5 tbsp salt
0.67 cup buttermilk
2 egg whites, lightly beaten
1 tbsp orange peel

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
Line a 13 x 9" pan with foil and spray it with nonstick spray.
In a bowl, combine cranberries with 1 cup of sugar, flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Mix the ingredients well and make a well in the center.
Add milk, egg whites, and orange peel to the well and stir until smooth.
Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared foil-lined pan.
Bake for 20 – 25 minutes.
Allow it to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then cut it into 12 squares.

Variations

For a twist on the classic recipe, try adding a handful of chopped nuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon to the batter before baking. These additions will add a lovely crunch and warmth to the squares, making them even more delicious.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure that your Low-fat Cranberry Squares turn out perfectly every time, be sure to use fresh cranberries and not dried ones. Fresh cranberries will provide a burst of flavor and a lovely texture to the squares. Additionally, be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in a tough and dense dessert.

Serving Suggestions

These Low-fat Cranberry Squares are best served warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creamy and sweet toppings complement the tartness of the cranberries perfectly, creating a delightful flavor combination.

Cooking Techniques

To ensure that your Low-fat Cranberry Squares bake evenly, be sure to spread the batter evenly in the pan before baking. This will help the squares cook through evenly and prevent any undercooked or overcooked spots.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have buttermilk on hand, you can easily make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes before using it in the recipe.

Make Ahead Tips

These Low-fat Cranberry Squares can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving for a warm and delicious treat.

Presentation Ideas

To make your Low-fat Cranberry Squares look even more festive, sprinkle a dusting of powdered sugar over the top before serving. This will add a touch of sweetness and elegance to the squares, making them perfect for any special occasion.

Pairing Recommendations

These Low-fat Cranberry Squares pair beautifully with a cup of hot tea or coffee. The warm and comforting flavors of the squares complement the rich and bold flavors of the beverages, creating a delightful pairing that is perfect for a cozy afternoon treat.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

To store any leftover Low-fat Cranberry Squares, simply place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in the oven at 350°F (177°C) for a few minutes until warm.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Low-fat Cranberry Squares contains approximately 150 calories. This makes them a light and satisfying dessert option that won't weigh you down.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Low-fat Cranberry Squares contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are an essential source of energy for the body and can help keep you feeling full and satisfied.

Fats

These Low-fat Cranberry Squares are a healthier dessert option, with each serving containing only 1 gram of fat. This makes them a guilt-free treat that you can enjoy without worrying about your waistline.

Proteins

Each serving of Low-fat Cranberry Squares contains 2 grams of protein. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body, making these squares a nutritious and satisfying dessert option.

Vitamins and minerals

Cranberries are packed with vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin E, and fiber. These squares are a great way to incorporate these essential nutrients into your diet in a delicious and satisfying way.

Alergens

These Low-fat Cranberry Squares contain dairy and eggs. If you have allergies to these ingredients, be sure to use suitable substitutes to accommodate your dietary needs.

Summary

Overall, Low-fat Cranberry Squares are a nutritious and delicious dessert option that is perfect for any occasion. With a balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals, these squares are a guilt-free treat that you can enjoy without any guilt.

Summary

Low-fat Cranberry Squares are a delicious and nutritious dessert option that is perfect for any occasion. With a balance of tart cranberries, light and fluffy cake batter, and a touch of sweetness, these squares are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a happy one. It was a crisp autumn day, and the leaves were falling gently outside my kitchen window. I had been craving something sweet and tart, and I remembered a friend mentioning a recipe for low-fat cranberry squares that she had tried and loved.

I quickly rummaged through my recipe box, filled to the brim with cards and clippings from various sources. I finally found the small index card with the handwritten recipe for the cranberry squares. It was a simple recipe, calling for fresh cranberries, oats, and a touch of cinnamon. I was intrigued by the idea of a low-fat dessert that still packed a flavorful punch.

I gathered the ingredients and got to work, following the recipe step by step. As the cranberries simmered on the stove, their tart aroma filled the air, mixing with the warm scent of cinnamon. I couldn't help but smile as I imagined the delicious squares that would soon emerge from the oven.

Once the squares were baked and cooled, I took a bite and was instantly transported to a place of pure bliss. The tartness of the cranberries was perfectly balanced by the sweetness of the oats, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. I knew then that this recipe would become a staple in my kitchen for years to come.

I shared the cranberry squares with my family and friends, who all raved about the unique and delicious flavor. They couldn't believe that such a simple recipe could be so satisfying. I proudly shared the recipe with anyone who asked, knowing that it would bring joy to their taste buds just as it had to mine.

Over the years, I have made these cranberry squares countless times, always receiving compliments and requests for the recipe. I have tweaked the recipe here and there, adding a hint of orange zest or a sprinkle of chopped nuts for extra crunch. Each time I make them, I am reminded of that crisp autumn day when I first discovered the joy of low-fat cranberry squares.

I have shared this recipe with my grandchildren, passing down not just a delicious dessert, but a piece of my own culinary history. I hope that they will carry on the tradition of making these cranberry squares, creating their own memories and stories to cherish.

As I sit in my kitchen now, surrounded by the aromas of cinnamon and cranberries, I am filled with gratitude for the simple pleasures that cooking can bring. The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the joy and love that can be found in a humble square of dessert.