Aunt Terry'S Cherry Bars
Sweet cherry bars with a buttery crust, topped with coconut and chopped nuts, finished with powdered sugar frosting and a splash of red food coloring for a festive touch.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix butter, flour, and powdered sugar and pat into a 9 x 13-inch pan.
- Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes.
- Mix chopped cherries (with juice), chopped nuts, coconut, vanilla, baking powder, and flour.
- Spread the cherry mixture on the cooled crust.
- Bake for an additional 30 minutes at 350°F.
- Frost with powdered sugar frosting and add a drop of red food coloring.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter and toasting the chopped nuts beforehand. If you don't have cherries, you can substitute with other fruits like blueberries or raspberries. Adjust the sweetness by using less powdered sugar if desired. Additionally, you can make the crust a bit thicker by increasing the flour to 1 1/4 cups.
Serving Suggestions
Cut the cherry bars into squares and serve them as a delightful dessert at gatherings. They pair beautifully with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, making them an excellent choice for summer picnics or potlucks. For a unique twist, serve alongside Lemon Sunshine Cake for a refreshing dessert spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cherry bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, warm individual pieces in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or enjoy them cold for a refreshing treat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Aunt Terry'S Cherry Bars contains roughly 408 calories, with 3g protein, 21g carbohydrates, and 31g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 748mg per serving (33% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh cherries instead of jarred ones?
Yes, you can use fresh cherries! Just pit and chop them, and add a bit of sugar to the mixture to compensate for the lack of sweetness typically found in jarred cherries. This will enhance the overall flavor of the bars.
How can I make the bars gluten-free?
To make these cherry bars gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that all other ingredients, like baking powder and powdered sugar, are gluten-free as well. This will allow those with dietary restrictions to enjoy this delicious treat.
What can I use instead of powdered sugar for frosting?
If you don't have powdered sugar, you can make a simple frosting using cream cheese and a bit of honey or maple syrup for sweetness. Blend until smooth and spread over the cooled bars for a creamy, tangy topping that complements the cherry filling nicely.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).