CHERRY CRUMBLE BARS

CHERRY CRUMBLE BARS image

Categories Fruit

Number Of Ingredients 17

2 cups cherries, pitted and quartered
1 tsp granulated sugar
1 tsp cornstarch
1/2 tsp almond extract
1 cup flour
1/4 tsp baking powder
1/8 tsp salt
1 tbsp. butter or marg, melted and cooled
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 tsp almond extract
Topping
1/4 cup old fashioned oats
2 tbsp. flour
2 tbsp. brown sugar
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1 tbsp. butter or marg, chilled

Steps:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and lightly coat an 8 inch square baking pan with nonstick spray. To prepare filling, combine the cherries, sugar, cornstarch and almond extract in a large bowl, stirring well to evenly coat the cherries with the other ingredients. set aside To prepare the crust, whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt in a medium bowl. In a separate bowl stir together the butter and applesauce. Mix into the brown sugar and almond extract. Pour in the flour mixture, mixing just until incorporated. Press into the bottom of the prepared pan. Evenly spread the cherry filling on top of the curst. To prepare the topping, combine the oats, flour, brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Cut into the butter using the back of a fork or two knives until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle evenly over the top of the cherry filling. Bake at 350 degrees for 33 to 36 minutes, or until the cherry filling is hot and the crust appears baked through. Set on a wire rack to cool to room temp and let the bars sit at room temp for at least 1 to 2 hours before slicing into squares.