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Fruit Squares for All Seasons: How to Turn Any Fruit Into Fruit Squares

DFGF

Fruit Squares for All Seasons: How to Turn Any Fruit Into Fruit Squares

Versatile fruit square recipes to make the most of seasonal bounty, with 10 flavor variations, dairy- and gluten-free options, and topping recipes.

Fruit Square Recipes for All Seasons: A Versatile Formula to Turn Seasonal Bounty into Delightful Treats (Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free Options) // FoodNouveau.com

This post contains affiliate links. Full disclosure is at the bottom of the article.


My love for fruit squares started with the lemon variety, obviously. I love lemon everything, and I often whip up lemon squares to get my fix. When I feel fancy, I serve them with a big dollop of cloudy Italian meringue: the buttery crumb combined with the sour filling along with the sweet creamy topping almost make it better than lemon meringue pie. Almost.

A couple of years ago, I started coming up with other fruit square recipes, especially during the summer months. I used raspberry and blueberries while they were at their peak and then realized I could easily get a taste of the warmer months in the heart of winter by using the bounty I froze in season, and added variety by switching up the type of ground nuts I’d incorporate in the crust. When doing research and recipe testing for my dairy-free dessert eBook, Sweet Spot, I expanded my collection of fruit squares and found a new favorite: strawberry and pistachio squares.

Then, a couple of months ago, a new Quebec City restaurant asked me to contribute to its dessert menu. It already had a nice lineup of indulgent desserts, and it was looking for a lighter option. It did not have an extensive pastry team in-house, so it needed a recipe that the kitchen staff would be able to reproduce without breaking a sweat. And could the dessert could be dairy- and gluten-free? Why yes, I had just the treat in mind. Fruit squares.

Fruit Square Recipes for All Seasons: A Versatile Formula to Turn Seasonal Bounty into Delightful Treats (Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free Options) // FoodNouveau.com

I made countless variations of fruit square recipes and came up with a formula that would basically allow the restaurant to update the dessert according to seasons. Playing around with flavors, I added so many combinations to my favorites list that I realized this was an extraordinarily versatile dessert. Love citrus fruits but want to change from the classic lemon bars? Try the key lime and toasted hazelnut variation. Love exotic desserts? Try the mango and coconut variation. To serve, play around with the topping options. With this one formula, you’ll make fruit squares all year but never twice an identical combination.

Those with health issues or intolerances will also be happy to learn that my version of the recipe is lighter than regular fruit squares. I use a bit of cornstarch as a clever trick to thicken the fruit mixture and allow it to set instead of using additional egg yolks and butter. Omitting butter also makes the dessert dairy-free—yay for all my fellow dessert-loving lactose-intolerant friends! What’s more, you can easily make the bars gluten-free by using brown rice flour instead of regular flour. A scrumptious, healthier, dairy- and gluten-free dessert? You’d better believe it!

Fruit Square Recipes for All Seasons: How to Turn Seasonal Bounty into Delightful Treats (Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free Options)

 
Fruit Square Recipes for All Seasons: How to Turn Seasonal Bounty into Delightful Treats

Fruit Square Recipes for All Seasons: How to Turn Seasonal Bounty into Delightful Treats

Versatile fruit square recipes to make the most of seasonal bounty, with 10 flavor variations, dairy- and gluten-free options, and topping recipes.
Servings 12 squares
Author Marie Asselin (FoodNouveau.com)

