Strawberry Squares Delight is a delectable dessert that marries the buttery sweetness of a homemade crust with the tangy delight of strawberries. This dessert is perfect for those who love all things sweet and fruity, and is sure to become a new favorite at your home!
The ingredients for Strawberry Squares Delight are usually found in a well-stocked pantry, however, one item you may need to get from the store is the strawberry pie filling. It's an essential ingredient that gives this dessert its distinct strawberry flavor. You can find it in the baking aisle of your local supermarket.
Ingredients for Strawberry Squares Delight
Unsalted butter: This provides richness and moistness to the dessert.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to the dessert.
Eggs: They help in binding the ingredients together.
Vanilla extract: Adds a subtle flavor and aroma.
All-purpose flour: It is the base for the squares and gives them structure.
Strawberry pie filling: It imparts the strawberry flavor and sweetness.
Confectioner's sugar: Used for dusting, it gives a sweet finishing touch.
Baking spray: To prevent the dessert from sticking to the baking pan.
One reader, Cletus Wyman says:
This strawberry squares delight recipe is a game-changer! The buttery crust perfectly complements the sweet strawberry filling. It's a hit with my family and friends every time I make it. Plus, it's so easy to whip up. A definite must-try for all dessert lovers!
Techniques Required for Making Strawberry Squares Delight
How to preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
How to cream the butter and sugar: In a large bowl, on medium speed of an electric mixer, cream the butter with the granulated sugar for about 2 minutes until smooth.
How to add eggs and vanilla: Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then add the vanilla and mix thoroughly.
How to mix the dough: Add the flour and mix thoroughly until well combined.
How to spread the dough in the pan: Spread the dough evenly in the prepared 13x9-inch baking pan.
How to add pie filling: With a small, sharp knife, score the dough into 24 2-inch squares. Place 1 teaspoon of pie filling in the center of each scored square.
How to bake: Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a cake tester inserted in the center of the pan comes out clean.
How to cool and serve: Cool the strawberry squares to room temperature, then sprinkle with confectioner's sugar before cutting and serving.
How To Make Strawberry Squares
These strawberry squares are easy, bite-sized treats made with soft vanilla cake, and topped with a tart strawberry filling.
Serves:
Ingredients
- ½cupunsalted butter,softened
- 1½cupsgranulated sugar
- 4large eggs,at room temperature
- 1tsppure vanilla extract
- 2cupsall-purpose flour
- ½cupstrawberry pie filling,canned
- confectioner’s sugar,for dusting
- baking spray
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray the baking pan in a 13×9-inch baking pan.
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In a large bowl, on the medium speed of an electric mixer, cream the butter with the granulated sugar for about 2 minutes until smooth.
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Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the vanilla and flour, then mix thoroughly.
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Spread the dough evenly in the prepared pan. With a small, sharp knife, score the dough into 24 2-inch squares. Place 1 teaspoon of pie filling in the center of each scored square.
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Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a cake tester inserted in the center of the pan comes out clean.
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Cool to room temperature, then sprinkle with confectioner’s sugar before cutting.
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Serve, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 144.44kcal
- Fat: 4.74g
- Saturated Fat: 2.71g
- Trans Fat: 0.16g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 1.31g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.35g
- Carbohydrates: 23.45g
- Fiber: 0.42g
- Sugar: 15.11g
- Protein: 2.19g
- Cholesterol: 41.17mg
- Sodium: 13.37mg
- Calcium: 8.99mg
- Potassium: 30.58mg
- Iron: 0.68mg
- Vitamin A: 45.74µg
- Vitamin C: 0.04mg
Helpful Technique Tip for Strawberry Squares Delight Recipe
When spreading the dough in the pan, use a spatula or the back of a spoon to ensure it's evenly distributed. This will help the squares bake uniformly and prevent any overly thick or thin areas. Also, when adding the strawberry pie filling, try to place it right in the center of each square for a nice presentation and even distribution of flavor in every bite.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Strawberry Squares Delight Recipe
Prep ahead: Prepare the strawberry pie filling and dough a day in advance to save time on the day of baking.
