How to Make Cherry Bars - Sweet and Savory Meals

fresh cherries

🥗Healthier: frozen cherries

💰Cheaper: canned cherries

Frozen or canned cherries are often more affordable and available year-round.

butter

🥗Healthier: coconut oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Coconut oil provides a dairy-free alternative while margarine can be less expensive.

granulated sugar

🥗Healthier: stevia

💰Cheaper: brown sugar

Stevia offers a low-calorie sweetening option, while brown sugar is often cheaper.

eggs

🥗Healthier: flaxseed meal

💰Cheaper: applesauce

Flaxseed meal can replace eggs for binding, while applesauce adds moisture.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Spray a 15x10 sheet pan with baking spray and set aside.

Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, cream butter, sugar, and salt on medium speed until light and fluffy.

Add eggs, one at a time, then the vanilla extract.

Gradually fold in the flour until combined and a dough forms.

Press the dough into the prepared pan. Set aside.

Add the pitted cherries, sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest to a medium saucepan over medium heat, and cook until the sugar is completely dissolved. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes.

Stir in vanilla extract and almond extract.

Mix cornstarch with water into a small bowl until completely dissolved. Then add it to the cherry mixture. Cook and stir until thickened and has the consistency of jam.

Spread the cherry filling on top of the dough evenly.

Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until golden.

Cool completely in the pan before glazing.

In a small bowl, mix confectioners' sugar, vanilla, and almond extract and enough milk to reach the desired consistency.

Drizzle over top of fully cooled bars. Sprinkle slivered almond on top.

Let the glaze settle for 30 minutes before cutting the bars and serving.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens