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Cherry Delight Bars are a delicious dessert that captures the essence of summer with every bite. These bars combine the sweet and tart flavor of cherries with a soft, buttery base, making them a delightful option for any occasion, from potlucks to family gatherings. Not only are they a treat for the taste buds, but they also evoke a sense of nostalgia that takes many home bakers back to their childhood, when homemade desserts were the highlight of any gathering.

Cherry Bars

Indulge in the sweet and tart flavor of Cherry Delight Bars, a delightful dessert that captures the essence of summer! With a buttery base and juicy cherries, these bars are perfect for potlucks and family gatherings. Easy to make, they evoke nostalgia and bring warmth to any occasion. Discover the simple steps to create this irresistible treat that will surely impress everyone. Bake, share, and enjoy! #CherryDelightBars #Baking #Desserts #SweetTreats #SummerRecipes #HomemadeDelights
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Ingredients
  

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

1 cup granulated sugar

½ cup unsalted butter, softened

1 large egg

1 tsp vanilla extract

½ tsp almond extract

½ tsp baking powder

¼ tsp salt

1 ½ cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted and halved

¼ cup cherry preserves

¼ cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x9-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

    Make the batter: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.

      Add the egg and extracts: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until fully incorporated.

        Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.

          Incorporate cherries and nuts: Gently fold in the pitted cherries and walnuts (if using) into the batter. Be careful not to overmix.

            Assemble the bars: Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Drop spoonfuls of cherry preserves over the batter, then top with the remaining batter, smoothing it out. You can create a marbled effect by swirling a knife through the layers.

              Bake the bars: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

                Cool and serve: Let the cherry bars cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Once completely cooled, dust with powdered sugar if desired. Cut into squares and enjoy!

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 12 bars