These Old-Fashioned Cherry Bars are a delightful treat that can bring a touch of nostalgia to your dessert table. With their crumbly crust, sweet cherry filling, and perfect blend of flavors, they evoke memories of afternoons spent at grandma’s kitchen table. These bars are not only simple to prepare but also great for sharing with friends and family. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just craving a sweet snack, these cherry bars will satisfy your sweet tooth.
Why Make This Old-Fashioned Cherry Bars
Old-Fashioned Cherry Bars are more than just a dessert; they are a warm reminder of home baking. The combination of buttery crust and luscious cherry filling is divine, and the whole recipe comes together in no time. This dish is perfect for any occasion—be it a picnic, a potluck, or simply a family weeknight treat. Plus, using canned cherry pie filling makes it so easy that you can whip it up even on a busy day!
How to Make Old-Fashioned Cherry Bars
Making these cherry bars is straightforward. Start by preparing your baking pan and gathering your ingredients. The beauty of this recipe lies in how effortlessly it comes together. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a deliciously sweet dessert that your loved ones will adore. The incredible aroma while baking will have everyone gathering in the kitchen, eagerly awaiting the first taste!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth.
- Mix in the flour, salt, and baking powder until well combined.
- Press half of this mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the crust.
- In another bowl, combine the remaining crumb mixture with the oats, brown sugar, and vanilla extract.
- Sprinkle this mixture over the cherry filling.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
- Allow to cool before cutting into bars and serving.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 12 servings):
- Calories: 290
- Total Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 100mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 40g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 23g
- Protein: 2g
How to Serve Old-Fashioned Cherry Bars
Serve these bars warm or at room temperature. They are scrumptious on their own, but for a special touch, top them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. They also pair beautifully with a hot cup of tea or coffee. They make a fantastic dessert for a family dinner or a lovely addition to a dessert table at a gathering.
How to Store Old-Fashioned Cherry Bars
These cherry bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. If freezing, cut them into bars before wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then again in foil.
Expert Tips for Perfect Old-Fashioned Cherry Bars
- Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature for easy creaming with sugar.
- Don’t overmix your dough; combine just until moistened for a tender texture.
- If you prefer a tart cherry flavor, feel free to use sour cherry filling instead of the sweet pie filling.
- Feel free to add nuts like chopped walnuts or almonds to the crumb mixture for added texture.
Delicious Variations
- Add chocolate chips to the crumb topping for a chocolate-berry twist.
- Substitute the cherry filling with other fruit fillings like blueberry, raspberry, or even apple for variety.
- For a nutty flavor, use almond extract instead of vanilla in the topping mixture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh cherries instead of pie filling?
Yes, you can use fresh or frozen cherries. Just pit and chop them, then toss them with a bit of sugar and cornstarch for thickening.Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend to make it gluten-free. The texture may vary slightly.How do I know when the bars are done baking?
Look for a golden brown top and check that the edges are beginning to pull away from the sides of the pan.
Conclusion
Old-Fashioned Cherry Bars are a delightful blend of simplicity and nostalgia. They are easy to make and a joy to share. Make a batch for your next gathering or simply to enjoy at home. Regardless of the occasion, this dessert is sure to bring smiles all around. Give it a try, and don’t forget to let us know how they turn out! Happy baking!
Old-Fashioned Cherry Bars
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- In a bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth.
- Mix in the flour, salt, and baking powder until well combined.
- Press half of this mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the crust.
- In another bowl, combine the remaining crumb mixture with the oats, brown sugar, and vanilla extract.
- Sprinkle this mixture over the cherry filling.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
- Allow to cool before cutting into bars and serving.