These delicious cherry bars feature a buttery brown sugar crust, a sweet-tart cherry filling, and a golden oat topping. Perfect for dessert or a special treat with coffee, they’re a comforting and nostalgic bake.
Ingredients
For the Pastry Base
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup packed brown sugar
1 cup all-purpose flour
½ cup cold butter, cubed
For the Cherry Filling
1 cup granulated sugar
¼ cup cornstarch
1 cup cherry juice blend
4 cups pitted tart red cherries (fresh or frozen)
For the Oat Topping
1½ cups quick-cooking rolled oats
½ cup packed brown sugar
¼ cup all-purpose flour
5 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pastry Crust
In a medium bowl, mix together the salt, brown sugar, and flour. Cut in the cold cubed butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Press the mixture firmly into a greased 2-quart or 11×7-inch baking dish.
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes or until lightly golden. Set aside.
Step 2: Make the Cherry Filling
In a medium saucepan, whisk together the sugar and cornstarch. Stir in the cherry juice blend and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and becomes glossy.
Fold in the pitted tart cherries. Pour the cherry filling evenly over the baked crust.
Step 3: Add the Oat Topping
In a separate bowl, combine the oats, brown sugar, and flour. Stir in the melted butter until crumbly. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the cherry filling.
Step 4: Bake
Return the dish to the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the edges are bubbly.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Allow the bars to cool before cutting into squares. Serve as-is or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra-special dessert.
- Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Calories: 564
Fat: 20g (12g saturated)
Cholesterol: 50mg
Sodium: 234mg
Carbohydrates: 94g (62g sugars, 3g fiber)
Protein: 5g
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