Cherry Bars

Cherry Bars are a delightful dessert that perfectly combines sweetness with a touch of tartness. They make for a wonderful treat at any gathering or simply as a sweet snack at home. With a buttery crust and a luscious cherry filling, these bars are easy to make and irresistibly delicious.

Why Make This Recipe

If you’re looking for a quick and simple dessert to impress your family and friends, Cherry Bars are just the answer. They require minimal effort yet deliver big on flavor. The recipe uses basic ingredients that you may already have in your kitchen, making it a practical choice. Additionally, the vibrant cherry filling adds a pop of color and freshness to your dessert table. You can also check out similar cherry recipes for more inspiration.

How to Make Cherry Bars

Making Cherry Bars is straightforward and fun. Here’s how to create this delightful treat step by step.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups cherry filling (canned or homemade)
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Mix in the flour and salt until the dough begins to come together.
4. Press about two-thirds of the dough into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating an even layer.
5. Spread the cherry filling over the dough base.
6. Crumble the remaining dough over the cherry filling to create a topping.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until lightly golden on top.
8. Allow to cool, then dust with powdered sugar before cutting into bars.

How to Serve Cherry Bars

Cherry Bars can be served warm or at room temperature. For a special touch, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. You can also dust them with powdered sugar for a pretty finish. They make a delightful dessert for gatherings or a sweet treat after dinner.

How to Store Cherry Bars

Store any leftover Cherry Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them, where they will keep fresh for about a week. If you want to enjoy them later, consider freezing them for up to three months. Be sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container.

Tips to Make Cherry Bars

• Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing.
• If using canned cherry filling, choose a brand that has no added artificial flavors.
• Feel free to add a sprinkle of almond extract for a different flavor profile.
• Consider pairing them with a scoop of ice cream – it adds a great balance to the tartness of the cherries.

Variation

You can customize Cherry Bars by using different fruit fillings, such as blueberry or raspberry. This flexibility allows you to adapt the recipe to your taste preferences or the fruits that are in season. For something a bit different, try replacing half of the butter with brown butter for a nutty flavor.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cherries instead of canned?

Yes, you can use frozen cherries! Just ensure to thaw and drain excess liquid before using them.

How do I know when the bars are done baking?

The bars should be lightly golden brown on top. You can also check by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Can I make these bars in advance?

Absolutely! Cherry Bars taste even better after they’ve had time to sit, as the flavors meld together. Feel free to make them a day ahead of time.

Emma sarlot

Cherry Bars

Delightful dessert bars that perfectly combine sweetness with a touch of tartness, these Cherry Bars feature a buttery crust and luscious cherry filling, making them an easy and irresistibly delicious treat.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 12 bars

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 250

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the crust and topping

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing.
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for dusting) Dust before cutting into bars.

For the filling

• 2 cups cherry filling (canned or homemade) If using canned cherry filling, choose a brand with no added artificial flavors.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Mix in the flour and salt until the dough begins to come together.
4. Press about two-thirds of the dough into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating an even layer.
5. Spread the cherry filling over the dough base.
6. Crumble the remaining dough over the cherry filling to create a topping.

Baking

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until lightly golden on top.
2. Allow to cool, then dust with powdered sugar before cutting into bars.

Notes

Cherry Bars can be served warm or at room temperature. For a special touch, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days or refrigerate for about a week. For longer storage, freeze for up to three months.