Christmas Cherry White Bars (Print View)
Buttery bars combine tart cherries, white chocolate, and almond for a festive, tender treat.
# What You'll Need:
→ Base and Topping
01 -
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 -
1/2 cup granulated sugar
03 -
1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
04 -
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
05 -
Pinch of salt
06 -
1 large egg yolk
07 -
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
08 -
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
→ Filling
09 -
1 cup dried tart cherries, roughly chopped
10 -
1/2 cup white chocolate chips
# Directions:
01 -
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly coat an 8×8-inch baking pan with oil or line with parchment paper, extending the parchment over the sides to allow for easy removal.
02 -
In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and a pinch of salt until thoroughly blended.
03 -
Add chilled, cubed unsalted butter to the dry mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, blend until the mixture forms coarse crumbs.
04 -
Stir in egg yolk, vanilla extract, and almond extract until the ingredients come together as a soft, crumbly dough that holds when pressed.
05 -
Set aside one third of the dough for the crumble topping.
06 -
Firmly press the remaining dough into the bottom of the prepared pan, spreading it into an even layer.
07 -
Bake crust in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center appears pale. Remove from oven and cool slightly.
08 -
In a small bowl, toss dried tart cherries and white chocolate chips until evenly mixed.
09 -
Distribute the cherry and chocolate mixture evenly over the warm, partially baked crust.
10 -
Crumble the reserved dough over the surface, allowing some of the filling to remain visible.
11 -
Return pan to the oven and bake an additional 20 to 25 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
12 -
Allow bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Use parchment overhang to lift out and cut into squares or rectangles.
# Notes:
01 -
For the best texture, allow bars to cool fully before slicing to prevent crumbling.