Ingredients

  • For the crust
  • ½ cup 125 ml all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, or brown rice flour (to make the squares gluten free)
  • ¾ cup 180 ml finely ground nuts: almond, walnut, pecan, hazelnut, or pistachio. Make sure to grind the nuts before measuring, and to measure, spoon the ground nuts into a measuring cup without packing.
  • cup 80 ml powdered sugar
  • 3 tbsp 45 ml cornstarch
  • ¼ tsp 1 ml kosher salt
  • cup 80 ml oil of your choice. Either go for a mild flavored healthy oil, or match the oil to the flavors you use in the fruit bars: canola oil, sunflower oil, grapeseed oil, walnut oil, hazelnut oil, pistachio oil, soft-tasting olive oil, or coconut oil are all excellent choices. You can also use melted butter or dairy-free spread, if you wish.
  • For fruit fillings except citrus fruits—see below
  • 1 cup 250 ml strained, unsweetened fruit puree. Fruit puree can be store-bought (see “About Using Store-Bought Fruit Puree,” below), or you can make your own (see “How to Make Fruit Puree,” below). Choose between blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, rhubarb, cherry, mango, or peach, or use a combination. The fruit puree you use should be the consistency of a fruit nectar or a loose smoothie.
  • 2 tbsp 30 ml freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • cup 80 ml cane sugar (I prefer using unrefined sugar, but you can also use regular granulated sugar if that’s what you have in the pantry)
  • 3 tbsp 45 ml cornstarch
  • pinch of kosher salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • For citrus fruit fillingsNote: Because citrus fruit juice is more liquid than a fruit puree you need to use a lesser quantity, and add one egg to allow the filling to set as expected.
  • ¾ cup 180 ml citrus fruit juice, freshly squeezed and strained to remove the pulp: lemon, Meyer lemon, lime, Key lime, grapefruit (preferably pink), blood orange, or clementine, or a combination
  • 2 tsp 10 ml zest from the citrus fruits you are using, finely grated

Sugar, preferable cane sugar:

  • Lemon lime, Key lime, grapefruit: ¾ cup [180 ml]
  • Meyer lemon blood orange or clementine: ½ cup [125 ml]
  • 3 tbsp 45 ml cornstarch
  • pinch of kosher salt
  • 3 large eggs

To serve, choice or combination of:

  • Powdered sugar
  • Fresh fruit
  • Chopped nuts
  • Whipped cream
  • Italian meringue dairy-free option
  • Coconut whipped cream dairy-free option – see “How to Make Coconut Whipped Cream,” below

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch (20-cm) square baking pan with parchment paper, letting it overhang on two sides (this will make it easier to pull the squares out later.)
  • Make the crust: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, ground nuts, powdered sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Add the oil. Using a pastry cutter, a fork, or your fingers, mix the oil into the flour mixture until evenly crumbly. Firmly press the dough flat into the prepared pan to form the crust. Bake the crust until it barely starts to brown around the edges, 15 to 20 minutes.

Make the filling:

  • If using fruit puree: Mix the fruit puree and lemon juice together. Set aside.
  • If using citrus juice: Keep the strained, measured juice close to your working station. If using juice from different citrus fruits, combine them now.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk sugar, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt in a medium bowl until well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking until one egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the fruit puree mixture or citrus juice, and whisk vigorously until the mixture is completely smooth. If making citrus fruit squares, stir in the finely grated zest now.
  • When the crust is done, pour the filling over the crust (it’s OK if the crust is still hot from the oven.)
  • Bake until just set, about 15 to 18 minutes. The filling should barely start to turn golden around the edges, and the center should still be barely set, even a tiny bit jiggly—it will firm up as it cools. If you prepared the crust in advance and it is completely cool when you pour the filling over, add 5 to 7 minutes to the baking time.
  • Let the fruit squares cool to room temperature, then refrigerate at least 2 hours.
  • SERVINGGently slide a sharp knife along the edges of the pan that are not covered with parchment paper, and lift out of the pan all in one piece using the edges of the parchment paper. Cut into 12 squares. Dust with powdered sugar or garnish with the topping of your choice just before serving.
  • STORAGEThese squares are best enjoyed within a day or two; past that, the crust can become soggy. Store leftover squares in a single layer in an airtight container in the fridge.

Did you make this?

Tell me how you liked it! Leave a comment or take a picture and tag it with @foodnouveau on Instagram.

Fruit Square Recipes for All Seasons: How to Turn Seasonal Bounty into Delightful Treats (Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free Options)

10 Delicious Flavor Combinations

Choose one of this delightful variations–or come up with your own!

