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When the warm sun shines and the days grow longer, there's nothing quite like indulging in a refreshing dessert that captures the essence of summer. Enter Cherry Zest Delight Bars—a delightful treat that perfectly balances the sweet and tart flavors of fresh cherries and zesty lemon. These bars are not only a feast for the taste buds but also a visually appealing addition to any dessert table, making them an excellent choice for picnics, parties, and family gatherings.

Zesty Bars with Cherry

Savor the essence of summer with Cherry Zest Delight Bars, the perfect addition to your dessert repertoire. This recipe combines fresh cherries and zesty lemon for a harmonious blend of sweet and tart flavors. Easy to make, these bars feature a buttery crust, luscious filling, and a crunchy oat topping, making them ideal for picnics, parties, or as a refreshing treat at home. Dive into the article for step-by-step instructions and ingredient insights to impress your friends and family with this delightful dessert.
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Ingredients
  

For the crust:

1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup powdered sugar

1/4 teaspoon salt

3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the filling:

2 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted and chopped

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

Zest of 1 lemon

2 tablespoons cornstarch

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)

For the topping:

1/2 cup rolled oats

1/2 cup brown sugar, packed

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

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Instructions
 

Prepare the Crust:

    - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8x8 inch (20x20 cm) square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.

      - In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Pour in the melted butter and mix until a crumbly dough forms.

        - Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Bake for 15 minutes until lightly golden, then remove it from the oven and set aside.

          Make the Cherry Filling:

            - In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the chopped cherries, granulated sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, cornstarch, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using).

              - Stir until the mixture begins to bubble and thicken, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

                Prepare the Topping:

                  - In a bowl, mix together the rolled oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter until well combined. The mixture should form a crumbly texture.

                    Assemble the Bars:

                      - Pour the cherry filling over the baked crust, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the oat topping over the cherry layer, ensuring it covers the filling adequately.

                        Bake the Bars:

                          - Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.

                            Cool and Slice:

                              - Let the bars cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes. Use the parchment overhang to lift them out, and then allow them to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing into squares.

                                Serve and Enjoy:

                                  - Serve the zesty cherry bars chilled or at room temperature. They can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

                                    Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 16 bars