Rich, simple, and irresistibly buttery with a burst of cherries in every bite
There’s something incredibly satisfying about a recipe that’s easy to throw together, yet feels like a special treat. These Browned Butter Cherry Bars are exactly that. They strike the perfect balance between rustic charm and deep, complex flavor, thanks to one simple trick: browning the butter.
Browning butter is one of those little culinary secrets that transforms baked goods with minimal effort. It adds a rich, nutty aroma and toasty depth that pairs beautifully with the natural tartness of cherries. Whether you’re using fresh cherries in season or frozen ones pulled from the freezer, this recipe is cozy, adaptable, and always delicious.
Browned Butter Cherry Bars
This is the kind of dessert you make on a quiet afternoon when you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to fuss with frosting or fillings. It’s equally perfect as a weeknight treat or a casual dessert for guests. Serve it warm with a scoop of ice cream, or enjoy a slice with your morning coffee; you really can’t go wrong.
Why You’ll Love These Bars
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Browned butter brings a nutty, toffee-like richness to every bite
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Cherries (fresh or frozen) offer natural sweetness and antioxidants
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Simple prep — no electric mixer or fancy tools required
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Perfect year-round with pantry staples and frozen fruit
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Versatile — serve warm with a scoop of ice cream, room temperature with a cuppa coffee, or tea
Browned Butter Cherry Bars
Ingredients
- ½ cup 1 stick unsalted butter
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1½ cups pitted cherries halved (fresh or frozen)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease an 8 x 8-inch baking pan and line it with two overlapping sheets of parchment paper so the paper extends up the sides—this will make it easier to lift the bars out later.
Brown the butter:
- Place the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Let it melt completely, then continue to cook, swirling the pan occasionally. After about 7–10 minutes, you’ll notice golden brown bits forming at the bottom and a rich, nutty aroma. That’s your cue. Remove it from the heat.
- In a medium bowl, stir the browned butter with the sugar and vanilla until combined. Let the mixture cool slightly, then whisk in the eggs until smooth and glossy.
Combine dry ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Assemble the batter:
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined. Gently fold in the cherries.
Bake:
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 30–40 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
Cool and slice:
- Allow the bars to cool in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment paper. Slice into squares and enjoy.
You may also like:
LEMON AMARETTI SQUARES
THE LAND OF TROLLS AND APPLE CAKE
GLUTEN-FREE BUTTERNUT SQUASH BLONDIES
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