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Cherry desserts have long been a beloved staple in kitchens around the world, celebrated for their vibrant color, sweet-tart flavor, and versatility. Whether enjoyed in pies, tarts, or simply as a topping on ice cream, cherries bring a burst of summer freshness to any dish. However, if you're looking to elevate your cherry dessert experience, the Spicy Cherry Bars recipe offers a unique twist that is sure to impress. These bars combine the rich, sweet flavor of cherries with an unexpected kick of heat, creating a delightful balance that tantalizes the taste buds and leaves a lasting impression.

Spicy Cherry Bars

Discover a unique twist on cherry desserts with this Spicy Cherry Bars recipe! These delectable bars combine the sweet-tart flavor of cherries with a surprising kick of spice, delivering an unforgettable taste experience. With a sturdy crust, luscious filling, and crunchy topping, every bite offers a delightful contrast in texture. Perfect for gatherings or as a delicious treat at home, these bars are sure to impress. Try making them and enjoy the perfect balance of sweet and spicy!

Ingredients
  

For the crust:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

½ cup granulated sugar

½ teaspoon salt

½ cup unsalted butter, softened

1 large egg yolk

For the cherry filling:

2 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted

1 cup granulated sugar

1 tablespoon cornstarch

1 teaspoon cinnamon

½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the topping:

1 cup quick oats

½ cup brown sugar

½ cup all-purpose flour

½ teaspoon ground ginger

½ cup unsalted butter, melted

Instructions
 

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

    Make the crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Add the softened butter and egg yolk, mixing until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press this mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form an even layer. Bake for 15 minutes until lightly golden.

      Prepare the cherry filling: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the cherries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture simmers and thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat.

        Prepare the topping: In another mixing bowl, combine the quick oats, brown sugar, flour, and ground ginger. Pour in the melted butter and stir until the topping becomes crumbly and well-mixed.

          Assemble the bars: Once the crust is baked, pour the cherry filling evenly over the crust. Sprinkle the oat topping generously on top of the cherry filling.

            Bake: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the cherry filling is bubbling at the edges.

              Cool and serve: Allow the spicy cherry bars to cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before cutting into squares. Serve warm or at room temperature and enjoy!

                Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes | Servings: 12 bars