Irresistible Cherry Bars Recipe: Sweet Treats From Your Oven

Sweet summer memories dance through this irresistible cherry bars creation that whispers nostalgia with every delectable bite.

Juicy cherries burst with vibrant flavor against a buttery backdrop of tender pastry.

Memories of grandma’s kitchen swirl around each carefully crafted square, promising comfort and joy.

Warm afternoons spent pitting fresh cherries feel alive in this delightful dessert.

Baking becomes an art form when you combine simple ingredients with love and intention.

Crisp edges and soft centers await you in this classic treat that bridges generations of home cooks.

Your taste buds will thank you for embarking on this delightful culinary adventure.

Why Cherry Bars Are a Bake-Sale Favorite

• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for potlucks, picnics, family gatherings, or a sweet afternoon snack that appeals to both kids and adults with its irresistible fruity goodness.
• Nutritious Indulgence: Packed with wholesome ingredients like whole wheat flour and oat flakes, these bars offer a healthier alternative to traditional sugary desserts while still satisfying sweet cravings.
• Quick Comfort Dessert: Requires simple ingredients and minimal preparation time, making it a go-to recipe for busy home cooks craving a delicious homemade dessert without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients for Cherry Bars

Main Ingredients:

• Whole Wheat Flour: Hearty and nutritious whole grain flour.
• Unbleached White Flour: Classic all-purpose flour with natural texture.

• Butter: Rich and creamy dairy product for a smooth base.
• Brown Sugar: Sweet and caramel-like sugar for deep flavor.

• Cherry Spread: Sweet and tangy fruity filling for bars.

• Egg: Protein-rich ingredient that helps bind the mixture.
• Vanilla: Warm and aromatic flavor enhancer.

• Oat Flakes, Baking Powder: Crunchy grains and leavening agent for perfect bar texture.

How to Make Cherry Bars from Scratch

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Preheat your oven to a toasty 350°F.

Grab a 13″ x 9″ baking pan and give it a light butter massage to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Whip Up the Base

In a spacious mixing bowl, grab your electric mixer and transform butter and brown sugar into a cloud-like, fluffy dream.

Beat them together for 3-5 minutes until they’re light and dreamy.

Step 3: Add Some Moisture

Gently introduce the egg and vanilla to your buttery mixture.

Blend until everything looks smooth and harmonious.

Step 4: Create the Dry Foundation

• Whole wheat flour
• Unbleached white flour
• Baking powder

Slowly incorporate this dry blend into your wet mixture using low-speed mixing.

Tenderly fold in the oat flakes with a wooden spoon.

Step 5: Build the Crust

Set aside ½ cup of the oat mixture for topping.

Press the remaining mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan, creating an even base.

Step 6: Spread the Cherry Love

Generously spread cherry spread across the crust, ensuring complete and even coverage.

Step 7: Crumble the Topping

Sprinkle the reserved oat mixture over the cherry layer, creating a delightful crumbly texture.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 35 minutes.

Watch for a gorgeous golden-brown top.

Step 9: Cool and Slice

Remove from oven and let cool completely on a wire rack.

Once cooled, slice into squares or rectangles.

Serve solo or dress up with whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream for extra indulgence.

Tips for Baking Perfect Cherry Bars

• Select fresh, sweet cherries at peak ripeness for the most vibrant and intense flavor in your cherry bars.
• Sprinkle a thin layer of rolled oats or breadcrumbs under the cherry spread to absorb extra moisture and maintain a crisp bottom crust.
• Experiment with adding chopped nuts like almonds or pecans to the crumble topping for extra crunch and nutty depth.
• Swap wheat flour with a gluten-free blend and use certified gluten-free oats to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising taste.
• Adjust the sugar content by using less brown sugar or substituting with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup for a lighter, more balanced dessert.

How to Store and Refresh Cherry Bars

• Store cooled cherry bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover the bars with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain freshness and prevent them from drying out.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. They will stay fresh for up to 3 months. Label the container with the date for easy tracking.
• Thaw frozen bars in the refrigerator overnight. For a warm treat, microwave individual bars for 15-20 seconds or warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes until slightly crisp and heated through.
• Let refrigerated or frozen bars sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to enhance their texture and flavor.

