Introduction
Indulging in a delicious cherry dessert is a fantastic way to satisfy your sweet tooth. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving something delightful, these cherry bars are a perfect choice. With a buttery crust and a sweet, tangy cherry filling, these bars are sure to impress. Follow this simple recipe to create a treat that everyone will love.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
1⅓ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup granulated sugar
¼ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup butter, softened
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups cherries, washed, pitted, and halved
2 teaspoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 tablespoons lemon juice
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: Approximately 12 bars
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray or line with parchment paper.
2. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cherries, cornstarch, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and lemon juice. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, ½ cup sugar, baking powder, and salt.
4. Add the softened butter, egg, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix with a fork until the mixture becomes crumbly.
5. Press two-thirds of the dough mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
6. Spread the cherry mixture over the crust.
7. Crumble the remaining dough over the cherry layer.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the crust begins to brown.
9. Remove from the oven and allow to cool. Once cooled, cut into bars and serve.
Notes
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Enjoy your delicious cherry treats!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×9-inch baking dish by either greasing it with nonstick cooking spray or lining it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
Step 2: Prepare Cherry Filling
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the washed, pitted, and halved cherries with cornstarch, 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, and lemon juice. Stir gently to coat the cherries, and set this mixture aside.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1⅓ cups of all-purpose flour, ½ cup of granulated sugar, ¼ teaspoon of baking powder, and ¼ teaspoon of salt until well combined.
Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients
To the dry ingredients, add ½ cup of softened butter, 1 large egg, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Use a fork to mix these ingredients together until the mixture becomes crumbly.
Step 5: Form the Base Crust
Take approximately two-thirds of the dough mixture and press it evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to create a crust.
Step 6: Add Cherry Mixture
Spread the cherry mixture evenly over the crust, ensuring that it is well distributed.
Step 7: Crumble Remaining Dough
Crumble the remaining one-third of the dough mixture over the cherry layer, covering it as evenly as possible.
Step 8: Bake
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the crust begins to brown and the cherries are bubbling.
Step 9: Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool. After cooling, cut the dessert into bars and serve as desired.
Notes
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Cook techniques
Measuring Flour
When measuring all-purpose flour, use the spoon and level method. Fluff the flour in its container with a spoon, then scoop it into your measuring cup without packing it down. Finally, level it off with a straight edge.
Preparing Cherries
To prepare cherries, first wash them under cool running water. Then, use a pitter or knife to remove the pits and cut them in half for even cooking and easy eating.
Mixing Dry Ingredients
When mixing dry ingredients like flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt, ensure they are well combined. This helps distribute the leavening agent evenly, resulting in a uniformly baked product.
Creaming Butter and Sugar
Softened butter should be creamed with sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process incorporates air, which helps provide a nice rise and texture to baked goods.
Making a Crumble Topping
To create a crumble topping, mix the dough with your fingers until you achieve a coarse, crumbly texture. This allows for a crunchy topping when baked.
Baking Time and Temperature
Bake at 350°F (175°C) until the edges are golden brown. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
FAQ
Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen cherries. Just ensure they are thawed, drained, and pitted before using.
What can I substitute for butter in this recipe?
You can substitute butter with an equal amount of margarine or a plant-based butter alternative for a non-dairy version.
Can I use a different type of fruit?
Absolutely! Feel free to use other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or peaches, adjusting the sugar based on the fruit’s sweetness.
How should I store the cherry bars?
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain their freshness.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring it has a similar texture for best results.
Conclusion
These cherry bars, with their buttery crust and sweet-tart filling, provide a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Easy to prepare and serve, they offer a wonderful balance of flavors and textures, making them a favorite among fruit dessert lovers. Enjoying these bars fresh out of the oven or chilled from the fridge ensures a satisfying dessert experience.
Cherry Almond Crumble Bars
Incorporate almond extract into the dough for a unique twist, enhancing the cherry flavor and adding a nutty aroma.
Chocolate Cherry Brownies
Use a brownie base instead of the crumble top for a richer, fudgier dessert. Layer the cherries on top of the brownie batter before baking.
Peach Cherry Bars
Combine peaches with cherries for a mixed fruit filling, adding extra sweetness and a colorful presentation to your bars.
Lemon Cherry Bars
Infuse the filling with additional lemon zest for a bright citrus flavor that complements the cherries beautifully.
Cherry Oatmeal Bars
Add quick oats to the topping mixture, creating a chewy texture that pairs well with the soft cherry filling.
Cherry Cheesecake Bars
Top the cherry layer with a cream cheese mixture, baking until set for a decadent cheesecake-inspired treat.
