Ambrosia Salad Squares
User Reviews
5
Ambrosia Salad Squares
Description
The crust is prepared by mixing graham cracker crumbs, melted salted butter, and granulated sugar, then pressing it into a 9x13-inch pan and baking briefly until set and browned. The filling consists mainly of whipped cream blended with mini marshmallows and shredded coconut, which is spread evenly over the cooled crust. The top is adorned with well-drained canned mandarin oranges, crushed or chunk pineapple, and halved maraschino cherries placed in a decorative pattern.
Once assembled, the dessert is refrigerated for several hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld and the filling to stabilize. The resulting squares offer a mix of textures: a firm crumbly crust, fluffy and creamy filling with soft marshmallows and flakes, and fresh-tasting, juicy fruit topping. It is typically served chilled as a sweet side or dessert, especially suitable for potlucks or family gatherings.
Drainage of the canned fruit is important to prevent excess moisture softening the crust. Adjusting sweetness by modifying coconut type can balance flavors. Making the salad squares a day ahead enhances the texture and flavor integration.
Ingredients
Crust:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 butter melted, salted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
Filling:
- 4 cups Whipped Cream
- 4 cups mini marshmallows I love the coloured, but white is traditional
- 1 cup coconut if you use whipped topping in a container, then make this unsweetened or it's too sweet!, sweetened shredded
Topping
- 2 mandarin orange drained well, slices, canned
- 1 pineapple well drained, crushed or chunks, canned
- maraschino cherry drained and sliced in half, 15-20
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 °F.
- For the base, combine the ingredients in a bowl and mix completely. Press into the bottom of a 9x13 baking pan. Bake in the oven for 8-10 minutes until browned, then remove and cool.
- For the filling, combine all ingredients together then spread over the top of the cooled graham crust.
- Take the fruit and place on top of the whipping cream layer as desired.
- Cover and refrigerate for several hours before serving. I make this the day before and it's perfect. You can do it the morning of if you wish, but no later than that!
Notes
- Prepare this dessert a day ahead to allow the filling to firm up and flavors to develop.
- Ensure all canned fruits are well drained to maintain a crisp crust and prevent sogginess.
- You may increase the fruit amount to suit taste preferences.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 15Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 180 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 180kcal | 9% |
| Carbohydrates | 29g | 10% |
| Protein | 1g | 2% |
| Fat | 6g | 9% |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Cholesterol | 12mg | 4% |
| Sodium | 101mg | 4% |
| Potassium | 83mg | 2% |
| Sugar | 18g | 36% |
| Vitamin A | 190IU | 4% |
| Vitamin C | 3.1mg | 3% |
| Calcium | 30mg | 3% |
| Iron | 0.6mg | 3% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
You'll Also Love
