Name: Cherry Bars
Ingredients: 3/4 cup softened butter; 1 cup packed brown sugar; 1 egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup whole wheat flour; 1 cup unbleached white flour; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 2 cups oat flakes; 1 cup cherry spread (preferably Double Fruit type)

Description

These delicious cherry bars combine the sweet-tart flavor of cherry spread with a wholesome, chewy oat and whole wheat crust. Perfect as a snack, dessert, or even a quick breakfast, these bars are a great way to enjoy the natural goodness of cherries while indulging in a homemade treat. The blend of oats, whole wheat flour, and cherry filling offers a balanced bite that’s both nutritious and satisfying.

Ingredients

Scale

3/4 cup softened butter
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 cup unbleached white flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 cups oat flakes
1 cup cherry spread (preferably Double Fruit type)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Lightly butter a 13″ x 9″ (33 cm x 23 cm) baking pan and set it aside.
Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
Add Egg and Vanilla:
Beat in the egg and vanilla gradually until fully incorporated, ensuring a smooth mixture.
Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, unbleached white flour, and baking powder. Gradually add this mixture to the butter and sugar mixture, mixing on low speed. Stir in the oat flakes gently with a wooden spoon until evenly distributed.
Prepare the Crust:
Reserve ½ cup of the oat mixture for the topping. Press the remaining mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly.
Add the Cherry Spread:
Spread the cherry spread evenly over the pressed crust, making sure to cover the surface completely.
Add the Topping:
Sprinkle the reserved oat mixture over the cherry layer to create a crumbly topping.
Bake the Bars:
Bake in the preheated oven for about 35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. Remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool completely.
Cool and Serve:
Once cooled, cut the bars into squares or rectangles. Serve as a snack, dessert, or paired with whipped cream or ice cream for added indulgence.

Notes

Butter Consistency: Ensure the butter is softened, not melted, for the best texture in the bars.
Cherry Spread: For a richer, fruitier flavor, opt for a high-quality cherry spread with minimal added sugars.
Add-ins: Feel free to add chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the oat mixture for additional texture and flavor.
Storage: The bars can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature, or up to a week in the refrigerator. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months if wrapped individually.