Door County Cherry Bars Recipe
This Door County Cherry Bars recipe hails from The Back Street Deli in Eagle, Wisconsin, a charming town nestled in Door County, a region renowned for its rich cherry harvests. This unique area in the United States is one of the country’s largest cherry producers, and the sweet, tart flavor of Door County cherries is the star of this delicious dessert. These cherry bars are a delightful treat, perfect for any occasion, but they become even more special when you top them with white baking chips in the final minutes of baking. Though the recipe originally calls for Door County cherries, you can use any sweet variety such as Bing cherries. Whether you’re making these bars for a family gathering, a potluck, or just a sweet snack, they are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 1 1/4 cups |
| Butter (softened) | 1/2 cup |
| Confectioners’ sugar | 3/4 cup |
| Fresh or frozen cherries | 1 cup (pitted) |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Large eggs | 2 |
| Granulated sugar | 2/3 cup |
| Baking powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Walnuts (chopped) | 3/4 cup |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 235.9 |
| Total Fat | 13.4 g |
| Saturated Fat | 5.6 g |
| Cholesterol | 51.3 mg |
| Sodium | 143.6 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 26.3 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.1 g |
| Sugars | 15.1 g |
| Protein | 3.7 g |
Instructions
-
Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC). Grease an 8 x 8-inch square baking pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
โLink To Shareโ is your all-in-one marketing platform, making it easy and professional to direct your audience to everything you offer. โข Modern, customizable bio pages โข Link shortening with advanced analytics โข Interactive, brandable QR codes โข Host static sites and manage your code โข Multiple web tools to grow your business -
-
Make the Bottom Layer:
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, softened butter, and 3/4 cup confectioners’ sugar.
- Using a hand mixer or a whisk, beat the mixture together until it becomes smooth and creamy.
- Once smooth, press the mixture into the prepared baking pan using your fingers or the back of a spoon, creating an even layer.
- Place the pan in the oven and bake for 25 minutes or until the bottom layer turns golden brown.
-
Prepare the Top Layer (while the bottom layer is baking):
- In a small bowl, toss the pitted cherries with 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Set this aside to allow the cherries to soak up the vanilla flavor.
- In a large mixing bowl, lightly beat the 2 large eggs.
- Gradually add 2/3 cup of granulated sugar to the eggs while beating, continuing until the mixture becomes thick and pale in color.
-
Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- To the egg and sugar mixture, add 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
- Stir everything together with a spoon until well-blended.
- Finally, fold in the chopped walnuts and the cherry-vanilla mixture from earlier.
-
Assemble the Cherry Bars:
- Once the bottom layer has finished baking and is golden brown, remove the pan from the oven. Immediately pour the cherry mixture over the hot bottom layer, spreading it out evenly.
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the top layer turns a deep golden brown.
-
Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool in the pan on a wire rack before cutting into squares. This will help the bars set and make them easier to slice.
Tips for Making Perfect Cherry Bars
-
Using Fresh or Frozen Cherries: If you can find Door County cherries, they will provide the perfect tartness and sweetness for these bars. However, if you can’t find them, Bing cherries are a great substitute. You can also use frozen cherries, but make sure to thaw them and drain any excess liquid before mixing with the vanilla extract.
-
Adding White Chocolate Chips: For an extra special twist, consider adding 1/4 to 1/2 cup of white chocolate chips on top of the bars during the last 5 minutes of baking. The white chocolate will melt slightly and form a creamy layer atop the cherry filling.
-
Storing the Bars: These cherry bars can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days in an airtight container. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months.
Why Youโll Love Door County Cherry Bars
The combination of sweet cherries and the crisp, buttery bottom layer makes for a truly irresistible treat. The walnuts add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that balances out the juicy cherries. These bars are a perfect dessert for a summer picnic, a holiday gathering, or just an afternoon snack. Their golden brown top and chewy interior make them a fun yet sophisticated treat to share with friends and family. Whether you use Door County cherries or your local favorite, the result is bound to be delicious.
Serving Suggestions
- For a Potluck: These cherry bars are easy to cut into squares, making them perfect for a potluck or party.
- With a Scoop of Ice Cream: Serve with a scoop of vanilla or cherry ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert.
- Coffee Pairing: These bars are also great when paired with a warm cup of coffee or iced tea, making them a wonderful addition to your brunch spread or afternoon snack time.
This Door County Cherry Bars recipe from the Back Street Deli in Eagle, Wisconsin, brings the beauty of Door Countyโs cherry harvest into your kitchen. With a delightful combination of cherries, buttery layers, and the optional addition of white chocolate chips, these bars are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Whether youโre celebrating summer, hosting a party, or just craving a sweet treat, these cherry bars will never disappoint.
