Cherry Bar
A moist cherry-filled bar with a buttery crumb and sweet cherry topping, perfect for dessert or tea time, appealing to those who enjoy fruity, indulgent treats.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream margarine, sugar, and eggs until well combined.
- Add all remaining ingredients except cherry pie filling and mix well.
- Spread half of the batter in a large greased and floured cookie sheet with edges.
- Spread cherry pie filling evenly over the batter.
- Top with the remaining batter.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes.
- While hot, top with a glaze.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter instead of margarine. If you want a lighter version, you can substitute half of the flour with almond flour. Make sure to spread the cherry pie filling evenly to prevent sogginess. If you like a touch of spice, adding a pinch of cinnamon can enhance the overall flavor. This recipe is great for gatherings and pairs nicely with American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
These cherry bars are delightful served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. They also pair well with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a simple glaze. For added texture, consider serving alongside a dollop of whipped cream. They make a lovely dessert after a family dinner or a sweet treat at a picnic.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cherry bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. If you prefer them warm, reheat individual pieces in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or until warmed through. Avoid reheating the entire batch to maintain freshness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cherry Bar contains roughly 363 calories, with 7g protein, 59g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is a good source of iron (18% of the Daily Value), protein (14% of the Daily Value), and calcium (13% 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 cherry pie filling?
Yes, you can use fresh cherries! Pit and chop about 2 cups of fresh cherries and toss them with a bit of sugar and cornstarch to mimic the filling's consistency. This will enhance the flavor and freshness of your cherry bars.
What can I use instead of almond flavoring?
If you don't have almond flavoring, you can replace it with an equal amount of vanilla extract or omit it altogether for a more classic vanilla flavor. Alternatively, a drop of maple extract can add a unique twist.
Can I freeze these cherry bars?
Yes, cherry bars freeze well! Allow them to cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or reheat in the microwave.
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).