Welcome to my kitchen, darling heart! 🌿 There is something profoundly soulful about the scent of simmering fruit and buttery pastry filling a home. Today, I am sharing a recipe that feels like a warm embrace from a dear friend. These bars are a tribute to the simplicity of the harvest and the joy of sharing something handmade. Pull up a chair, breathe in the sweetness, and let's create some magic together. ✨
About This Dish
These bars strike the perfect balance between a flaky, shortbread-like crust and a lush, ruby-red cherry center. Each bite offers a delightful contrast of textures: the golden, sandy crunch of the base, the silky burst of tart cherries, and a shimmering vanilla glaze that ties it all together. It is a handheld version of a classic pie, but with a rustic, effortless charm that makes it perfect for a Sunday afternoon tea or a cozy backyard gathering. 🧺
Kitchen Stats
⏳ Prep Time: 20 Minutes 🔥 Cook Time: 35 Minutes 🍰 Servings: 16 Bars 🍎 Calories: 215 kcal per bar
🍒 The Pantry All-purpose flour Granulated sugar Unsalted butter softened Large eggs Vanilla extract Almond extract Cherry pie filling Powdered sugar Whole milk
The Method
We begin by creating the soul of the dish: the buttery dough. In a large bowl, cream together your softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is pale and fluffy, which usually takes about three minutes of patient whisking. Gently beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla and almond extracts; that hint of almond is the Chef’s secret for making the cherry flavor truly sing. 🥣 Stir in the flour until a soft, pillowy dough forms. Press about three-quarters of this golden dough into the bottom of a parchment-lined pan, smoothing it out with your fingers to create a sturdy foundation for our fruit. 🥧
Now, spread the vibrant cherry filling across the crust, ensuring every corner is blessed with fruit. Take the remaining dough and drop small, rustic dollops over the top—don't worry about being perfect, as the gaps allow the steam to escape and the cherries to bubble through beautifully. Pop the pan into a preheated oven at 350°F and bake until the top is a gorgeous golden brown. While the kitchen fills with the scent of heaven, whisk together your powdered sugar, milk, and a splash more vanilla to create a drizzlable glaze. 🍯
Once the bars have cooled slightly but are still radiating a gentle warmth, drizzle the glaze back and forth in a whimsical pattern. Waiting for the bars to cool completely before slicing is essential for achieving those clean, beautiful edges you see in the photos. Use a sharp knife and a gentle hand to cut them into generous squares, ready to be shared with those you love most. 💖
Serving & Storage
Serve these beauties on a simple ceramic platter, perhaps with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream on the side. 🍦 They keep wonderfully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or you can tuck them into the refrigerator to keep them firm and fudgy for up to five days. 🧊
Common Questions
Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned filling? 🍒 Yes, absolutely! Just simmer fresh pitted cherries with a little sugar and cornstarch first to create a thick, jammy consistency before spreading.
Why is my crust crumbling too much? 🍒 Ensure your butter is softened but not melted when you start; this creates the proper structure. Also, let the bars cool fully before slicing to let the base set!
Can I freeze these for later? 🍒 Indeed you can! Wrap the unglazed bars tightly in parchment and foil. They will stay delicious in the freezer for up to three months. Just glaze them fresh after thawing.
The Final Toast
May your kitchen always be full of light and your heart always be full of sweetness. Enjoy every bite! 🥂
0 comments:
Post a Comment