Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Cheery, Cherry Peanut Butter Cup Bars

After my time away from my blog due to the passing of my Dad, I needed to bake.  I needed to feel the flour, I needed to measure the sugar, and I needed to feel the heat of the oven, and I needed to get "lost" in the recipe.  Baking has always been my therapy and the immediate gratification that you get from some one taking their first bite of oozing cherries, and melted peanut buttercups.  This is why I bake. When you bake for someone, you can see the smiles on their face, when they are eating your treasures, which in turn, makes you feel better.  Baking is a win-win for everyone.



I knew that I wanted to bake some bars, because they travel well. I love my Raspberry Bar recipe, but I had a different type of bar in mind. I made a cherry bar with peanut butter cups. I found a wonderful a 40 oz. jar of Michigan Sour Cherry spread, at Costco with low sugar for $5.99.  This jar is mostly whole fruit and tastes like fresh cherries.  You can use it to make Cheery, Cherry Bars, spread it on your English muffins, or toast, or spoon it into your oatmeal. If you go to Costco, look for this find.  They also have raspberry, too, which I'm going to get on my next trip to Costco. So go ahead and "Bake someone happy", and you'll be doing yourself a favor, as well.

 

CHEERY CHERRY PEANUT BUTTER CUP BARS - 15X10X1 pan

3 c. flour
1 1/2 c. sugar
1 c. butter
1 lg. egg, beaten
18 oz. Cherry spread, or fruit spread or jam of your choice.
12 oz. chopped peanut butter cups I used the mini size
1 1/2 c. semisweet chocolate chips

Combine flour and sugar. Cut in butter until it resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in beaten egg until just moistened. Save 2 cup dough. Pat remaining crumbs into greased 15 x 1310x1 inch pan. Bake in 350 degree oven about 10 min, till crust is lightly brown Spread cherry spread or jam, carefully over hot crust.  Sprinkle chopped peanut butter cups and chips over jam. Press lightly into jam with fork sprinkle reserved dough over the chips. Bake at 350 degrees 20 to 25 minutes or until top is golden. Let cool in pan. While slightly warm, slice into bars, then let them cool completely in pan.  These bars freeze well.

This was not a not a sponsored post, and the opinions expressed here are mine.  

  I linked up my recipe to Brandie@The Country Cook's Weekend Potluck#16
Stop by and say Hi to Brandie!

 

19 comments:

  1. Thats what I love the most about baking too :) Its such a happy thing to do and so fun to share. My little brother always gets so excited when he comes home to some new baked good. Your bars look delicious! Adding the pb cups is such a yummy idea! These look like they would make anyone very happy!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kristina,
      I think that a lot of bakers share your sentiments. I love PB and Jam, so I decided to add the PB cups to my bars.

      Delete
  2. So glad to see you're back on your blog, Becky! Yes, indeed, baking, and for me...cooking is my therapy to chase away the blues, and sadness, and also it makes me happy!
    Your Cherry Peanut Butter Cup Bars are yummy tasty, and for sure addictive to have around as a sweet snack, or with coffee, which I could have used this morning.
    You have been in my thoughts throughout this sad period...but knowing that your dear dad had a beautiful, and long life, and just treasure the fond memories of him!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Elisabeth,
    It is good to back, and good to be baking again. These bars are so good, especially with the cherry, PB cups, and chocolate, sitting on a shortbread crust.

    We have many fond memories of my Dad and those memories certainly help.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I do understand how therapeutic creating in the kitchen can be, especially in light of the recent events. I know it is hard, but time will heal.
    I think that one of these bars would surely brighten up anyone's day. Love the combo of cherry and peanut butter. I do favor cherry jam over most. Enjoy your bars and enjoy the comfort of the kitchen!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Tina,
      Thank you for our comforting words. These bars with the cherry and PB cups would put a smile on any PB lover's face. I love baking for other people, as you do, too:)

      Delete
  5. These are wonderful, thank you for brightening my day. I got home this afternoon and these were on the porch. I'll say that jam is packed with cherry flavor, I wonder if they have it at the Costco out here. Thank you for thinking of me and I'm so happy you are back in the kitchen. Hopefully baking will relax your mind and let you go to the happy places you like to be.

    Hope today was easier.
    Hugs,
    -Gina-

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gina,
      I'm glad that you like the bars, and that they arrived today. I hope that they made you happy, anf that's why I bake.

      Have a great rest of the week!

      Delete
  6. BAking helps, doesn't it? I've been thinking of you. My husband mom has dimentia, and I know we are only a year or two behind you. Maybe, she keeps surprising us!
    What wonderful bars!!! I know I could get lost in them!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim,
      My Dad had Dementia for quite awhile, at least 6 years, in the early stages.
      It is so difficult to see them decline, but just cherish the good memories, and keep trying to make them.

      As a PB lover, you & Liv would love these bar.

      Delete
  7. I'm so sorry to know of the loss of your father. Baking is always! great therapy for me...no matter what ails me. The mixing, the measuring, the creating...it just fills a need in my life. Of course, no one can ever replace a daddy, but hopefully it's helping you through your grief. Thanks so much for linking up at Weekend Potluck.

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