  • Raspberry and Pecan Squares
    Crust:
    Use ground pecans and canola oil, sunflower oil, grapeseed oil, soft-tasting olive oil, melted butter, or dairy-free spread.
    Filling: Use fresh or frozen raspberries. There is no need to thaw frozen raspberries before making the fruit puree (see How to Make Fruit Puree, below).
    Topping: Dusting of powdered sugar and fresh raspberries.
  • Blueberry and Toasted Hazelnut Squares
    Crust:
    Use ground toasted hazelnuts (see How to Toast and Peel Hazelnuts, below). Use hazelnut oil, canola oil, sunflower oil, grapeseed oil, soft-tasting olive oil, melted butter, or dairy-free spread.
    Filling: Use fresh or frozen regular or wild blueberries. There is no need to thaw frozen blueberries before making the fruit puree (see How to Make Fruit Puree, below).
    Topping: Dusting of powdered sugar and fresh blueberries; or dollop of whipped cream and coarsely chopped hazelnuts.
  • Blackberry and Walnut Squares
    Crust:
    Use ground walnuts and walnut oil, canola oil, sunflower oil, grapeseed oil, soft-tasting olive oil, melted butter, or dairy-free spread.
    Filling:
    Use fresh or frozen blackberries. There is no need to thaw frozen blackberries before making the fruit puree (see How to Make Fruit Puree, below).
    Topping:
    Dusting of powdered sugar and walnut halves.
  • Strawberry and Pistachio Squares
    Crust:
    Use ground pistachios and pistachio oil, canola oil, sunflower oil, grapeseed oil, soft-tasting olive oil, melted butter, or dairy-free spread.
    Filling:
    Use in-season fresh strawberries, for the best taste (See How to Make Fruit Puree, below.)
    Topping:
    Dusting of powdered sugar, fresh strawberry halves, and coarsely chopped pistachios.
  • Strawberry, Rhubarb, and Almond Squares
    Crust:
    Use ground almonds (also called almond flour) and canola oil, sunflower oil, grapeseed oil, soft-tasting olive oil, melted butter, or dairy-free spread.
    Filling:
    Use a ratio of half fresh strawberries, half chopped rhubarb stalks to make the fruit puree (see How to Make Fruit Puree, below.)
    Topping: Dusting of powdered sugar and fresh strawberry halves; or dollop of whipped cream and spoonful of rhubarb and fresh strawberry compote.
  • Mango and Coconut Squares
    Crust:
    Use a ratio of ½ cup [125 ml] ground almonds (also called almond flour), and ¼ cup [60 ml] shredded coconut (or use only ground almonds, if desired). Use melted coconut oil to impart a lovely exotic flavor to the dessert. Alternatively, you can also use canola oil, sunflower oil, grapeseed oil, soft-tasting olive oil, melted butter, or dairy-free spread.
    Filling:
    Use very ripe fresh mango (peeled and coarsely chopped), or cubed frozen mango (See How to Make Fruit Puree, below.)
    Topping:
    Toasted coconut flakes; or dollop of whipped coconut cream and finely cubed fresh mango.
  • Peach and Walnut Squares
    Crust:
    Use ground walnuts and walnut oil, canola oil, sunflower oil, grapeseed oil, soft-tasting olive oil, melted butter, or dairy-free spread.
    Filling:
    Use very ripe fresh peaches (peeled and coarsely chopped), or cubed frozen peaches (See How to Make Fruit Puree, below.)
    Topping:
    Dusting of powdered sugar; or dollop of whipped cream and finely cubed fresh mango.
  • Classic Lemon or Meyer Lemon and Almond Squares
    Crust:
    Use ground almonds (also called almond flour) and canola oil, sunflower oil, grapeseed oil, soft-tasting olive oil, melted butter, or dairy-free spread.
    Filling:
    For the best taste, ONLY use freshly squeezed lemon juice.
    Topping:
    Dusting of powdered sugar; or dollop of Italian meringue.
  • Passionfruit, Lemon, and Coconut Squares
    Crust:
    Use a ratio of ½ cup [125 ml] ground almonds (also called almond flour), and ¼ cup [60 ml] shredded coconut (or use only ground almonds, if desired). Use melted coconut oil to impart a lovely exotic flavor to the dessert. Alternatively, you can also use canola oil, sunflower oil, grapeseed oil, soft-tasting olive oil, melted butter, or dairy-free spread.
    Filling:
    Use a ratio of ½ cup [125 ml] passion fruit pulp (seeds strained out) or passion fruit puree and ¼ cup [60 ml] freshly squeezed lemon juice. For the best taste, ONLY use freshly squeezed lemon juice.
    Topping:
    Toasted coconut flakes; or dollop of whipped coconut cream and spoonful of passion fruit pulp.
  • Lime and Toasted Hazelnut Squares
    Crust:
    Use ground toasted hazelnuts (see How to Toast and Peel Hazelnuts, below). Use hazelnut oil, canola oil, sunflower oil, grapeseed oil, soft-tasting olive oil, melted butter, or dairy-free spread.
    Filling: For the best taste, ONLY use freshly squeezed lime juice.
    Topping: Dusting of powdered sugar and coarsely chopped toasted hazelnuts.

