Cherry Bars

Short Description

Cherry Bars are a delightful dessert that combines the sweetness of juicy cherries with a buttery shortbread base and a tender, cake-like texture. These bars are perfect for family gatherings, holidays, or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth with a comforting, fruit-forward treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Cherry Bars are both visually stunning and deliciously satisfying. With bursts of sweet cherries and a rich, soft crumb, they strike the perfect balance between tart fruitiness and buttery indulgence. Whether you serve them at a party, bake them for a bake sale, or enjoy them with a cup of tea, they are guaranteed to impress. Easy to slice and transport, they also make an excellent option for potlucks or packed lunches.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Butter (softened)
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Cherry pie filling or pitted cherries (fresh or canned)
• White chocolate chips (optional topping)

directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until just combined.
5. Spread about two-thirds of the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
6. Spoon cherry filling evenly over the batter layer.
7. Drop the remaining batter by spoonfuls over the top of the cherries. It’s okay if some cherries peek through.
8. If desired, sprinkle white chocolate chips on top for extra sweetness and contrast.
9. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Cool completely in the pan before slicing into bars.

Servings and timing

Servings: Approximately 24 bars
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 35 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes

Variations

• Nutty Cherry Bars: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for added crunch.
• Chocolate Cherry Bars: Replace white chocolate chips with dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips for a richer flavor.
• Coconut Topping: Sprinkle shredded coconut over the top layer before baking for a tropical twist.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend in place of regular flour.
• Lemon Cherry Bars: Add lemon zest to the batter for a citrusy brightness that complements the cherries.

storage/reheating

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to one week. These bars also freeze well—wrap individual portions in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply let them come to room temperature or warm them slightly in the microwave.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of pie filling?

Yes, you can use fresh or frozen cherries, but be sure to pit them and cook them down slightly with sugar and cornstarch to create a thickened filling.

Can I make this recipe in a smaller pan?

Yes, but the bars will be thicker and the baking time may need to be adjusted. An 8×8-inch pan works well for halving the recipe.

Do these bars need to be refrigerated?

They can stay at room temperature for a couple of days, but refrigerating them extends their shelf life and keeps them fresher.

Can I freeze Cherry Bars?

Absolutely. Wrap the cooled bars in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag or container. Thaw at room temperature when ready to serve.

What’s the best way to cut clean slices?

Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts. Chilling the bars before slicing also helps achieve clean edges.

Are these bars overly sweet?

They are sweet, but the tartness of the cherries balances the flavor well. You can reduce sugar slightly in the batter if desired.

Can I use almond extract?

Yes, a small amount of almond extract adds a lovely flavor that complements cherries beautifully. Use it in place of or in addition to vanilla.

What kind of cherries work best?

Canned cherry pie filling is the easiest, but pitted sweet cherries or tart cherries also work well depending on your preference.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, these bars are great when made a day in advance and stored properly. The flavors meld beautifully overnight.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Definitely. The sweet and fruity flavor is appealing to children, and the soft texture makes it easy to eat.

Conclusion

Cherry Bars offer the perfect marriage of fruit and cake in one delectable square. Easy to prepare and endlessly customizable, these bars are ideal for any occasion—from festive gatherings to everyday dessert cravings. With their tender texture, vibrant color, and rich cherry flavor, they’re bound to become a beloved staple in your dessert collection.

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