Cherry Bars
Introduction:
Indulge in the sweet and fruity flavors of cherry with these delightful Cherry Bars—a perfect treat for any occasion. These bars feature a buttery shortbread crust topped with a layer of tangy cherry filling and finished with a crumbly streusel topping. Whether enjoyed as a snack, dessert, or alongside a cup of coffee or tea, these Cherry Bars are sure to satisfy your cravings for something sweet and satisfying. Let’s dive into the recipe and discover how to make these irresistible bars!
Ingredients:
For the crust and streusel topping:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the cherry filling:
- 2 cups cherry pie filling (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Gradually add the flour and salt to the creamed mixture, mixing until well combined and a crumbly dough forms.
- Reserve about 1 cup of the crumbly dough for the streusel topping. Press the remaining dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust.
- In a separate mixing bowl, combine the cherry pie filling, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Stir until well combined.
- Spread the cherry filling evenly over the crust in the baking pan.
- Crumble the reserved dough over the cherry filling to form the streusel topping.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the crust and streusel topping are golden brown.
- Remove the Cherry Bars from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Once cooled, cut the Cherry Bars into squares or rectangles.
- Serve the Cherry Bars at room temperature, and store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Conclusion:
With their buttery crust, tangy cherry filling, and crumbly streusel topping, these Cherry Bars are a delightful treat that’s perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. Whether enjoyed as a snack, dessert, or alongside a cup of coffee or tea, these bars are sure to please everyone’s taste buds. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy the irresistible flavor of homemade Cherry Bars!