Lemon Cherry Bars Recipe

Introduction

Bright, tangy, and sweet, these Lemon Cherry Bars are a perfect treat for any time of day. Combining zesty lemon with luscious cherry preserves, they offer a delightful burst of flavor in every bite.

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1/4 cup cherry preserves
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9 inch baking pan.
2. Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, 1/4 cup sugar, softened butter, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Mix until the mixture becomes crumbly.
3. Step 3: Press this crumbly mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust.
4. Step 4: Bake the crust for 15 minutes, or until it turns lightly golden.
5. Step 5: While the crust bakes, prepare the filling by whisking together the eggs, 1 cup sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt until smooth.
6. Step 6: Once the crust is baked, spread the cherry preserves evenly over it.
7. Step 7: Pour the lemon mixture gently over the cherry layer.
8. Step 8: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the filling is set.
9. Step 9: Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.
10. Step 10: Cut into squares and serve.

Tips & Variations

• For a more intense cherry flavor, swirl some extra cherry preserves into the lemon filling before baking.
• Try substituting raspberry or strawberry preserves for a different fruity twist.
• Make sure the butter is softened but not melted to achieve the perfect crumbly crust texture.
• Adding a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom to the filling can add subtle warmth and complexity.

Storage

Store the Lemon Cherry Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 1 week. To enjoy chilled bars, keep them in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving if desired. These bars also freeze well; wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before eating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cherries instead of cherry preserves?

Yes, you can substitute frozen cherries. Thaw and drain them well, then spread evenly over the crust. You might want to add a little sugar or cornstarch to help thicken the juices during baking.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Absolutely. Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup the same. Ensure your baking powder is gluten-free as well.

Lemon Cherry Bars Recipe

---

★★★★★

4.5 from 137 reviews

• Author: Lila
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

Description

Delight in these zesty Lemon Cherry Bars that perfectly balance tangy lemon flavor with sweet cherry preserves atop a buttery, crumbly crust. Ideal for a refreshing dessert or a sweet snack, these bars are simple to prepare and baked to golden perfection in just 45 minutes.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Crust

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Filling

• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1/4 cup cherry preserves
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, softened unsalted butter, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Mix the ingredients until the mixture becomes crumbly and well combined. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×9 inch baking pan to form the crust base.
2. Bake the crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the baking pan with the crust mixture in the oven and bake for about 15 minutes or until the crust turns lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
3. Prepare the filling: In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 large eggs, 1 cup granulated sugar, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt until the mixture is smooth and homogenous, ensuring all ingredients are well blended for a consistent filling.
4. Apply cherry preserves: Evenly spread 1/4 cup of cherry preserves over the baked crust, creating a flavorful fruity layer that complements the zesty lemon filling.
5. Add lemon filling: Pour the lemon egg mixture over the cherry preserve layer, making sure to distribute it evenly for uniform baking and texture.
6. Bake the bars: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, or until the lemon filling is set and firm to the touch.
7. Cool and serve: Remove the baking pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, cut into squares and serve. Enjoy these refreshing lemon cherry bars chilled or at room temperature for best flavor and texture.

Notes

• Allow bars to cool completely before cutting to ensure clean slices.
• Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best citrus flavor.
• Cherry preserves can be substituted with other berry preserves if desired.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• These bars can be served chilled or at room temperature.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: lemon cherry bars, lemon bars, cherry preserves dessert, baked lemon dessert, tart and sweet bars