Chef Mitchell preparing Festive Cherry Dessert Bars
👨‍🍳 Expert Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 10+ Years Experience ⏰ 1000+ Recipes Created 🍽️ Culinary School Graduate

❤️ My Recipe Story

"I discovered this recipe during a holiday potluck and immediately fell in love with the flavors. After tweaking the original recipe, I made it my own by adding a touch of almond extract. It's become a staple in my household, especially during festive celebrations. These bars symbolize the joy of sharing and the sweetness of togetherness."

With over a decade of experience in the kitchen, I specialize in American cuisine, particularly desserts. My passion for baking allows me to create delightful recipes that bring comfort and joy. I believe every dessert tells a story, and I strive to craft delicious experiences with each recipe.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Delicious Festive Cherry Dessert Bars served on a plate

Why This Festive Cherry Dessert Bars Recipe Works

These Festive Cherry Dessert Bars are a delightful combination of flavors and textures that appeal to all. The tartness of the cherries contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the crust, making each bite a treat. The addition of almond extract enhances the cherry flavor, creating a truly festive dessert. Plus, they're simple to prepare, making them perfect for any home chef.

The technique used in this recipe ensures that the bars bake evenly without becoming dry. By layering the cherry filling between the crust, the flavors meld beautifully, resulting in a moist and delicious dessert. The use of oats in the crust adds a delightful chewiness that complements the fruit filling perfectly.

💡 Professional Tip

For the best results, ensure the butter is at room temperature before mixing, as this creates a smoother batter. Additionally, using fresh cherries will provide the best flavor, but frozen cherries can be used if thawed and drained properly. Finally, let the bars cool completely before slicing to achieve clean cuts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, these bars can be made a day in advance. Once baked, allow them to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld even more, making them taste even better the next day. Just remember to dust with powdered sugar before serving.

If fresh cherries are not available, you can use frozen cherries. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture in the bars. Alternatively, you could use other fruits like blueberries or raspberries, but keep in mind that the flavor will change slightly.

The bars are done when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Be careful not to overbake, as this can lead to dry bars. Keep an eye on them, especially towards the end of the baking time.

Yes, these dessert bars freeze very well. After cooling, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before placing them in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to three months. When ready to serve, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and enjoy.

These bars are delicious on their own but can be served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat. A drizzle of chocolate sauce also pairs well with the cherry flavor. For a festive touch, consider garnishing with fresh mint leaves.

When stored properly in an airtight container, these dessert bars can last in the fridge for about 4-5 days. However, they are best enjoyed fresh. If they last that long, you might notice slight changes in texture, but they will still be tasty.

Absolutely! Preparing these bars in advance is a great idea. Just allow them to fully cool before storing them in the refrigerator. This not only saves time on the day of your event but also allows the flavors to deepen, making them even more delicious.

To reheat, place individual bars in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or until warm. Alternatively, you can warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes. Serve warm, paired with ice cream or whipped cream for a delightful experience.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Too Dry

Problem: The bars may turn out too dry if overbaked.

Solution: To prevent this, keep an eye on the baking time and check for doneness a few minutes early. If they do turn out dry, try serving with whipped cream or sauce to add moisture.

✅

Not Crispy Enough

Problem: If your bars lack a crisp texture, they might not have baked long enough.

Solution: Ensure the edges are golden and the center is set. You can also increase the baking time by a few minutes while checking for doneness.

✅

Overcooked

Problem: Overcooked bars can become hard and unappetizing.

Prevention: To prevent overcooking, always set a timer and check for doneness a few minutes before the recommended time.

✅

Undercooked Center

Problem: If the center remains gooey, the bars are undercooked.

Recovery: Return the bars to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until set, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.

✅

Burnt Exterior

Problem: The top may burn if baked at too high a temperature.

Prevention: If you notice the edges browning too quickly, consider placing a piece of foil over the top to shield it from direct heat while the center finishes baking.

✅

Flavor Balance

Too Sweet: If the bars are too sweet, consider adding a pinch of salt to balance the flavors.

Too Salty: If they are too salty, try serving with a bit of sweetened whipped cream to offset the saltiness.

