Effortless Elegance: The Ultimate Cherry Almond Squares Recipe for Holiday Gatherings
Imagine a dessert that beautifully marries the comforting familiarity of a cherry pie with the tender moistness of a coffee cake. A confection that is both elegant in presentation and remarkably easy to prepare. That, my friends, is the essence of these delightful Cherry Almond Squares. Designed to be a true time-saver when you’re faced with the joyful challenge of feeding a crowd, these squares promise to be an instant hit at any gathering, ready in under an hour from start to finish. They strike a perfect balance between fruity sweetness and a delicate almond undertone, creating a truly irresistible treat.
As the leaves begin to turn and a crisp chill fills the air, there’s no denying that we are rapidly heading into the bustling holiday season. For many of us, this signifies a whirlwind of activity: heartwarming family gatherings, festive potluck dinners, school programs, and open houses filled with laughter and good cheer. Amidst all your regular daily responsibilities, this time of year can feel wonderfully chaotic. More than ever, my kitchen transforms into the vibrant heart of my home, a place where memories are baked and shared. Finding recipes that offer maximum impact with minimal effort becomes a top priority, allowing you to enjoy the festivities without feeling overwhelmed.
The Dessert Table Dilemma: A Relatable Holiday Tale
Let me pose a question that many of you might find all too familiar: Have you ever poured your heart and soul into the meticulous preparation of a holiday meal, ensuring every dish is perfect, every guest is comfortable, only to finally get to the dessert table yourself and discover that all the best slices of pie and cake have vanished? You’re left with the crumbs, or perhaps a lonely corner piece. Be honest now – I’ve witnessed veritable stampedes to the dessert spread more times than I can count! And to be perfectly candid, sometimes I’m right there in the thick of it, subtly (or not so subtly) jockeying for position. My brother and I, even as fully-grown adults, have engaged in good-natured “throwdowns” over the last piece of a particularly delicious treat. (I’m a surprisingly scrappy fighter, but he does have a significant size and age advantage!) This universal experience highlights the need for a dessert that is not only delicious but also plentiful and easy to replenish.
This is precisely why these Cherry Almond Squares are an absolute game-changer, especially during this special time of year. They address all those holiday baking woes with simple grace and irresistible flavor. Here’s why they’re destined to become your new favorite:
- They’re Breathtakingly Beautiful and Festive: With their vibrant ruby-red cherry topping peeking through a delicate almond glaze, exquisitely sprinkled with golden-brown toasted almonds, these squares don’t just taste good; they look spectacular. Their festive appearance instantly elevates any dessert table, adding a touch of holiday cheer that perfectly complements the season’s joyful spirit. Each square is a miniature work of art, inviting guests to indulge.
- They Yield a Generous Batch for Large Gatherings: Forget making multiple small pies or cakes that disappear in a flash. This recipe is specifically designed to produce a substantial quantity – typically 24 squares – enough for big family dinners, large potlucks, office parties, or even a community bake sale. You’ll have plenty to go around, ensuring everyone gets a delightful square (or two!), minimizing any potential dessert-related skirmishes and leaving everyone feeling satisfied.
- They Are Astonishingly Quick to Make – Around 35 Minutes Total: In a season where every minute counts and schedules are packed, a dessert that requires only about 10 minutes of active prep time and 25 minutes of baking is a true blessing. You can effortlessly whip up a batch of these delectable squares while attending to other holiday tasks, without feeling overwhelmed or rushed. This efficiency makes them a lifesaver for last-minute entertaining.
- They Rely Mostly on Inexpensive, Accessible Pantry Ingredients: You don’t need exotic or costly items for this recipe. It cleverly starts with a basic, readily available white cake mix, transforming it into something extraordinary with common ingredients you likely already have on hand. This not only makes the recipe incredibly easy but also wonderfully budget-friendly, which is always a significant advantage during the holidays when expenses can quickly add up.
The Secret to Unforgettable Moistness: Dairy Sour Cream
The true magic of these squares begins with a humble white cake mix. But don’t let that fool you into thinking this is just any ordinary dessert. The real secret weapon, the ingredient that elevates this recipe from simple to sensational, is the generous addition of one whole cup of dairy sour cream. This seemingly small detail works wonders, imbuing the cake with an unparalleled tenderness, richness, and moisture that will make even the most discerning palate believe it was made entirely from scratch. The sour cream not only enriches the flavor profile by adding a subtle tang that balances the sweetness but also ensures a wonderfully moist crumb that stays fresh longer, making these squares perfect for preparing ahead of time.