Drinks and Sides to Pair with Cherry Bars

Pair Cherry-Packed Delights with Complementary Flavors

• Sip Smooth Beverages: Serve these cherry bars alongside a creamy chai latte or light almond milk to balance the fruity sweetness and enhance the oat-based crust's nutty undertones.
• Match Complementary Dessert Wines: Select a chilled rosé or light port wine that echoes the cherry's rich, sweet profile and provides a sophisticated adult accompaniment to the bars.
• Create Cooling Cream Companions: Top the bars with a dollop of vanilla bean whipped cream or a scoop of French vanilla ice cream to introduce a luxurious, cold contrast against the warm, crumbly texture.
• Brew Contrasting Coffee Blends: Enjoy with a smooth medium-roast Colombian coffee or a light espresso that cuts through the bar's sweetness and offers a robust, slightly bitter counterpoint.

Ways to Put a Twist on Cherry Bars

• Gluten-Free Cherry Bars: Replace whole wheat and white flour with gluten-free flour blend or almond flour for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Cherry Delight: Substitute butter with coconut oil, use a flax egg instead of regular egg, and select a plant-based cherry spread for a dairy-free version.
• Low-Sugar Cherry Squares: Swap brown sugar with coconut sugar or monk fruit sweetener, and choose a reduced-sugar cherry spread to decrease overall sugar content.
• Nutty Cherry Crumble: Add chopped almonds or pecans to the crumb topping for extra crunch and nutritional boost, creating a more textured dessert experience.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of fruit spread instead of cherry?

Yes, you can easily substitute cherry spread with other fruit spreads like raspberry, strawberry, or apricot. Choose a spread you enjoy that complements the oat and wheat base.

• Are whole wheat and unbleached white flour necessary?

Both flours contribute to the texture and flavor of the bars. However, if you don’t have whole wheat flour, you can use all-purpose flour as a complete replacement. The bars will still turn out delicious.

• How do I know when the bars are perfectly baked?

Look for a golden brown top and slightly firm edges. When you insert a toothpick near the center, it should come out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs. This indicates the bars are done without being overdry.

• Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, you can use gluten-free flour blends and certified gluten-free oats. The texture might be slightly different, but the overall taste should remain similar to the original recipe.

Cherry Bars Recipe

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4.6 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Indulgent cherry bars deliver a symphony of sweet-tart flavors that dance across your palate with Mediterranean charm. Summer’s ripest cherries meld seamlessly with buttery pastry, promising a delightful dessert that beckons you to savor each memorable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups oat flakes
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1 cup unbleached white flour
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 cup cherry spread (preferably Double Fruit type)

Binding Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup (170 grams) softened butter
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Leavening Agents:

• 2 teaspoons baking powder

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Instructions

1. Warm the kitchen oven to 350°F, coating a 13″ x 9″ baking vessel with light butter to prevent sticking.
2. Utilize an electric mixer to whip softened butter and brown sugar until the texture becomes airy and pale, approximately 3-5 minutes of continuous blending.
3. Introduce the egg and vanilla extract gradually, mixing thoroughly to create a seamless, uniform batter.
4. In a separate mixing container, blend whole wheat and unbleached white flour with baking powder, forming a dry ingredient mixture.
5. Gently incorporate the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, using low-speed mixing to maintain a delicate texture.
6. Fold oat flakes into the mixture using a wooden spoon, ensuring even distribution throughout the dough.
7. Separate and reserve half a cup of the oat mixture for later topping, then press the remaining dough firmly into the prepared baking pan, creating an even base layer.
8. Carefully spread cherry spread across the entire surface of the pressed crust, ensuring complete and uniform coverage.
9. Scatter the reserved oat mixture over the cherry layer, creating a rustic, crumbly topping.
10. Transfer the pan to the preheated oven and bake for approximately 35 minutes, monitoring until the surface turns a golden brown hue.
11. Remove from the oven and position on a wire cooling rack, allowing the bars to reach room temperature completely.
12. Once cooled, slice into square or rectangular portions, perfect for enjoying as a sweet treat or pairing with whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream.

Notes

• Achieve a perfectly even crust by using the back of a measuring cup or flat spatula to press the oat mixture firmly and uniformly into the baking pan.
• Customize the recipe by swapping cherry spread with other fruit preserves like apricot, raspberry, or blueberry for diverse flavor variations.
• Ensure bars stay moist by not overbaking; golden brown edges indicate the perfect doneness without drying out the dessert.
• Make the recipe gluten-free by substituting whole wheat and white flour with a gluten-free flour blend and using certified gluten-free oats.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 212
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 97 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 31 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 24 mg