Delicious & Easy Cherry Almond Squares: The Perfect Crowd-Pleasing Dessert for Any Occasion
Imagine a dessert that captures the comforting essence of a classic cherry pie, yet boasts the tender, buttery crumb of a luxurious coffee cake. Now, picture it as an elegant, easy-to-make treat that’s ready in a flash and generously feeds a gathering. That’s precisely what these incredible Cherry Almond Squares offer. They are the ultimate solution for those times when you need to impress a crowd without spending countless hours in the kitchen, proving that delicious doesn’t have to mean difficult.
These delightful squares effortlessly blend the sweet-tartness of cherries with the warm, nutty notes of almonds, all nestled within a supremely moist cake base and finished with a delicate almond glaze. They strike the perfect balance between sophistication and simplicity, making them an ideal choice for everything from casual family potlucks to elegant holiday open houses. If you’re searching for a dessert that’s both beautiful to behold and wonderfully easy to prepare, your search ends here with this sensational recipe.
Conquering the Holiday Rush with Sweet Success
As the leaves begin to fall and the air grows crisp, there’s no denying that we are swiftly heading into the bustling holiday season. For many of us, this time of year is a whirlwind of joyous family gatherings, heartwarming potluck dinners, charming holiday programs, and festive open houses. Alongside our daily responsibilities, it truly is a busy, busy time. More than ever, the kitchen transforms into the vibrant heart of my home, a place of creation, warmth, and shared joy.
However, amidst all the delightful chaos of preparing a grand holiday meal, ensuring every detail is just right and every guest feels cherished, have you ever found yourself in a familiar predicament? By the time you finally get to make your own plate, particularly when it comes to those coveted pies and cakes, everything is picked over! I’ve witnessed more than a few stampedes to the dessert table – and to be honest, sometimes, I’m among the first to join the charge! My brother and I, even as adults, have had spirited “throwdowns” over the last piece of a particularly delicious dessert. (I may be a scrappy fighter, but he’s twice my size and half my age, so it’s usually a losing battle for me!)
Why Cherry Almond Squares Are Your New Favorite Holiday Staple
These Cherry Almond Squares are perfectly suited for this bustling time of year, offering a delicious solution to many holiday hosting challenges. Here’s why they’re poised to become your go-to recipe for any festive gathering:
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Beautiful and Festive Presentation
With their vibrant red cherry bursts against the golden cake, adorned with glistening almond slivers and a smooth white glaze, these squares are undeniably beautiful and festive. They bring a touch of elegance to any dessert spread, making them look far more elaborate than they actually are. Their visual appeal alone makes them a showstopper, effortlessly enhancing the celebratory atmosphere of your holiday table. You can even add a sprinkle of finely chopped pistachios or a few edible glitter flakes for an extra touch of sparkle.
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Generous Batches for Every Gathering
Whether you’re hosting an intimate family dinner or a large potluck with friends and neighbors, this recipe is designed to yield a substantial batch. You won’t have to worry about running out of dessert or needing to make multiple small dishes. One pan of these easy Cherry Almond Squares is typically enough to satisfy a good number of guests, ensuring everyone gets a piece of this delightful treat. This generous yield makes them ideal for large groups and takes the stress out of portion control, allowing you to relax and enjoy the company.
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Amazingly Quick to Prepare
Time is a precious commodity, especially during the holidays. These Cherry Almond Squares are a true kitchen hero, requiring only about 10 minutes of prep time and 25 minutes of baking, totaling approximately 35 minutes from start to finish! Their rapid preparation means you can whip up a fresh batch even on short notice, or easily bake them alongside other holiday dishes without feeling overwhelmed. Spend less time baking and more time creating cherished memories with your loved ones.
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Pantry-Friendly Ingredients
You won’t need to scour specialty stores for obscure ingredients. This recipe wisely relies mostly on inexpensive and readily available pantry staples. A simple white cake mix, canned cherry pie filling, sour cream, eggs, almonds, and basic glaze ingredients are all it takes. This not only makes the recipe incredibly budget-friendly but also exceptionally convenient, allowing you to create a gourmet-tasting dessert with minimal fuss and a trip to your local grocery store.
The Secret to Irresistibly Moist Cake: The Sour Cream Advantage
While these squares charmingly begin with a humble plain old white cake mix, don’t let their simple origins fool you. The true magic lies in the addition of one whole cup of dairy sour cream to the batter. This seemingly small detail is a game-changer, transforming an ordinary cake mix into an extraordinarily tender, moist, and rich cake that tastes completely homemade. The sour cream introduces a subtle tang that perfectly balances the sweetness of the cake and fruit, while its fat content ensures a luxurious, fine crumb. No one will ever guess its humble beginnings!
The sour cream works wonders by adding both fat and acidity, which helps to tenderize the gluten in the flour and create a finer, softer crumb that melts in your mouth. It also contributes to the cake’s incredible moisture, ensuring that each bite is melt-in-your-mouth delicious and stays fresh longer. This luxurious sour cream cake base is then generously topped with bursts of sweet-tart cherries and crunchy, thinly sliced almonds, creating a delightful contrast in textures and flavors. Finally, a luscious, sweet almond glaze is drizzled over the top, unifying all these elements into a symphony of taste that truly is part coffee cake, part cherry pie, and altogether awesome. The subtle hint of almond extract in the glaze elevates the overall flavor profile, making it truly irresistible.
