Recipe for Queen Anne Squares That Delight Every Time

If you’re looking for a classic, charming dessert that blends a flaky crust with a luscious fruit filling, then Queen Anne Squares are an absolute must-try. These delightful bars combine the buttery texture of shortbread with a vibrant layer of cherry preserves and a tender almond topping, resulting in a perfect balance of sweet and nutty flavors.

Originating from traditional European baking, Queen Anne Squares have become a beloved treat in many households due to their simple yet elegant taste and beautiful presentation. Whether you’re serving them for afternoon tea, a festive gathering, or just a cozy night in, these squares never fail to impress.

This recipe is easy to follow, requires basic ingredients, and produces a result that feels both nostalgic and special. Plus, they store wonderfully, making them ideal for preparing ahead of time.

Ready to dive into baking some delicious Queen Anne Squares? Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Queen Anne Squares offer a perfect combination of textures and flavors that are simply irresistible. The buttery shortbread base provides a crisp foundation, while the cherry jam layer adds a burst of fruity sweetness.

Topped with a delicate almond crumble, these bars are both rich and light, making them a crowd-pleaser.

This recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require any fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients. It’s perfect for bakers of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned pros.

The squares also keep well, so you can enjoy them over several days or share them with friends and family.

Additionally, if you enjoy baking treats with a hint of nostalgia and an elegant twist, Queen Anne Squares will become a staple in your dessert repertoire. Don’t forget to check out some of my other favorites like Afghan Vegetarian Pulao Recipe Easy and Delicious Guide and Vegan Recipes No Tofu: Delicious Plant-Based Meals for more culinary inspiration.

Ingredients

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 3/4 cup cherry preserves (seedless preferred)
• 1 cup sliced almonds
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)

Equipment

• 9×13 inch baking pan
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or hand whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula
• Cooling rack
• Knife or bench scraper (for cutting squares)
• Oven

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Cream the butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with the granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer.
3. Add the eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, ensuring everything is well combined.
4. Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep the texture tender.
6. Press half the dough into the pan: Evenly distribute and press down half of the dough into the prepared baking pan to form a firm base layer.
7. Spread the cherry preserves: Carefully spoon the cherry preserves over the pressed dough layer, spreading it evenly but leaving a small border around the edges.
8. Add the remaining dough: Crumble the remaining dough over the cherry layer in small pieces. It doesn’t have to be perfect; the crumble will bake into a lovely topping.
9. Sprinkle sliced almonds: Evenly spread the sliced almonds on top of the crumble layer for an added crunch and flavor.
10. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the preserves are bubbling around the edges.
11. Cool completely: Remove from oven and allow the squares to cool in the pan on a wire rack. This step is crucial for clean cutting.
12. Cut and serve: Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar if desired, then cut into 2-inch squares using a sharp knife or bench scraper.

Tips & Variations

“For best results, use seedless cherry preserves to avoid any seeds interfering with the smooth texture of the filling.”

Here are some tips to ensure your Queen Anne Squares come out perfect every time:

• Butter temperature: Make sure your butter is softened but not melted. This helps achieve the right crumbly texture.
• Cherry preserves: While cherry is traditional, you can experiment with raspberry, strawberry, or even apricot preserves for creative variations.
• Almonds: Toast the sliced almonds lightly before sprinkling on top for a deeper, nuttier flavor.
• Gluten-free option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking mix to make these squares gluten-free.
• Storage: Store your Queen Anne Squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze for longer preservation.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Queen Anne Squares are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. Enjoy them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.

They also pair beautifully with a cup of hot tea or coffee, making them an ideal choice for afternoon tea parties or casual get-togethers.

For a festive touch, serve them alongside whipped cream and fresh berries. You can also cut the squares smaller for bite-sized party snacks or offer them as part of a dessert platter with other treats.

Looking for more delicious ideas to complement your baking? Check out these recipes: Baby Spinach Salad Recipe Vegan: Fresh & Easy Ideas and Vegan Potato Corn Chowder Recipe for Cozy Comfort Food for fresh and hearty options.

Conclusion

Queen Anne Squares are a timeless dessert that brings together simple ingredients into a treat that’s both elegant and comforting. With a buttery shortbread base, a luscious cherry filling, and a crunchy almond topping, these squares are sure to become a favorite in your baking rotation.

The recipe is approachable for bakers of all levels and lends itself well to variations, making it a versatile option for any occasion.

Whether you’re baking for a special celebration or an everyday indulgence, these squares are sure to delight your family and friends. Don’t forget to experiment with different jams and nuts to create your own signature version.

Happy baking!

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