Fruit Square Recipes for All Seasons: A Versatile Formula to Turn Seasonal Bounty into Delightful Treats (Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free Options) // FoodNouveau.com


How to Make Fruit Puree

Combine 3 cups [750 ml] berries, pitted if applicable, or chopped ripe fruit, peeled and pitted, and ¼ cup [60 ml] water in a medium saucepan. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until the fruits are very soft, 4 to 6 minutes. Pour the mixture into a blender, and blitz until very smooth (you can also use a stick blender to puree the mixture straight into the saucepan.) Strain the puree through a fine mesh sieve and into a measuring cup. You need 1 cup of fruit puree; remove any extra (add it to smoothies or as a topping for ice cream!). Let cool completely before adding to the recipe. Note: You can use frozen fruit and prepare it the same way.


About Using Store-Bought Fruit Puree

Fruit puree is sold in tubs, frozen, in many grocery stores. If you want to use store-bought fruit puree, make sure to choose an unsweetened variety. If you can’t find any, make sure to choose a brand that contains a maximum of 10% sugar, and reduce the sugar quantity to ¼ cup [60 ml]. Many brands selling frozen fruit purees are French; look for Ravifruit or Les Vergers Boiron.


How to Toast and Peel Hazelnuts

Place the hazelnuts on a baking tray covered with parchment or aluminum paper, and bake at 350°F [170°C] for 15 minutes, giving the tray a good shake every five minutes. When the hazelnuts’ skin is shiny and crackled, remove from the oven and transfer to a clean dish towel. Close the towel up into a bundle and rub the hazelnuts against one another vigorously to remove the skin. Open the towel and pickup the peeled hazelnuts. Some bits of skin will remain but that’s ok! Keep the peeled hazelnuts in an airtight container in the fridge until ready to use.


How to Make Coconut Whipped Cream

Makes about 2 cups [500 ml]
Refrigerate 1 can coconut cream or milk, preferably containing 70% coconut extract (approximately 14 oz [414 ml]) overnight (or longer) so the coconut cream hardens and separates from the water. Do not shake the can before opening it! Open the can and scoop the solid coconut cream into the bowl of a stand mixer or into a medium-sized mixing bowl. Discard the leftover water, as you won’t use it for this recipe. (Keep it to add flavor to smoothies or soups.) Whip the cream on medium speed for about 2 minutes. Add ¾ cup [180 ml] sifted powdered sugar and beat until fluffy, about 3 minutes more. Add 1 tsp [5 ml] vanilla extract and beat just to incorporate. The prepared coconut whipped cream will store in an airtight container in the fridge for 2 weeks. It will not stiffen when refrigerated; you can enjoy it straight out of the container.


How to Make Italian Meringue (One-Step Method)

Makes about 3 cups [750 ml]
Combine 3 egg whites (room temperature), 1 cup [250 ml] powdered sugar, 1 tbsp [15 ml] water, and ¼ tsp [1.25 ml] cream of tartar in a large heatproof bowl. Set the bowl over a small pot of barely simmering water, making sure the bottom of the bowl doesn’t touch the water, and beat with a handheld mixer on low speed for 2 minutes. Increase speed to high and beat until very thick, about another 6 minutes. Remove the bowl from the heat, and keep on beating until the meringue is fluffy and shiny and comes back to room temperature, about 6 minutes more. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to use. The meringue will keep up to two days.


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If you click on an affiliate link, I may earn advertising or referral fees if you make a purchase through such links, at no extra cost to you. This helps me creating new content for the blog–so thank you! Learn more about advertising on this site by reading my Disclosure Policy.

Author: Marie Asselin

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  1. This is a great post!! I’m pinning it as well, but couldn’t help comment after reading through the post. The bars are gorgeous and there’s a boatload of useful info.

  2. Those are absolutely beautiful, adorable, delicious!! Love the different combinations and the fact that you can make them gluten-free and dairy free. Plus they can be seasonal, choosing whatever fruit is in season, fantastic!