Beyond the Classic: Exciting Flavor Variations to Try
Once you fall in love with these original Cherry Almond Squares, you’ll be thrilled to know that the versatility of this recipe extends to other equally delicious variations. The foundational recipe is incredibly adaptable, allowing for endless creative possibilities. I’ve already shared a couple of fantastic twists on the blog that you won’t want to miss: the delightful Raspberry Cream Cheese Squares, which offer a creamy, tangy complement to the berries, and the bright, zesty Lemon Poppy Seed Blueberry Squares, perfect for a sunny brunch or springtime celebration. These variations prove just how adaptable the base recipe is to different flavor combinations.
Feel free to get creative in your own kitchen! Consider swapping the cherry pie filling for other fruit fillings like apple, peach, or mixed berry. Each fruit will bring its unique character to the squares. Pair different fruits with complementary nuts – perhaps toasted pecans with apple filling, or crunchy pistachios with raspberry. A decadent chocolate drizzle instead of almond glaze could add another dimension, especially if you’re a chocolate lover, or a rich cream cheese frosting for an extra decadent touch suitable for a birthday celebration. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to tailor this crowd-pleasing dessert to any taste preference or seasonal theme. While I can’t guarantee there won’t be friendly squabbles over these Cherry Almond Squares – my husband and brother-in-law famously turned it into a competitive eating contest – at least it’s a much more enjoyable battle than fighting over the last piece of a plain old pie, wouldn’t you agree? Prepare for compliments and requests for the recipe!
Cherry Almond Squares Recipe
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Ingredients
- 1 cup dairy sour cream
- 1/4 cup water
- 3 large eggs
- 1 package white cake mix (approximately 15.25 oz or 432g)
- 1 (21) ounce can cherry pie filling (“more fruit” variety recommended)
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
For the Glaze
- 1 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 2 Tablespoons milk
- 2 Tablespoons softened unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
Instructions for Baking Your Cherry Almond Squares
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Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 C).
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Prepare Pan: Generously grease and flour a half-sheet pan (approximately 18×13 inches). This ensures easy release of the baked squares and prevents sticking.
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Mix Batter: 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. Avoid overmixing, as this can lead to a dry cake.
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Spread Batter: Spread the cake batter evenly into the prepared half-sheet pan. Using an offset spatula can help achieve a smooth, uniform layer.
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Add Topping: Carefully drop the cherry pie filling by spoonfuls over the batter. Try to evenly disperse the cherries throughout the batter to ensure every square gets a delicious fruit bite. Sprinkle with sliced almonds.
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Bake Cake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cake springs back when lightly touched in the center. A toothpick inserted into the cake (avoiding a cherry) should come out clean.
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Cool: Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the cake cool completely on a wire baking rack before glazing. This is crucial for the glaze to set properly.
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Prepare Glaze: 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. Gradually add the milk, starting with 2 Tablespoons, and adding more a teaspoon at a time if necessary, until the glaze reaches your desired consistency – thick enough to drizzle but still pourable.
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Glaze & Serve: Once the cake is completely cool, generously drizzle the prepared almond glaze over the top. Allow the glaze to set slightly (about 15-20 minutes) before slicing and serving. Enjoy!
Notes for Perfect Cherry Almond Squares
Recommended Baking Essentials
Nutrition Information (Estimated)
(Please note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary significantly based on specific ingredients, brands, and preparation methods. This information is provided for convenience and should not be considered a substitute for professional nutritional advice.)
Serving Suggestions and Storage Tips
Once your Cherry Almond Squares are glazed and set, they are ready to be the star of your dessert table. They are fantastic served at room temperature, making them perfect for potlucks and parties where refrigeration might be limited. The fact that they hold up well at room temperature is a huge plus for hosts. Pair them with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon treat, or serve them as a delightful ending to any meal. For an extra special touch, consider a scoop of premium vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream alongside a square – the cool creaminess beautifully complements the sweet-tart fruit and moist cake, creating an even more indulgent experience.
Storing these squares is just as simple as making them, ensuring you can enjoy them for days to come. If you happen to have any leftovers (which is a big “if,” given how popular they tend to be!), they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. This makes them ideal for preparing a day in advance of your event. For longer freshness, especially in warmer climates or if you want to extend their shelf life, storing them in the refrigerator can keep them delicious for up to a week. Just remember to bring them back to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture. You can also freeze individual squares wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for a quick, delicious indulgence anytime you need a sweet fix.
Embrace Effortless Baking with Cherry Almond Squares
In a world where time often feels scarce, especially when preparing for cherished gatherings, finding recipes that deliver maximum impact with minimal effort is like discovering a culinary treasure. These Easy Cherry Almond Squares are precisely that – a treasure you’ll return to again and again. They offer an elegant, homemade taste and appearance without the laborious hours typically associated with such delights. From their moist, flavorful cake base, enhanced by the secret ingredient of sour cream, to the vibrant pop of cherries, the subtle crunch of almonds, and the sweet finish of an almond glaze, every element works in harmony to create a truly unforgettable dessert that delights all senses.
So, the next time you’re faced with the joyful challenge of feeding a crowd, or simply wish to treat your family to something special without the stress, turn to this reliable and beloved recipe. It’s a testament to the fact that you don’t need to be an “accidental happy baker” to create something truly spectacular and memorable. You’re just a few simple steps away from a dessert that will earn you rave reviews and leave everyone asking for more. Prepare to be delighted by the ease and deliciousness of these Cherry Almond Squares, and maybe even prepare for another friendly dessert “throwdown”!
