Sweet square treats are on trend in 2023

They’re small. They’re square. They’re sweet. They’re having their moment in the foodie sun right now. Here’s 20 sweet square recipes to sink your teeth into.

2 min read

September 8, 2023 - 5:00AM

Recipes

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Why do desserts like brownies, salted caramel cheesecake and vanilla slice taste so much better when they’re shaped like squares?

Here are a few of our favourite sweets in this year’s hottest shape.

Easy pineapple squares.

1: Easy pineapple squares

This no-bake recipe is perfect for when you want to make your dessert ahead of time. Cream cheese and condensed milk give it a smooth texture and the little bits of crushed pineapple burst with sweetness when you bite into them.

2: Salted caramel dream dessert

This easy no-bake dessert really is what dreams are made of. The pops of saltiness offset the sweet caramel and creamy filling. It’s a great dessert to make ahead of time as it needs at least four hours for setting. An alternative serving suggestion to cutting the squares, is to scoop it out with a large spoon straight into bowls.

3: Lemon cream cheese squares

Frozen, supermarket croissants make a great flaky pastry for this creamy lemon slice.

KitKat brownies.

4: KitKat brownies

Scrumptious chocolate brownies, topped with KitKat, a perfect afternoon treat!

5: Custard cream vanilla slice

Transform packet bikkies into this pretty as a picture version of the baking classic, vanilla slice. It features a lovely little jam surprise as well.

6: Salted oat, peanut butter and chocolate chip cookie squares

Take classic chocolate chip cookies to the next level with a decadent chocolate topping and sprinkle of salted pretzels.

Apple vanilla slice.

7: Apple vanilla slice

If you wanted to add a little something extra to your traditional vanilla slice, then this recipe is for you. A layer of soft, cooked apples lies on top of the sweet, classic custard, both encased in a crispy puff pastry.

8: Sherbies no-bake slice

With a biscuit base, Sherbies cheesecake layer and orange jelly topping, this layered no-bake slice will be your new favourite.

9: Wagon Wheel brownie squares

Make this Wagon Wheel slice even better with a chewy brownie layer and a dollop of chocolate sauce.

10: Salted Caramilk squares

These moreish crispy bites, starring our favourite Caramilk and sweetened condensed milk, are made with Jatz crackers which gives them a lovely salty-sweet element. Go on, treat yourself.

11: Easy lemon curd lamingtons

These zesty lamingtons with sponge cake, cream and lemon curd will be your new favourite afternoon tea treat.

12: Easy vegan strawberry cheesecake squares

Keep a batch of these sweet little strawberry snacks in the freezer at all times, for maximum deliciousness and minimum guilt.

Iced raspberry shortbread slice.

13: Iced raspberry shortbread slice

Perfect for morning or afternoon tea, this easy buttery shortbread slice is layered with thick raspberry jam and topped with pretty pink icing.

14: Tropical coconut squares

Made from Weet-bix, coconut milk and dried fruit, this no-bake slice is perfect with a cuppa for morning or afternoon tea.

15: Perky Nana rice bubble slice

This easy no-bake slice is filled with banana-flavoured Cadbury Perky Nana chocolate bars and rice bubbles for a kid-friendly treat.

Blondie squares.

16: Blondie squares

This paler version of the traditional brownie is a delightful addition to any afternoon tea menu.

17: Milkybar magic squares

These magically layered slices will take you back to the days when you were a Milky Bar kid! Creamy and sweet, these white chocolate studded treats are squares of pure melt-in-your-mouth indulgence.

18: No-bake Baileys slice

With choc ripple biscuits, cream cheese and Bailey’s Irish cream, this easy no-bake slice will be a new favourite.

19: Choc-mint Nanaimo bars

Originally from Canada, our version of these creamy no-bake bites have minty custard filling and a layer of chocolate ganache on top, but it’s the base that makes them extra special: a crunchy, chewy combo of buttery bikkies, pecans and coconut.