Introduction:
These Cherry Bars are a delicious way to satisfy your sweet tooth for any event. They have the delightful taste of tart cherries and a crust that is buttery in just the right amount. Prepared for any occasion you may want to host or simply eat homemade dessert, these bars will absolutely make an impression on you.
Ingredients:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup cherry pie filling
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9 inch baking pan.
Start by beating softened butter and sugar in a mixing bowl.
Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until well combined.
Gradually add the flour and salt to the mixture, mixing until a dough forms.
Press 2/3 of the dough into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
Spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the dough.
Crumble the remaining dough over the cherry filling layer.
Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or till golden brown on top.
Allow completely before cutting into squares cool them down fully.
Serving and Storage Tips:
When you want to make it even more special, serve the Cherry Bars warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
For longer shelf life, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate them.
Tips for Success:
Ensure that butter is softened at room temperature and mixes well when preparing simply.
To avoid crumbling upon slicing, press the bottom dough layer very tightly into the pan
For clean neat slices allow bars to completely cool before cutting.
Health Benefits:
While Cherry Bars are undeniably indulgent, they do offer some nutritional benefits. Antioxidants and vitamins as well as minerals are contained in cherries such as vitamin C and potassium. Cherries also contribute to better overall health if consumed in moderate amounts on various occasions.
Nutritional Information:
Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on specific ingredients and serving sizes.
Calories Approximately 150 per serving
Total Fat 7g
Cholesterol 25mg
Sodium 80mg
Total Carbohydrates 21g
Dietary Fiber 1g
Sugars 12g
Protein 2g
Variations and Substitutions:
You can change the cherry pie filling and make it your own by using a different type of fruit, such as raspberry or blueberry.
To make it more interesting, add some chopped nuts or oats to the crumble topping.
Alternatives include using other flavorings such as lemon or almond extracts for the bars.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use frozen cherries instead of cherry pie filling? A: Yes, you can use frozen cherries although you might need to adjust its sweetness by adding sugar and thickness with cornstarch respectively.
Q: Can I freeze Cherry Bars? A: Yes, Cherry Bars are freezable up to 2 months. To do this, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then put them into an airtight container before sliding into the freezer.
Conclusion:
Cherry Bars are a wonderful combination of cherries’ sweet-tartness with a buttery crust that falls apart when bitten. These bars will definitely become one of your most favored recipes whether taken as a snack or dessert. Try out different variations and taste how sweet is it to have homemade Cherry Bars!