Indulge in the irresistible allure of sweet, tart cherries with our delightful Cherry Bars recipe! Perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to elegant soirées, these bars offer a harmonious blend of buttery richness, chewy oats, and vibrant cherry flavor. Whether you’re craving a comforting treat for yourself or looking to impress guests with a homemade dessert, these Cherry Bars are sure to delight.
- 3/4 cup softened butter
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 cup unbleached white flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 cups oat flakes
- 1 cup cherry spread (Double Fruit type)
Instructions:
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and packed brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, unbleached white flour, and baking powder.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, mixing until a crumbly dough forms.
- Prepare Crust: Press two-thirds of the dough mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust.
- Spread Cherry Filling: Spread the cherry spread evenly over the crust layer, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Top with Remaining Dough: Crumble the remaining dough mixture evenly over the cherry layer, covering it as much as possible.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the Cherry Bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares and serving.
Cook Notes:
- Cherry Spread: Opt for a high-quality cherry spread, such as Double Fruit type, for the best flavor and texture in these bars. You can also use cherry preserves or jam if preferred.
- Oat Flakes: Rolled oats or quick oats can be used interchangeably for this recipe. Oat flakes add a delightful chewiness and texture to the bars.
- Storage: Store any leftover Cherry Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate the bars for up to 1 week.
Variations:
- Nutty Crunch: Add chopped nuts, such as pecans or almonds, to the dough mixture for an added crunch and nutty flavor.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled bars for an extra indulgent touch. Dark chocolate complements the sweet-tartness of the cherries beautifully.
- Lemon Zest: Add lemon zest to the dough for a hint of citrusy brightness that enhances the cherry flavor.
Keto and Low Carb Version:
For those following a ketogenic or low-carb lifestyle, here’s how you can adapt this recipe to fit your dietary preferences:
- Almond Flour: Substitute almond flour for the whole wheat and white flour to reduce the carb content. Almond flour adds richness and a nutty flavor to the bars.
- Sugar-Free Sweetener: Use a sugar-free sweetener, such as erythritol or stevia, in place of the brown sugar to minimize the carbohydrate impact. Be sure to adjust the amount to taste.
- Cherry Reduction: Make a homemade cherry reduction using fresh or frozen cherries and a sugar-free sweetener. Simmer the cherries until thickened, then spread over the crust layer.
- Low-Carb Toppings: Instead of traditional oat flakes, sprinkle crushed nuts or unsweetened coconut flakes over the cherry layer for added texture and flavor.
In conclusion, our Cherry Bars recipe offers a delightful combination of sweet, tart cherries and buttery oat goodness in every bite. Whether you enjoy them as a snack, dessert, or indulgent treat, these bars are sure to satisfy your cravings and leave you craving more. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can whip up a batch of these delicious bars to share with family and friends or enjoy all to yourself. So why wait? Give our Cherry Bars a try today and experience the irresistible allure of homemade goodness
ips for Success:
- Even Dough Distribution: When pressing the dough into the baking pan, ensure that it is spread evenly to create a uniform base for the bars. This will prevent any uneven baking and ensure that each bite is equally delicious.
- Proper Cooling: Allow the Cherry Bars to cool completely in the pan before attempting to cut them into squares. This will help them set properly and prevent them from crumbling when sliced.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: To achieve the best texture and consistency in your bars, make sure that your ingredients, such as butter, egg, and milk, are at room temperature before using them in the recipe. This will allow for easier mixing and better incorporation of the ingredients.
- Adjusting Sweetness: Depending on your preference and the sweetness of your cherry spread, you can adjust the amount of sugar used in the recipe. Taste the cherry mixture before spreading it over the crust and add more sugar if desired.
- Adding Texture: For added texture and flavor, consider incorporating chopped nuts or shredded coconut into the dough mixture before pressing it into the pan. This will add a delightful crunch and nuttiness to the bars.
Variations and Customizations:
- Fruit Swirls: Experiment with different fruit spreads or jams to create unique flavor combinations. Raspberry, strawberry, or apricot spreads work well as alternatives to cherry.
- Glaze Drizzle: For an extra touch of sweetness and elegance, drizzle a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and milk over the cooled bars before serving.
- Nutty Crumble: Mix chopped nuts, such as walnuts or almonds, with the crumb topping for added crunch and richness.
- Chocolate Chips: Sprinkle chocolate chips over the cherry layer before adding the remaining dough for a decadent chocolate-cherry flavor combination.
Keto and Low-Carb Adaptations:
- Almond Flour Base: Replace the whole wheat and white flour with almond flour or a low-carb flour alternative to reduce the carbohydrate content of the bars.
- Sugar-Free Sweeteners: Substitute granulated erythritol or monk fruit sweetener for the brown sugar in the recipe to make it keto-friendly. Adjust the amount of sweetener to taste.
- Coconut Flour Option: For a gluten-free and lower-carb option, use coconut flour instead of traditional flour. Keep in mind that coconut flour absorbs more liquid, so you may need to adjust the amount of liquid in the recipe accordingly.
- Low-Carb Toppings: Choose toppings that are low in carbohydrates, such as unsweetened shredded coconut, chopped nuts, or sugar-free chocolate chips, to keep the carb count down while adding flavor and texture.
In conclusion, our Cherry Bars recipe offers a delightful balance of sweet and tangy flavors, combined with a buttery oat crust that is sure to please the palate. Whether you enjoy them as a midday snack, dessert, or indulgent treat, these bars are a perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth. With simple ingredients, easy-to-follow instructions, and endless possibilities for customization, you can create a delicious batch of Cherry Bars that will impress family and friends alike. So why wait? Get baking and treat yourself to the irresistible taste of homemade goodness today!