Imagine: a tender and moist sour cream cake, generously topped with luscious cherry pie filling, crunchy sliced almonds, and then finished with a delicate, sweet almond glaze that ties all the flavors together. This combination truly offers the best of both worlds – the satisfying heartiness of a classic coffee cake with the bright, fruity burst of a classic cherry pie. It’s altogether awesome, a symphony of textures and flavors that will leave everyone craving more. The vibrant red of the cherries against the white cake and glaze makes for an aesthetically pleasing dessert that tastes as good as it looks.
Explore Exciting Flavor Variations
Once you fall in love with these Cherry Almond Squares, you’ll be thrilled to know that this versatile base recipe can be adapted to create a variety of other equally delicious treats. I’ve already shared a couple of fantastic flavor variations on the blog that you won’t want to miss. For a delightful creamy twist, be sure to try the Raspberry Cream Cheese Squares, which introduce a tangy and rich element. If you’re a fan of bright citrus and sweet berries, the Lemon Poppy Seed Blueberry Squares offer a refreshing and zesty alternative that is perfect for brunch or a lighter dessert. These variations truly prove just how adaptable and universally loved this cake mix base, enhanced with sour cream, truly is! Feel free to experiment with other pie fillings like apple, peach, or mixed berry, and even explore different nuts or a chocolate drizzle for endless possibilities.
Now, I can’t guarantee that there will be absolutely no friendly squabbles over the last of these Cherry Almond Squares. After all, my husband and brother-in-law once took it upon themselves to turn eating them into a good-natured competition to see who could devour the most. But that’s a far more enjoyable squabble than fighting for the last sliver of a traditional pie, isn’t it? These squares are designed for sharing, for joy, and for creating sweet memories that will last long after the last crumb is gone.
Tips for Perfect Cherry Almond Squares Every Time
- Choose “More Fruit” Pie Filling: For the best results and a truly decadent cherry experience, always opt for pie fillings that specify “more fruit” or “extra fruit.” This ensures a richer, more robust cherry layer in your squares, preventing them from tasting bland or overly gel-like.
- Proper Pan Preparation is Key: Do not skip or skimp on generously greasing and flouring your half-sheet pan. This crucial step prevents the cake from sticking to the pan and ensures your beautiful squares release easily and intact after baking, saving you frustration.
- Even Cherry Distribution: When dropping the cherry pie filling over the batter, take a moment to disperse the spoonfuls as evenly as possible. This ensures that every single square gets a good amount of delicious cherry goodness and a balanced flavor in every bite.
- Monitor Baking for Doneness: The cake is done when it is lightly golden brown and springs back lightly when gently touched in the center. A wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the cake part (avoiding the cherries) should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter. Avoid overbaking, as this can lead to a drier cake.
- Achieving the Ideal Glaze Consistency: When making the almond glaze, start with the recommended amount of milk and add more in tiny increments (half a tablespoon at a time) if needed. You’re looking for a smooth, pourable, yet thick consistency that drizzles beautifully over the cake without being too runny and running off the sides completely.
- Storage Instructions: Store leftover Cherry Almond Squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days to maintain their tender texture. For longer freshness, they can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. These squares are also freezer-friendly; wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
Cherry Almond Squares
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Ingredients
- 1 cup dairy sour cream
- 1/4 cup water
- 3 large eggs
- 1 package white cake mix
- 1 21 ounce can cherry pie filling
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
Glaze
- 1 1/2 cups confectioners sugar
- 2 Tablespoons milk
- 2 Tablespoons softened butter
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
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Generously grease and flour a half-sheet pan (approximately 18×13 inches).
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In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the sour cream, water, and eggs until well combined. Gradually stir in the white cake mix until just moistened. The batter will remain slightly lumpy, which is perfectly normal.
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Spread the cake batter evenly in the prepared jelly roll pan, ensuring it covers the entire bottom surface.
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Carefully drop spoonfuls of cherry pie filling over the batter, aiming to evenly disperse the luscious cherries throughout the entire surface of the cake.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and springs back lightly when gently touched in the center.
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Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and cool completely on a wire baking rack before glazing.
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While the cake cools, prepare the glaze: In a small bowl, combine the confectioners’ sugar, softened butter, and almond extract. Beat well with a whisk or electric mixer until smooth. Add in the milk, starting with 2 Tablespoons, and adding more a teaspoon at a time if necessary, until the glaze reaches a smooth, drizzle-able consistency.
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Once the cake is fully cooled, sprinkle generously with the sliced almonds. Then, drizzle the prepared almond glaze evenly over the top of the squares. Allow the glaze to set slightly before slicing and serving.
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