Cherry Bars

 

Cherry Bars: A Sweet and Tangy Classic Dessert

There’s something irresistibly charming about Cherry Bars—a delightful treat that combines a buttery crust, a luscious cherry filling, and a tender crumb topping. Perfect for potlucks, afternoon snacks, or a simple homemade dessert, cherry bars offer the best of both worlds: the sweet-tart punch of cherries and the comforting richness of a classic bar cookie.

Whether made with fresh, frozen, or canned cherries, these bars are easy to whip up and guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth.

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🍒 What Makes Cherry Bars So Special?

The magic lies in their texture and balance of flavors. The buttery crust provides a sturdy yet flaky base, the cherry filling offers bright, juicy bursts of flavor, and the crumb topping adds a delicate crunch and sweetness. When baked together, the layers meld into a harmonious dessert that’s both nostalgic and fresh.

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🥄 Ingredients You’ll Need

• Fresh or frozen cherries (pitted)

• All-purpose flour

• Sugar (both granulated and brown for depth)

• Butter, softened

• Eggs

• Baking powder

• Vanilla extract

• Optional: almond extract (pairs beautifully with cherries)

• A pinch of salt

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🍰 How to Make Cherry Bars

1. Prepare the crust and crumb topping: Mix flour, sugar, butter, and baking powder until crumbly.

2. Press half of the crumb mixture into a baking pan to form the crust.

3. Add the cherry filling: Spread pitted cherries evenly over the crust.

4. Top with remaining crumb mixture: Sprinkle the rest of the crumb topping over the cherries.

5. Bake: Place in a preheated oven (around 350°F / 175°C) and bake for about 35-40 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.

6. Cool before slicing: Allow the bars to cool completely to set before cutting into squares.

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

• Serve cherry bars warm or at room temperature.

• Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.

• Dust with powdered sugar for a pretty finish.

• Pack them for lunches or enjoy as a sweet snack with tea or coffee.

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💡 Tips & Variations

• Use canned cherry pie filling for a quick and easy option.

• Add chopped nuts like almonds or pecans to the crumb topping for extra crunch.

• Substitute part of the flour with oats for a chewier texture.

• Try other berries like blueberries or raspberries for a fruity twist.

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❤️ Why You’ll Love Cherry Bars

Cherry bars are a wonderful blend of sweet and tart, crunchy and tender—a dessert that feels both comforting and celebratory. They’re simple to make, perfect for any season, and sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.