Cherry Bars are a delightful treat with a sweet, fruity flavor and a comforting, crumbly texture. The combination of cherry spread and oat flakes creates a deliciously unique dessert that’s perfect for a snack or dessert any time of year. This recipe combines wholesome ingredients with a touch of sweetness for a satisfying treat.
Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup softened butter: Provides a rich, buttery flavor and tender texture.
- 1 cup packed brown sugar: Adds sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor.
- 1 egg: Binds the ingredients together and helps with the structure.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the bars.
- 1 cup whole wheat flour: Adds a nutty flavor and additional nutrients.
- 1 cup unbleached white flour: Gives a light and tender crumb.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the bars rise and become fluffy.
- 2 cups oat flakes: Contributes to a chewy texture and adds fiber.
- 1 cup cherry spread (Double Fruit type): Provides the sweet cherry flavor and a bit of gooeyness.
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Set Temperature: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven is at the right temperature when you’re ready to bake the bars.
- Prepare the Pan:
- Grease or Line: Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper. This helps prevent the bars from sticking and makes for easier removal.
- Mix the Ingredients:
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and packed brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step is important for achieving a tender texture.
- 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. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Incorporate Oats: Stir in the oat flakes until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Assemble the Bars:
- Spread Half the Dough: Press about half of the dough mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. This will form the base layer of the bars.
- Add Cherry Spread: Evenly spread the cherry spread over the base layer. You can use a spatula or the back of a spoon to smooth it out.
- Top with Remaining Dough: Crumble the remaining dough over the cherry spread. It’s okay if the topping is uneven—some cherry filling will show through.
- Bake the Bars:
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. This helps the bars set and makes them easier to slice.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Cut and Serve: Once cooled, cut the bars into squares and serve. They’re perfect with a cup of tea or coffee and make a great snack or dessert.
Tips for Success:
- Cherry Spread: If you prefer, you can use homemade cherry jam or preserves instead of the cherry spread. Just make sure it’s thick enough to spread easily.
- Oats: For a chewier texture, use old-fashioned oats rather than quick oats.
- Texture: If the dough seems too dry or crumbly, you can add a splash of milk to help it come together.
Variations:
- Nutty Addition: Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts (such as walnuts or almonds) to the dough for added texture and flavor.
- Spices: For extra flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough.
- Fruit Variations: Try using different fruit spreads or jams, such as raspberry or apricot, for a different flavor profile.
Cherry Bars are a versatile and easy-to-make dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of sweet cherry filling with a crumbly oat topping makes these bars a delightful treat. Enjoy them fresh from the oven or at room temperature, and share with friends and family for a delicious homemade treat!
