Looking for a delightful treat to bake for your next gathering? These Cherry Bars are a perfect choice for a sweet and wholesome dessert. With a blend of buttery oat flakes and the fruity goodness of cherry spread, these bars are sure to be a hit with everyone.
Why You’ll Love This Cherry Bars
– Homemade Goodness: Enjoy the rich flavor of homemade treats made with love.
– Perfect Balance: The combination of butter, oats, and cherry spread offers a perfect balance of flavors.
– Simple Pleasures: Easy-to-follow recipe with common pantry ingredients.
– Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for family gatherings, picnics, or as an afternoon snack.
Ingredients
– 3/4 cups softened butter: Provides richness and flavor to the bars.
– 1 cup packed brown sugar: Adds sweetness and depth of flavor.
– 1 egg: Binds the ingredients together.
– 1 teaspoon vanilla: Enhances the overall aroma and taste.
– 1 cup whole wheat flour: Adds a nutty flavor and fiber content.
– 1 cup unbleached white flour: For a soft and tender texture.
– 2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the bars rise.
– 2 cups oat flakes: Provides a crunchy texture.
– 1 cup cherry spread (Double Fruit type): Adds a fruity and tangy layer.
How to Make Cherry Bars
– Step 1: Preparing the Batter: In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla, then mix well.
– Step 2: Adding Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine whole wheat flour, white flour, and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed. Stir in oat flakes with a wooden spoon.
– Step 3: Assembling and Baking: Reserve half a cup of the oatmeal mixture. Press the remaining mixture into a buttered 13″ x 9″ pan. Spread cherry spread over the base, then sprinkle with the reserved oatmeal mixture. Bake at 350°F for about 35 minutes until lightly browned. Cool on a wire rack before cutting into bars.
Storage Options
Store the Cherry Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate the bars for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Variations and Substitutions
– Almond Flakes: Substitute oat flakes with almond flakes for a nutty flavor.
– Raspberry Spread: Use raspberry spread instead of cherry for a different fruity twist.
– Gluten-Free Option: Replace whole wheat flour with gluten-free flour blend.
– Walnut Topping: Add chopped walnuts on top for extra crunch.
What to Serve With Cherry Bars
– Cold Brew Coffee: Enjoy a refreshing cold brew to complement the sweetness of the bars.
– Whipped Cream: Serve with a dollop of fresh whipped cream for added indulgence.
– Vanilla Ice Cream: Pair with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert.
– Fruit Salad: Balance the sweetness with a side of fresh fruit salad.
Frequently Asked Questions
– Can I use frozen cherries instead of cherry spread?: Fresh or frozen cherries can be used, but adjust the sugar accordingly for sweetness.
– Can I add nuts to the batter?: Absolutely, chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts can be a great addition for extra texture.
– Can I reduce the sugar?: You can reduce the sugar slightly if you prefer a less sweet dessert.
– Can I use different fruit spreads?: Feel free to experiment with different fruit spreads for unique flavors.
After baking these Cherry Bars, you can expect a delightful treat that combines the richness of butter and oats with the fruity sweetness of cherry spread. The bars are moist and tender, perfect for enjoying with a hot cup of coffee or as a simple dessert after a meal.
Cherry Bars
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup softened butter
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 cup unbleached white flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 2 cups oat flakes
- 1 cup cherry spread (Double Fruit type)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preparing the Batter
- In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla, then mix well.
- Step 2: Adding Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, combine whole wheat flour, white flour, and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed. Stir in oat flakes with a wooden spoon.
- Step 3: Assembling and Baking
- Reserve half a cup of the oatmeal mixture. Press the remaining mixture into a buttered 13" x 9" pan. Spread cherry spread over the base, then sprinkle with the reserved oatmeal mixture. Bake at 350°F for about 35 minutes until lightly browned. Cool on a wire rack before cutting into bars.