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Cherry Chew Bars

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These Cherry Chew Bars are a nostalgic and easy-to-make treat with a chewy crust, a sweet cherry filling, and a creamy cherry frosting. Perfect for sharing or gifting, they’re a crowd-pleasing dessert that brings a taste of happiness.

Ingredients

Scale

Crust

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (The foundation of our delicious bar!)
  • 1 cup rolled oats (For that perfect chewy texture. Make sure they’re old-fashioned, not instant!)
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar (Adds a lovely caramel-y sweetness to the crust.)
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda (Helps give our crust a little lift.)
  • 0.25 teaspoon salt (Just a pinch to balance all that sweetness.)
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter (cold and cut into cubes. Cold butter is key for that crumbly, tender crust.)

Cherry Filling

  • 2 large eggs (Our binder that helps everything come together.)
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar (More of that wonderful sweetness for the filling!)
  • 0.5 teaspoon almond extract (This is our secret weapon for that classic cherry pie flavor. Don’t skip it!)
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (A little more flour to help thicken the filling.)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder (For a touch of fluffiness.)
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt (Again, just to balance those flavors.)
  • 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut (Adds a delightful chewy texture and tropical hint.)
  • 1 cup maraschino cherries (drained. The star of the show! Make sure to drain them well.)
  • 0.5 cup chopped pecans (For a lovely nutty crunch that complements the cherries perfectly.)

Cherry Frosting

  • 1.5 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened. We want it creamy, so make sure it’s not melted!)
  • 1 cup confectioners’ sugar (The base of our sweet, dreamy frosting.)
  • 4.5 tablespoons reserved maraschino cherry juice (This gives our frosting that gorgeous pink hue and cherry flavor. Save that juice!)
  • 0.125 teaspoon almond extract (A little extra punch of that lovely almond flavor.)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease an 8×8 inch baking pan.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Stir.
  3. Cut cold butter into the dry ingredients using a pastry blender or fingertips until coarse crumbs form.
  4. Press crumbs evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
  5. Bake the crust for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden. Let cool slightly.
  6. In a big bowl, whisk eggs and brown sugar until combined.
  7. Stir in almond extract, flour, baking powder, and salt.
  8. Gently fold in shredded coconut, drained maraschino cherries, and chopped pecans.
  9. Spread the cherry mixture evenly over the cooled crust.
  10. In a small bowl, beat softened butter until creamy.
  11. Gradually add confectioners’ sugar, alternating with reserved maraschino cherry juice, beating until smooth and spreadable. Adjust consistency as needed.
  12. Stir in the remaining almond extract.
  13. Gently spread the frosting over the cherry bars.
  14. Bake for another 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and the frosting is lightly golden.
  15. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares for clean cuts.

Notes

For best results, ensure butter for the crust is very cold. Do not overmix the filling. Allow bars to cool completely before cutting. These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days or refrigerated for longer storage.

Find it online: https://speedydishes.com/cherry-chew-bars-recipe/