Bland: For bland bars, enhance the flavor with a dash of lemon juice or more spices like cinnamon.

Fresh ingredients for Festive Cherry Dessert Bars

Essential Ingredients for Festive Cherry Dessert Bars

The key ingredients for these bars include fresh cherries, which provide a burst of flavor and a beautiful color. The buttery crust is made from standard pantry staples, ensuring you can whip these up any time. Oats add texture and a pleasant chewiness, while the combination of vanilla and almond extracts enhances the overall taste.

Using high-quality ingredients makes a noticeable difference in flavor. Opt for ripe, sweet cherries for the best results. The butter should be unsalted and at room temperature for easy mixing, while fresh, not dried, oats contribute the desired texture. Always choose pure extracts over artificial ones for a more robust flavor.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Fresh Cherries: When selecting cherries, look for ones that are firm and bright in color. Ripe cherries will yield slightly when squeezed. If using frozen cherries, make sure to thaw and drain them to avoid excess moisture in your bars.
  • Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter allows you to control the salt levels in your recipe. Ensure it is at room temperature for easy creaming with sugar, resulting in a smooth batter and light texture.
  • Rolled Oats: Rolled oats add a nutty flavor and comforting texture to your bars. Choose old-fashioned oats for the best results, as quick oats can lead to a mushy consistency. Store oats in a cool, dry place to maintain their freshness.
Cooking process for Festive Cherry Dessert Bars

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

This recipe involves a straightforward cooking process that anyone can follow. Start by preparing your ingredients and mixing the wet and dry components separately. Once combined, layer your cherry filling and crust mixture for the perfect bake. The key is not to rush the steps to ensure even baking.

To achieve perfect results, allow your bars to cool completely before slicing. This helps them set properly and makes it easier to cut into neat squares. Additionally, using a sharp knife will prevent the bars from crumbling apart.

Key Technique for Perfect Festive Cherry Dessert Bars

The layering technique is critical for these dessert bars. By spreading half the crust mixture, adding the cherry filling, and topping with the remaining crust, you create a delicious balance of flavors. This method ensures that the cherries are evenly distributed and the crust holds together beautifully.

Festive Cherry Dessert Bars

Prep 15 min
Cook 45 min
Serves 6 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter
    Room temperature
  • 1 cup sugar
    Granulated
  • 1 cup water
    For sauce consistency
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
    To thicken
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
    For flavor

For the Sauce

  • 1 lb fresh cherries
    Pitted
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
    For sweetness
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
    Base for crust
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
    Softened
  • 2 large eggs
    For binding
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
    For flavor
  • 1/2 tsp almond extract
    Enhances cherry flavor
  • 1 tsp baking powder
    For leavening
  • 1/4 tsp salt
    To balance sweetness
  • 1/2 cup rolled oats
    For texture
  • 1/4 cup chopped nuts
    Optional garnish
  • Powdered sugar
    For dusting

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven

    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x9-inch baking pan.

  2. Prepare Cherry Filling

    In a bowl, combine the pitted cherries with 1/4 cup of sugar and set aside.

  3. Make Crust Mixture

    In another bowl, mix together the flour, remaining sugar, baking powder, and salt.

  4. Combine Wet Ingredients

    In a separate bowl, cream the butter, and then add eggs, vanilla, and almond extracts, mixing well.

  5. Combine Mixtures

    Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients until combined, then fold in oats and nuts.

  6. Assemble Bars

    Spread half of the mixture into the prepared baking pan, layer with cherries, and top with the remaining mixture.

  7. Bake

    Bake for 35-45 minutes or until the top is golden brown.

  8. Cool and Serve

    Allow to cool completely, dust with powdered sugar, cut into bars, and serve.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage Tips

To keep your Festive Cherry Dessert Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay good for about 4-5 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them as mentioned earlier.

Serving Suggestions

These dessert bars pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For an extra festive touch, serve with a sprinkle of cinnamon or garnish with mint leaves for freshness.

Recipe Variations

Feel free to experiment by adding different fruits like blueberries or raspberries. You can also adjust the sweetness by using less sugar if desired, or incorporate spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for an additional flavor layer.