As the cooler months roll in, there’s something so inviting about the aroma of baked goods wafting through the kitchen. Old Fashioned Cherry Bars feel like a warm hug, bringing together a delightful blend of sweet and nutty flavors that make them a family favorite. With a soft, chewy texture that’s complemented by crisp edges, these bars are perfect for cozy gatherings or just a simple treat to enjoy with your cup of tea.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The combination of glacé cherries and dried coconut brings a unique twist to a classic dessert, while the rich buttery base provides a satisfying crunch. These cherry bars are not only easy to make, but they also create a sense of nostalgia, making them perfect for sharing at potlucks or baking for loved ones. You’ll find that every bite feels like a little slice of happiness.
Ingredients Needed For Old Fashioned Cherry Bars
- 1 1/2 cups firmly packed brown sugar: This adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the tartness of the cherries.
- 2 cups glacé cherries (cut in quarters): Make sure to choose high-quality cherries for the best flavor and texture.
- 4 eggs: They help bind everything together, giving the bars a lovely, soft structure.
- 1 cup dried coconut, fine cut: Adds a lovely chewiness and a subtle tropical flavor that pairs perfectly with the cherries.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: A must-have for bringing out the sweetness and balancing the flavors.
- 1 cup chopped pecans (optional): They lend a delightful crunch and nutty undertone that enhances the overall experience.
- 2 cups flour: The base of our crumbly crust—use all-purpose flour for best results.
- 1/4 cup icing sugar (powdered sugar): This helps to sweeten the crust and gives it that perfect crumbly texture.
- 1 cup butter: Ideally unsalted, to ensure you control the level of salt in your bars for a well-balanced flavor.
How to Make Old Fashioned Cherry Bars
- Start by lightly greasing a 9×13 baking pan and lining it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, icing sugar, and butter. Use your hands to rub the butter into the flour and icing sugar until it resembles coarse crumbs. If you’re short on time, a food processor can speed this process up!
- Press the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Bake for 20 minutes, or until the bottom crust begins to brown around the edges. Once done, remove it from the oven.
- In another bowl, mix together the remaining ingredients until well combined, then spread this mixture evenly over the baked crust.
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the top is set and slightly golden.
- Allow to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares or bars.
How to Serve Old Fashioned Cherry Bars
These cherry bars shine when served slightly warm or at room temperature. Consider adding a dusting of icing sugar on top for a fancy touch. They pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. A cup of coffee or tea complements them perfectly, making for a delightful afternoon snack.
How to Store Old Fashioned Cherry Bars
Once cooled, store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for about a week or freeze them for up to three months. Just be sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking!
Tips to Make Old Fashioned Cherry Bars
- Use room temperature eggs for better incorporation into the mixture.
- Feel free to adjust the sweetness by adding less sugar or using unsweetened coconut to balance the flavors.
- To achieve a richer flavor, try browning the butter before using it in the crust mixture.
Variations and Substitutions
- Swap out the pecans for walnuts or almonds if you prefer different nut flavors.
- Experiment with other dried fruits like cranberries or raisins in place of the glacé cherries for a fun twist.
- For gluten-free options, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend in place of regular flour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these cherry bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! These bars actually taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just make sure to store them properly as mentioned above.
What should I do if I can’t find glacé cherries?
You can substitute with dried cherries or even fresh cherries, but be sure to adjust the sugar content to account for the difference in sweetness.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
Look for a slightly set top that has a golden hue. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with only a few moist crumbs attached.
Can I freeze Old Fashioned Cherry Bars?
Yes! They freeze beautifully. Just cut them into squares, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag.
Are there any other flavor variations for these bars?
Definitely! You can add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a seasonal touch, or even a splash of almond extract for a deeper flavor profile.
Old Fashioned Cherry Bars
Ingredients
For the base
- 1 cup butter Ideally unsalted for better flavor control.
- 2 cups flour Use all-purpose flour for best results.
- 1 1/2 cups brown sugar Firmly packed for rich sweetness.
- 1/4 cup icing sugar Powdered sugar for texture.
For the filling
- 4 eggs Room temperature for better incorporation.
- 2 cups glacé cherries (cut in quarters) Choose high-quality cherries for best flavor.
- 1 cup dried coconut, fine cut Adds chewiness and tropical flavor.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract Essential for balancing flavors.
- 1 cup chopped pecans (optional) For added crunch and nutty flavor.
Instructions
Preparation
- Lightly grease a 9×13 baking pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, icing sugar, and butter. Use your hands to rub the butter into the flour and icing sugar until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Press the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Bake for 20 minutes, or until the bottom crust begins to brown around the edges.
Filling Preparation
- In another bowl, mix together the eggs, glacé cherries, dried coconut, vanilla extract, and pecans until well combined.
- Spread this mixture evenly over the baked crust.
Baking
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the top is set and slightly golden.
- Allow to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares or bars.
