Starbucks fans of the iconic Michigan cherry oat bars are in luck! This copycat recipe delivers a mouthwatering taste experience that’s remarkably similar to the original. The combination of sweet and tart flavors, along with hints of vanilla, cinnamon, and almond, is sure to satisfy any craving. And the best part? You don’t need to venture out to a coffee shop to get your fix – simply whip up these cherry pie bars in the comfort of your own kitchen.The key ingredients that make this recipe so irresistible are the frozen cherries, lemon filling, and crunchy oat crumble topping. It’s no wonder why these bars have earned a special place in many hearts. If you’re hooked on these cherry pie bars, you might also want to explore other sweet treats like apple cinnamon muffins, lemon poppy seed muffins, or Nanaimo bars.
How to Make Cherry Pie Bars
Combine frozen cherries, white sugar, water, cornstarch, lemon juice, and almond extract in a pan, cooking gently while breaking up the cherries as they thaw. Stir frequently to prevent sticking. Once the mixture thickens, remove it from heat.In a separate bowl, mix together flour, brown and white sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt until well combined. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work in butter, aiming for a coarse sand-like texture.Next, incorporate vanilla extract and an egg into the dry mixture, using hands or a pastry cutter to combine everything. Reserve approximately two-thirds of the mixture in a greased baking dish, pressing it down to achieve an even layer. The remaining egg mixture should be combined with oats.Place the cherry filling on top of the oat base, followed by the oat crumble topping. Bake for 30-45 minutes or until the oat topping turns golden brown. Allow the bars to cool before serving with your preferred accompaniments, such as ice cream, whipped cream, or simply on their own.
Serving Tips
One of the best things about this Starbucks copycat recipe is its portability. The bars hold up surprisingly well, making them an excellent choice for a box lunch at work, a picnic, or even a get-together with friends. While they do have a slightly crumbly top, their texture still holds together nicely.For special occasions, the recipe can be easily doubled or tripled, allowing you to bake multiple batches and then cut them into squares once cooled. Enjoy them warm from the oven or let them cool completely – either way, these bars are sure to please.
Starbucks Michigan Cherry Oat Bars FAQs
You can indeed prepare the cherry oat bars ahead of time. For refrigeration, they’ll retain their quality for up to a week, while freezing allows them to stay fresh for two months. When you do decide to thaw frozen bars, let them sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes and they should be ready to go. As for the type of cherries to use, the recipe specifies dark frozen cherries, but you can also opt for red frozen cherries or even fresh ones, just be sure to pit them first. If you’re working with sour cherries instead, feel free to add an extra couple of tablespoons of sugar and reduce the lemon juice by half to balance out their tartness.
Starbucks Michigan Cherry Oat Bars Recipe
Just Like Starbucks Michigan Cherry Oat Bars
If you’re a Starbucks Michigan cherry oat bar aficionado, you’ll likely be thrilled to discover this scrumptious copycat recipe. Our version of these mouthwatering oatmeal bars with a cherry filling is surprisingly easy to make and requires just frozen cherries. With a prep time of 45 minutes and cooking time of the same, you can indulge in 15 delicious servings. In total, you’re looking at around 1 hour and 30 minutes from start to finish.
Instructions
To begin preparing the Cherry Bars, start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Next, combine all of the filling ingredients in a saucepan and mix well. Heat the mixture over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally as the cherries thaw. Use a spatula to break up the cherries by pressing them into the bottom or side of the pan, ensuring they don’t burn at the base. Once the filling reaches a hot, thick consistency, remove it from the heat and set it aside.In a separate bowl, combine all of the dry ingredients for the bars, excluding the oats. Cut the cold butter into small cubes and add them to the dry ingredients. Use either a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the dry mixture until it resembles a sandy texture. Then, add the egg and vanilla, mixing until fully incorporated.Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter. Spoon approximately two-thirds of the bar mixture into the prepared pan, pressing it down to create an even, flat layer. The remaining bar mixture can be reserved for topping the bars later.Pour the cherry filling over the compressed layer in the baking dish. Sprinkle the oat mixture evenly over the top of the cherry layer. Finally, bake the bars at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 30-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing. These bars can be served warm or at room temperature, enjoyed as-is or with a dollop of whipped cream or ice cream.
Notes
While the top surfaces of these bars may appear fragile and prone to crumbling, their overall structure remains robust, allowing them to be successfully presented in both bar form and plated, warm-from-the-oven with a scoop of your favorite topping.