Oatmeal Cherry Bars
Sweet tart cherry filling layered between buttery oatmeal crusts creates a nostalgic, flavorful treat perfect for dessert gatherings or afternoon snacking, appealing to fruit and pastry lovers alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine flour, oats, and baking soda in a bowl.
- In a separate bowl, beat margarine and brown sugar with an electric mixer until fluffy.
- Mix the dry ingredients into the creamed mixture on low speed until crumbly.
- Stir in chopped nuts if desired.
- Spread half the dough evenly on the bottom of a greased 9x13-inch baking pan.
- In a blender, puree the cherry pie filling for 5 seconds.
- Push the whole cherries to the bottom of the pan.
- Puree the cherries again for 5 seconds.
- Pour the cherry mixture into a medium saucepan.
- Combine sugar and cornstarch in a small bowl.
- Add the sugar and cornstarch mixture to the cherry filling and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until thick and bubbly.
- Pour the cooked cherry filling evenly over the dough in the pan.
- Spread the remaining dough evenly over the cherry filling.
- Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 45 minutes until golden brown.
- Allow to cool, then cut into 24 bars.
Tips & Substitutions
For a healthier twist, consider using coconut oil instead of margarine and substituting half of the brown sugar with applesauce. If you prefer a gluten-free version, use almond flour or a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Adding a pinch of cinnamon can enhance the flavor. You can also incorporate dried cherries for extra texture.
Serving Suggestions
These oatmeal cherry bars make for a delightful snack or dessert, perfect alongside a cup of coffee or tea. They pair beautifully with Hot Cinnamon Cranberry Punch for a festive treat. Consider serving them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for an indulgent dessert experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store the oatmeal 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 want to freeze them, wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Oatmeal Cherry Bars contains roughly 268 calories, with 4g protein, 58g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (10% 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, but you will need to sweeten and thicken them yourself. Combine pitted and chopped fresh cherries with sugar and cornstarch, then cook until thickened, similar to the pie filling process. This will give you a fresher flavor in your bars.
What can I substitute for quick oats?
If you don't have quick oats on hand, you can use rolled oats, but the texture will be slightly chewier. Just pulse them in a food processor a few times to break them down a bit. Alternatively, you can use a gluten-free oat option if needed, ensuring they are certified gluten-free.
How should I cut the bars for serving?
For clean cuts, let the bars cool completely before slicing. Use a sharp knife and cut them into even squares or rectangles. If you want to make them more festive, consider cutting them into shapes with cookie cutters, especially if serving for a special occasion.
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).