Description
These Cherry Bars combine a luscious cherry filling with a buttery oat-infused crust and topping for a deliciously sweet and tangy treat perfect for dessert or a snack. The bars boast a tender base topped with juicy cooked cherries and a crumbly oat topping, baked to a golden finish.
Ingredients
Cherry Filling
- 1 pound (16 ounces) frozen pitted cherries
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Dough and Topping
- 1 ½ cups all purpose flour
- 1 cup rolled oats (divided)
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened to room temperature)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs (at room temperature)
Instructions
- Prepare Cherry Filling: Combine the frozen cherries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, almond extract, and salt in a saucepan. Heat over medium-high, stirring gently and occasionally. Bring the mixture to a boil and let boil for 1 minute. Remove from heat and set aside to cool to room temperature.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350℉ (175℃). Line a 9 x 9-inch baking dish with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal of the bars later.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ½ cup of the rolled oats, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later use.
- Make Dough Base: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar on medium speed until the mixture is light, creamy, and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Flour Mixture: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well between each addition. Reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually add the dry flour mixture. Mix until no flour streaks remain and the dough is thick and smooth, scraping down the bowl as needed.
- Assemble Base Layer: Reserve ½ cup of the dough for the topping. Spoon the remaining dough into the prepared baking dish. Using an offset spatula or clean hands, spread the dough evenly over the bottom of the dish to form the base.
- Add Cherry Filling and Topping: Spoon the cooled cherry filling evenly over the dough base. In a small bowl, stir the remaining ½ cup of rolled oats into the reserved ½ cup of dough. Drop teaspoonfuls of this oat-dough mixture over the cherry layer to create the topping.
- Bake Bars: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 minutes, or until the topping is lightly golden and the bars are set throughout.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan and cut into 16 equal squares. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- For best results, use frozen pitted cherries as they hold up well and provide a natural sweetness.
- Make sure the butter and eggs are at room temperature for easier mixing and better texture.
- The reserved dough mixed with oats on top creates a delightful crumbly topping.
- Letting the bars cool completely before cutting helps them set and keeps the layers intact.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
