Cherry bars

Here’s a recipe for delicious cherry bars:

Ingredients:

For the crust:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the cherry filling:

• 3 cups cherries, pitted and halved (fresh or frozen)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)

For the crumb topping:

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
2. Prepare the crust: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, flour, sugar, and salt until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
3. Prepare the cherry filling: In a medium saucepan, combine the cherries, granulated sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, and almond extract (if using). Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens and the cherries soften slightly, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
4. Pour the cherry filling over the crust in the baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
5. Prepare the crumb topping: In a small mixing bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, melted butter, and salt. Mix until the ingredients are well combined and crumbly.
6. Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the cherry filling.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
8. Remove from the oven and allow the cherry bars to cool completely in the baking dish before slicing into squares.
9. Once cooled, slice and serve. Enjoy your delicious cherry bars!

These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days or in the refrigerator for longer freshness. Enjoy!