Growing up in Alberta meant that we often took summer vacations in British Columbia. Towing our tent trailer, we found our way to many wonderful camping spots. Of course, camping with our family usually meant sunny weather on the arrival and departure days with rain in between! We got used to chilly swims, bathing suits that never completely dried and rousing games of rummy inside the trailer. Great times and great memories!
One real perk was that if we drove far enough into the Okanagan area, we would drive past all of the fruit stands selling fresh BC fruit. You’re not from Western Canada if you haven’t experienced fresh cherries and peaches at a roadside stand.
It was these memories that flooded back when I baked these cherry bars, from Janice Heikkila of Deer Creek, Minnesota although this recipe calls for cherry pie filling.
Chocolate-drizzled Cherry Bars
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups quick-cooking oats
1 ½ cups sugar
1 ¼ cups butter, softened
1 can (21 ounces) cherry pie filling
1 teaspoon almond extract
¼ cup semisweet chocolate chips
¾ teaspoon shortening
1. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, oats, sugar and butter until crumbly, set aside 1 ½ cups. Press remaining crumb mixture into an ungreased 13”x9”x2” baking dish.
2. Bake at 350F for 15-18 minutes or until edges begin to brown.
3. In a bowl, combine pie filling and extract; carefully spread over crust. Sprinkle with reserved crumb mixture.
4. Bake 20-25 minutes longer or until edges and topping are lightly browned. In a microwave or heavy saucepan, melt chocolate chips and shortening; stir until smooth. Drizzle over warm bars. Cool completely on a wire rack.
Well, this is a new family favorite. I love anything that results in a big 13”x9” pan of goodness! And, my husband (Rooster Rick) loves cherries. He said this is his favorite thing I’ve baked … hmm, I’m pretty sure he’s said that about other recipes! I’ll let Norma tell you how she feels about this. We’ve got a big family reunion this summer and this is definitely on my baking list.
What does Norma say about these Chocolate Drizzled Cherry Bars?
Oat, sugar and butter were meant for each other – add fruit, whether it’s fresh or from a pie filling and you have one of the great bar combos! The flavour of this bar was cherry forward with just a hint of chocolate and the texture mix between the great toasty crumble of the oats and the smooth cherry filling was great!
TEMPTATION LEVEL out of 10: 8 out of 10!
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