Cherry Crumble Bars

Recipe by Spry Contributor

Amy Atherton

Ingredients

Filling: 2cups cherries, pitted and quartered (measure after slicing); 1teaspoon granulated sugar; 1teaspoon cornstarch; 1/2teaspoon almond extract
Crust: 1cup all-purpose flour; 1/4teaspoon baking powder; 1/8teaspoon salt; 1tablespoon butter or margarine, melted and cooled; 1/4cup unsweetened applesauce; 1/2cup brown sugar; 1/4teaspoon almond extract
Topping: 1/4cup old-fashioned oats; 2tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2tablespoons brown sugar; 1/4teaspoon cinnamon; 1tablespoon butter or margarine, chilled

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

Recipe courtesy of Amy at Foods for the Soul.