Efficient assembly: Use a piping bag to easily and quickly distribute the pie filling onto the dough for uniformity and speed.
Convection baking: Consider using the convection setting on your oven for faster and more even baking.
Chill dough: Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading and ensure clean, defined squares.
Multi-task: While the squares are baking, clean up and prepare the confectioner's sugar for dusting to maximize efficiency.
Quality ingredients: Use high-quality strawberry pie filling to save time on making it from scratch without compromising flavor.
Substitute Ingredients For Strawberry Squares Recipe
unsalted butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can provide a similar richness and flavor to the recipe, while also adding a hint of coconut flavor.
granulated sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can add a natural sweetness and moisture to the recipe, and it also brings a unique flavor profile.
large eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Flax eggs can be used as a vegan alternative and provide binding properties similar to regular eggs.
all-purpose flour - Substitute with almond flour: Almond flour can be used as a gluten-free alternative and adds a nutty flavor to the recipe.
strawberry pie filling - Substitute with fresh strawberries: Fresh strawberries can be used to create a homemade filling, providing a natural and vibrant strawberry flavor.
confectioner's sugar - Substitute with powdered erythritol: Powdered erythritol is a low-calorie sweetener that can be used as a sugar-free alternative for dusting the squares.
baking spray - Substitute with coconut oil spray: Coconut oil spray can be used to grease the baking pan and adds a subtle coconut aroma to the squares.
Presentation Ideas for Strawberry Squares Delight
- Elevate the plating: Present the strawberry squares on a pristine white plate, ensuring that each square is placed with precision and care.
- Garnish with fresh berries: Adorn the plate with a delicate arrangement of fresh strawberries and blueberries to add a pop of color and freshness.
- Dust with edible gold leaf: For a touch of luxury, delicately dust the strawberry squares with edible gold leaf to add a shimmering, elegant finish.
- Drizzle with strawberry coulis: Create an artful drizzle of vibrant strawberry coulis on the plate to add a burst of flavor and a visually stunning element to the dish.
- Accompany with vanilla bean whipped cream: Serve the strawberry squares with a quenelle of luscious vanilla bean whipped cream to provide a creamy, indulgent contrast to the fruity flavors.
Essential Tools for Making Strawberry Squares Delight
- Baking pan: A rectangular or square pan used for baking cakes, bars, and other baked goods in the oven.
- Electric mixer: A kitchen appliance used for mixing, beating, and whipping ingredients, often used in baking to cream butter and sugar or mix batters.
- Cake tester: A thin, pointed metal or wooden stick used to test the doneness of cakes and other baked goods by inserting it into the center and checking for any batter residue.
- Sharp knife: A knife with a finely honed edge, used for scoring dough and precise cutting tasks in the kitchen.
- Cooling rack: A metal or wire rack used to cool baked goods by allowing air to circulate around them, preventing sogginess.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Strawberry Squares Delight
Allow the strawberry squares to cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent condensation from forming and making the squares soggy.
To store the strawberry squares at room temperature, place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap. They will keep for up to 3 days at room temperature.
For longer storage, you can refrigerate the strawberry squares. Place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap, and they will keep for up to 1 week in the refrigerator.
To freeze the strawberry squares:
- Wrap each square individually in plastic wrap, making sure to remove as much air as possible.
- Place the wrapped squares in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
To thaw frozen strawberry squares, remove them from the freezer and let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours. Do not refreeze previously frozen squares.
If you want to serve the strawberry squares warm, you can reheat them in the microwave for a few seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes.
How To Reheat Strawberry Squares Delight Leftovers
Reheat in the oven: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover strawberry squares on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover the squares with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Remove the foil for the last 2-3 minutes to crisp up the edges slightly.
