If you love simple, fuss-free desserts that still make a big impression, you’re going to adore this 3 Ingredient Cherry Squares Recipe. It’s a delightful combination of buttery, crumbly cake mix and sweet, tangy cherry pie filling, coming together quickly for a dessert that dazzles without demanding a lot of your time or energy. Perfect for everything from last-minute snacks to holiday gatherings, these cherry squares bring that perfect balance of crisp edges and chewy, fruity centers with minimal effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Only three ingredients come together to create these irresistible cherry squares, and each one plays a key role: the base provides a tender, buttery foundation, the cherry filling offers a burst of vivid flavor and color, and the butter binds everything into that perfect crumbly texture.
- 1 package sugar-free cake or cookie mix: Choose an almond flour mix for a naturally nutty flavor and low-carb option.
- 1/2 cup melted butter: Adds rich moisture and helps create that golden, crisp crust.
- 1 cup sugar-free cherry pie filling: Brings vibrant sweetness and a pop of juicy cherries to every bite.
How to Make 3 Ingredient Cherry Squares Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Dough
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready to create those perfectly baked edges once your squares are assembled. Meanwhile, mix the melted butter into the cake mix until the dough becomes crumbly but still holds together when pressed. This step ensures your base layers will be tender yet sturdy enough to hold the cherry filling.
Step 2: Press the Base Layer
Take half of your crumbly dough and firmly press it into the bottom of a greased 8×8 inch baking dish. Pressing it evenly ensures the crust bakes up crisp and creates a solid foundation that will support the sweet cherry topping without falling apart.
Step 3: Spread the Cherry Filling
Gentle spoonfuls of the sugar-free cherry pie filling are carefully spread over the pressed crust. Aim for an even layer to give every bite a juicy burst of cherry flavor. This layer is the heart of the dessert, so don’t skimp here!
Step 4: Sprinkle the Top Crust
Use the remaining dough to scatter small clumps evenly over the cherry layer. This creates the delightful crumble topping that contrasts beautifully with the smooth fruit below. The uneven distribution gives these squares their signature rustic charm.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the top turns a gorgeous golden-brown. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges have firmed up, and the kitchen is filled with that irresistible fruity-butter aroma.
How to Serve 3 Ingredient Cherry Squares Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate these cherry squares, consider dusting a small amount of powdered erythritol or a splash of heavy cream. A few fresh mint leaves or a sprinkle of sliced almonds add visual appeal and an extra layer of flavor that complements the fruity sweetness beautifully.
Side Dishes
These cherry squares shine as a quick dessert on their own but pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a more substantial treat, serve alongside a hot cup of coffee or herbal tea, perfect to warm you on a cozy afternoon.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the squares into bite-sized pieces for a party platter or arranging them on tiered serving trays for a charming holiday display. You can also layer them with yogurt and fresh cherries in a parfait glass for a stunning dessert presentation that combines textures and flavors in every spoonful.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, these cherry squares keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerated for up to a week, making them perfect for enjoying throughout the week or surprising unexpected guests.
Freezing
This 3 Ingredient Cherry Squares Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap individual squares tightly with plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag for up to three months. When you want a quick dessert fix, just thaw at room temperature or warm gently before serving.
Reheating
To bring back that freshly baked warmth, reheat your cherry squares in a 325°F oven for about 10 minutes, or pop a single piece in the microwave for 15–20 seconds. The texture will soften slightly but remain deliciously crumbly and juicy.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of pie filling?
Fresh cherries are lovely, but the pie filling has the perfect syrupy sweetness and consistency for these bars. If using fresh, cook them down with a bit of sweetener and thickener before using to replicate the texture.
Is the butter necessary or can I substitute it?
Butter adds richness and helps bind the crust, but you can substitute melted coconut oil for a dairy-free option. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
What type of baking dish should I use?
An 8×8 inch square baking dish works best to achieve the right thickness and baking time. Using a different size may affect how quickly the squares cook.
Can I add nuts or other toppings?
Absolutely! Sliced almonds, chopped pecans, or even a sprinkle of shredded coconut can add delightful texture and flavor. Just sprinkle them on top before baking.
Are these squares suitable for low-carb diets?
Yes, when made with a sugar-free cake mix and pie filling, this recipe fits well into low-carb eating plans while still satisfying your sweet tooth.
Final Thoughts
This 3 Ingredient Cherry Squares Recipe is truly a game-changer when you want a quick, standout dessert that hardly requires any time or fancy ingredients. I encourage you to give it a try—once you taste that perfect blend of buttery crust and luscious cherries, you’ll have a new favorite go-to for all occasions.
Print
3 Ingredient Cherry Squares Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 squares
- Diet: Low Carb Option
Description
Quick and easy cherry dessert squares made with just three simple ingredients, perfect for last-minute treats or holiday platters. This low-carb friendly recipe combines a sugar-free cake or cookie mix with melted butter and sugar-free cherry pie filling to create a deliciously golden, crumbly bar that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth without the guilt.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 package sugar-free cake or cookie mix (almond flour mix recommended for low carb)
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup melted butter
Filling
- 1 cup sugar-free cherry pie filling
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the correct temperature for baking the cherry squares evenly.
- Mix Crust Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter with the sugar-free cake or cookie mix until the mixture becomes crumbly and well incorporated.
- Form Base Layer: Press half of the crumbly dough evenly into the bottom of a greased or lined baking dish to create the base crust layer.
- Add Cherry Filling: Spread the sugar-free cherry pie filling evenly over the pressed base, making sure to cover the crust completely for an even distribution of flavor.
- Top With Remaining Dough: Sprinkle the remaining crumbly dough mixture evenly over the cherry filling to form the top layer of the squares.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and allow to cool before cutting into approximately 12 squares for serving.
Notes
- Substitute berry pie filling to vary the fruit flavor.
- Add sliced almonds on top before baking for additional crunch.
- These cherry squares freeze well — store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Quick Treat
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
