Cherry Chocolate Chip Crumb Bars

Today's post is inspired by a pie that we would make in a bakery I used to work in.  It was a chocolate cherry pie with bits of cherries & chocolate chips peaking through the lattice crust that glistened with sugar crystals.  It was one of the popular flavors we would sell.  

These crumb bars are like that pie, but a lot more party friendly.  Same idea, but more servings for your guests.  Plus, they come together rather quickly with just a few ingredients.  If you haven't tried cherry & chocolate together, this is a great recipe to try out.  And come back tomorrow for some traditional Christmas chocolates!

Cherry Chocolate Chip Crumb Bars

Recipe adapted from Taste of Home by: Amber (Dessert Now, Dinner Later!)

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups quick-cooking oats
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 1/4 cups butter (2 1/2 sticks), softened
• 1 (21 oz) can cherry pie filling
• 1 tsp almond extract, optional
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine flour, oats, sugar, salt & butter until crumbly.  Set aside 1 1/2 cups for topping.  Press remaining crumb mixture into an un-greased 13x9" baking dish.
2. Bake at 350*F for 15-18 minutes or until edges begin to brown.
3. In a small bowl, combine pie filling & extract; carefully spread over crust.  Alternately sprinkle with reserved crumb mixture & chocolate chips, leaving little windows of cherry pie filling. (So you can see the cherries, the chocolate chips & the crumbs in every bar.)
4. Return to oven & bake 20-25 minutes longer or until edges & topping are lightly browned.  Allow to cool completely.  Cut into desired size bars.

Today's post is inspired by a pie that we would make in a bakery I used to work in.  It was a chocolate cherry pie with bits of cherries & chocolate chips peaking through the lattice crust that glistened with sugar crystals.  It was one of the popular flavors we would sell.  

These crumb bars are like that pie, but a lot more party friendly.  Same idea, but more servings for your guests.  Plus, they come together rather quickly with just a few ingredients.  If you haven't tried cherry & chocolate together, this is a great recipe to try out.  And come back tomorrow for some traditional Christmas chocolates!

Cherry Chocolate Chip Crumb Bars

Recipe adapted from Taste of Home by: Amber (Dessert Now, Dinner Later!)

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups quick-cooking oats
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 1/4 cups butter (2 1/2 sticks), softened
• 1 (21 oz) can cherry pie filling
• 1 tsp almond extract, optional
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine flour, oats, sugar, salt & butter until crumbly.  Set aside 1 1/2 cups for topping.  Press remaining crumb mixture into an un-greased 13x9" baking dish.
2. Bake at 350*F for 15-18 minutes or until edges begin to brown.
3. In a small bowl, combine pie filling & extract; carefully spread over crust.  Alternately sprinkle with reserved crumb mixture & chocolate chips, leaving little windows of cherry pie filling. (So you can see the cherries, the chocolate chips & the crumbs in every bar.)
4. Return to oven & bake 20-25 minutes longer or until edges & topping are lightly browned.  Allow to cool completely.  Cut into desired size bars.