Cherry Bars

Cherry Bars

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Cherry Bars

Introduction

Cherry Bars are a delightful dessert that combines sweet and tart flavors in every bite. They are easy to make and perfect for sharing with family and friends. Whether you need a quick treat for a gathering or just want to enjoy a sweet snack at home, these bars will definitely satisfy your cravings!

Why Make This Recipe

You should make Cherry Bars because they are not only delicious but also simple to prepare. With just a few ingredients, you can create a mouthwatering dessert that everyone will love. Plus, they are great for all occasions—whether it’s a weekend treat, a summer picnic, or a holiday gathering! Trust me, once you try them, you’ll find yourself making them again and again.

How to Make Cherry Bars

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup cherries, pitted and halved
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking pan.
  2. In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar.
  3. Add the flour, baking powder, and salt; mix until combined.
  4. Press two-thirds of the mixture into the bottom of the baking pan.
  5. In another bowl, combine the cherries, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
  6. Spread the cherry mixture over the pressed dough in the pan.
  7. Crumble the remaining dough mixture on top of the cherries.
  8. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
  9. Allow to cool before slicing into bars.

How to Serve Cherry Bars

These Cherry Bars are best served slightly warm or at room temperature. You can enjoy them on their own or pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat. They make a great snack for kids after school or a sweet finish to dinner.

How to Store Cherry Bars

To store Cherry Bars, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. You can also freeze the bars for up to three months. Just make sure they are wrapped well to prevent freezer burn.

Tips to Make Cherry Bars

  1. Always use fresh cherries for the best flavor, but frozen cherries can work too—just make sure to thaw and drain them before using.
  2. Don’t skip the lemon juice! It brightens the flavor of the cherries and balances the sweetness.
  3. Adjust the amount of sugar to your liking, especially if your cherries are particularly sweet or tart.

Variation

If you want to switch things up, you can use other fruits like blueberries or raspberries instead of cherries. You can also add chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the dough for added texture and flavor.

FAQs

  1. Can I use canned cherries? Yes, you can use canned cherries, but drain them well to avoid excess moisture in the bars.

  2. What if I don’t have butter? You can use margarine or a vegan butter substitute as a replacement for butter in this recipe.

  3. Can I make these bars gluten-free? Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make gluten-free Cherry Bars.