Microwave reheating: place a single serving of the strawberry squares on a microwave-safe plate. Heat on high power for 20-30 seconds, or until warmed to your liking. Be careful not to overheat, as this may cause the pie filling to become too hot and potentially burn your mouth.
Toaster oven method: if you have a toaster oven, this is a great option for reheating smaller portions. Preheat the toaster oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the strawberry squares on a small baking sheet or toaster oven-safe dish. Heat for 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through and slightly crispy on the edges.
Stovetop reheating: for a unique twist, try reheating the strawberry squares in a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. Melt a small amount of butter in the skillet, then place the squares in the pan. Cover the skillet with a lid and heat for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until warmed through. This method will give the squares a slightly crispy exterior and a soft, warm interior.
Air fryer reheating: if you have an air fryer, this is a quick and easy way to reheat your strawberry squares. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the squares in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Heat for 3-5 minutes, or until warmed through and slightly crispy on the outside.
Interesting Fact About Strawberry Squares Delight
The strawberry squares delight recipe is a delightful dessert that combines the sweetness of strawberries with a buttery, crumbly base. This dessert is perfect for gatherings and can be enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee. It's a great way to showcase the delicious flavors of fresh strawberries and is sure to be a hit with friends and family.
Is Making Strawberry Squares Delight Recipe Cost-Effective?
The strawberry squares delight recipe is fairly cost-effective for a household. The ingredients are commonly found in most kitchens, and the recipe yields a large batch, making it suitable for feeding a family. The use of basic pantry staples and affordable strawberry pie filling makes it a budget-friendly option. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $10-$15, depending on the availability and pricing of ingredients. Overall Verdict: 8.
Is Strawberry Squares Delight Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
This recipe for strawberry squares delight is not particularly healthy due to several factors:
- The recipe contains a high amount of sugar (1½ cups) and butter (½ cup), which can contribute to excessive calorie intake and potential health issues if consumed in large quantities.
- All-purpose flour is used, which is typically refined and lacks the beneficial nutrients and fiber found in whole grain flours.
- The recipe does not include any significant sources of nutrients, such as fruits (apart from the small amount of strawberry pie filling), vegetables, or whole grains.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of sugar used in the recipe. You can experiment with using ½ to ¾ cup of sugar instead of 1½ cups. Alternatively, you can use natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup in moderation.
- Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or oat flour to increase the fiber content and nutritional value of the dessert.
- Incorporate more fresh strawberries into the recipe. Instead of using just strawberry pie filling, you can add diced fresh strawberries to the batter or as a topping. This will provide additional vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
- Experiment with reducing the amount of butter used or replacing some of it with healthier alternatives like Greek yogurt or mashed avocado. This can help lower the saturated fat content of the recipe.
- Consider adding a handful of chopped nuts, such as almonds or walnuts, to the batter for a boost of healthy fats, protein, and fiber.
Editor's Opinion on the Strawberry Squares Delight Recipe
This strawberry squares delight recipe is a delightful and simple dessert that is sure to please. The combination of buttery, vanilla-infused dough with sweet strawberry filling creates a perfect balance of flavors. The texture is soft and moist, and the hint of fruitiness from the strawberry filling adds a refreshing touch. The squares are easy to make and perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to formal events. The dusting of confectioner's sugar adds a beautiful finishing touch. Overall, this recipe is a winner and is sure to become a favorite among family and friends.
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Why trust this Strawberry Squares Recipe:
This recipe is a delightful treat that has been carefully crafted to ensure a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The combination of strawberry pie filling and buttery dough creates a luscious and indulgent dessert. The use of pure vanilla extract enhances the overall aroma and taste, while the precise measurements and detailed instructions guarantee a successful outcome. The incorporation of fresh eggs and high-quality all-purpose flour ensures a rich and satisfying experience. Trust in the expertise behind this recipe to create a memorable and delicious dessert that will surely impress your guests.
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