Introduction

Cherry bars are a delightful treat that perfectly balance the sweet and tart flavors of fresh cherries. This dessert is not only easy to make but also packed with flavor, making it an ideal choice for gatherings or as a simple family dessert. The combination of a buttery crust, rich cherry filling, and a crumbly topping makes these bars a favorite among dessert lovers. Whether you’re enjoying them warm or chilled, cherry bars are sure to impress.

Detailed Ingredients with measures

For the crust and topping:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 large egg

For the cherry filling:
– 2 cups pitted fresh or frozen cherries
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons cornstarch
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Prep Time

The preparation time for the cherry bars is approximately 15 minutes. This includes gathering your ingredients and mixing the dough for the crust and topping.

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

The cook time is about 35-40 minutes in the oven. In total, you can expect the preparation and cooking of these delightful cherry bars to take around 1 hour. The recipe yields approximately 12 bars, making it perfect for sharing or enjoying throughout the week.

Detailed Directions and Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper. This will help the bars lift out easily after baking.

Prepare the Crust

In a large mixing bowl, combine melted butter, sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and an egg. Mix well until smooth. Then, gradually add in flour, baking soda, and salt, stirring until just combined.

Spread the Crust

Pour the crust mixture into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to evenly spread it out across the bottom of the pan.

Prepare the Cherry Filling

In a separate bowl, combine pitted cherries (fresh or canned), sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Stir until the cherries are well coated.

Assemble the Bars

Pour the cherry filling over the crust layer in the baking pan, spreading it evenly across the surface.

Bake the Bars

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool and Slice

Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, lift the parchment paper out of the pan and transfer to a cutting board. Slice into bars.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the cherry bars as they are, or dust with powdered sugar for an elegant touch. They can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.

Notes

Storage Instructions

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Cherry Substitutes

If cherries are not in season, you can substitute with other fruits such as blueberries or raspberries, adjusting the sugar according to the fruit’s sweetness.

Gluten-Free Option

To make these bars gluten-free, substitute regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.

Serving Size

This recipe makes approximately 12-16 bars depending on how you choose to slice them.

Enhancements

Consider adding almond extract for an extra depth of flavor or mixing in some chopped nuts for added texture.

Cook techniques

Using Fresh Cherries

Using fresh cherries in your recipe enhances the flavor profile and offers a juicy texture. Ensure to wash and pit them properly before incorporating them into your mix.

Making the Cherry Filling

To create the cherry filling, combine the pitted cherries with sugar and cornstarch. Heat this mixture until the cherries break down slightly and the filling thickens.

Preparing the Crust

For the crust, use a mixture of flour, sugar, butter, and salt. Blend these ingredients until crumbly, then press them into your baking dish to form a solid base.

Baking the Bars

Bake the cherry bars in a preheated oven until the top is golden brown. This ensures a nice texture and a deeper flavor for the crust.

Cooling the Bars

After baking, allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. This step is crucial for them to set properly before cutting.

FAQ

Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen cherries can be used, but ensure to thaw and drain them properly to avoid excess moisture in the filling.

How should I store the cherry bars?

Store cherry bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate them for up to a week.

Can I substitute the cherries with another fruit?

Yes, you can substitute cherries with other berries or fruits like raspberries or blueberries, adjusting sugar amounts as necessary based on the fruit’s sweetness.

Do I have to use cornstarch for the filling?

While cornstarch helps to thicken the filling, you can substitute it with flour or tapioca starch if desired.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Absolutely! You can use a gluten-free flour blend in place of regular flour to make the crust gluten-free.

Conclusion

The cherry bars are a delightful dessert that perfectly balances sweet and tart flavors, making them a hit for any occasion. Their chewy texture and easy preparation make them an excellent choice for both novice and experienced bakers alike. Whether served as a snack or dessert, these cherry bars are sure to bring joy to your table.

More recipes suggestions and combination

Blueberry Oat Bars

Swap the cherries for blueberries for a new twist on these bars that highlights the sweet and tangy flavor of fresh blueberries.

Peach Crumble Bars

Use ripe peaches in the filling for a summery variation that pairs beautifully with the buttery crust.

Almond Joy Bars

Incorporate shredded coconut and almond extract for a tropical version that captures the essence of your favorite candy bar.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Add chocolate chips to the batter for an indulgent treat that combines the flavors of cookie dough with a fruity filling.

Raspberry Lemon Bars

Mix in raspberries and a hint of lemon for a refreshing alternative that brightens up the traditional cherry bars.