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Spicy Cherry Bars are an innovative dessert that brings a refreshing twist to the traditional fruit bar. This unique recipe marries the sweetness of ripe cherries with an unexpected hint of spice, creating a flavor profile that is both delightful and memorable. Perfect for those who love to experiment with contrasting flavors, these bars are not just a treat for the taste buds; they also make for an eye-catching addition to any dessert table.

Spicy Cherry Bars

Discover the delightful world of Spicy Cherry Bars, a creative twist on traditional fruit desserts. This unique recipe blends sweet cherries with a surprising hint of spice, making for a memorable treat that excites the palate. Easy to prepare, these bars combine buttery crusts, rich cherry filling, and a crunchy topping, perfect for impressing your guests. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature, and add a scoop of ice cream for an extra indulgence!
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Ingredients
  

For the crust:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

½ cup granulated sugar

½ teaspoon salt

½ cup unsalted butter, softened at room temperature

1 large egg yolk

For the cherry filling:

2 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted

1 cup granulated sugar

1 tablespoon cornstarch

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your heat preference)

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For the topping:

1 cup quick oats

½ cup packed brown sugar

½ cup all-purpose flour

½ teaspoon ground ginger

½ cup unsalted butter, melted

Instructions
 

Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9x9-inch baking dish by either greasing it lightly with butter or lining it with parchment paper for easy removal later.

    Make the crust: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, and salt until well combined. Add in the softened butter and the egg yolk, mixing them together with your hands or a fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Firmly press this crumb mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to create an even layer. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.

      Prepare the cherry filling: In a medium saucepan set over medium heat, combine the pitted cherries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, ground cinnamon, cayenne pepper, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Cook the mixture, stirring occasionally, until it begins to simmer and thickens, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once thickened, remove the saucepan from heat and let it cool slightly.

        Prepare the topping: In another mixing bowl, combine the quick oats, brown sugar, flour, and ground ginger. Pour in the melted butter and mix until the topping is crumbly and well-combined.

          Assemble the bars: After the crust has finished baking, pour the cherry filling evenly over the hot crust, spreading it gently to cover every corner. Next, sprinkle the oat topping generously over the cherry filling, making sure to distribute it evenly.

            Bake the bars: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is a golden brown color and the cherry filling is bubbling around the edges.

              Cool and serve: Once baked, remove the spicy cherry bars from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before cutting them into squares. Serve them warm or at room temperature for an indulgent treat, and enjoy the delightful pairing of sweet and spicy flavors!

                Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes | Servings: 12 bars

                  - Presentation Tips: Arrange the cherry bars on a beautiful platter, dust with powdered sugar, and serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra delicious touch.