Cherry Bars

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 F.

Line a 9x13” baking pan with parchment paper, set aside.

Cook cherries, sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, and sea salt in a 5-quart saucepan over medium heat, until the cherries are soft and begin to release their juice and the sugar is dissolved (about 5 minutes).

In a small bowl, combine cornstarch and water, then pour the mixture into the cherries.

Cook until the mixture begins to thicken, stirring often (about 2-3 minutes).

Once thick, remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Set aside to cool.

In the bowl of a standing mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or in a large bowl with a handheld mixer, beat butter and sugar together for 1 minute.

Add vanilla and eggs and beat until light and fluffy.

Add flour and sea salt and beat until large 'crumbs' form. Dough should be soft but not wet.

Press 2/3 of the crust mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

Spread the cooled cherry filling over the bottom crust in an even layer.

Form small 'crumbs' with your hands and place them on top of the cherry filling gently.

Bake in preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden brown and the filling is bubbling.

Remove from oven and let cool completely.

Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.

Pour over the cooled bars, then let it set at room temperature until hardened.

Slice and serve.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens