Cherry Pie Bars: A Sweet Delight

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Cherry Pie Bars: A Sweet Delight

There’s nothing quite like the taste of homemade cherry pie, but imagine capturing that delicious flavor in an easier, handheld dessert. Enter cherry pie bars: the perfect blend of buttery crust, tart cherries, and a sweet glaze. This versatile treat works well for family gatherings, bake sales, or just satisfying a weeknight dessert craving. Here’s everything you need to know to whip up a batch of these delightful bars.

For the Cherry Filling:

Cherry Pie Bars: A Sweet Delight

Sometimes, all it takes is a warm, gooey dessert to bring a little joy into your day. Cherry pie bars are the perfect answer to that sweet craving. Whether you’re looking for something to take to a family gathering, bake for a holiday, or simply enjoy with a cup of tea, these cherry pie bars are sure to satisfy. With their buttery crust, sweet cherry filling, and crumbly topping, they bring all the delicious flavors of a traditional cherry pie but in an easy-to-make, portable form.

This recipe for Cherry Pie Bars is close to my heart, not just because of how scrumptious they are, but because it’s one of those classic desserts that I associate with family gatherings. Growing up, my family often made pies during the holidays—whether it was Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just a Sunday get-together. Cherry pie was always one of the favorites, and these bars make it even easier to share those flavors without all the work of rolling out dough and baking an entire pie.

But the beauty of cherry pie bars lies in how simple and versatile they are. You don’t have to worry about a delicate pie crust or worrying if your filling is too runny. The crust of these bars acts as both the base and the topping, giving you that perfect buttery crunch with each bite. The cherry filling is sweet yet tart, a perfect balance that brings out the natural flavor of the fruit. And best of all, you can easily customize the recipe to fit your preferences. Want a bit more tang? Add a squeeze of lemon juice. Love almond flavor? A splash of almond extract will do wonders. The possibilities are endless!

I love sharing this recipe with friends and family because it’s such a crowd-pleaser. Whether served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or chilled straight from the fridge, these Cherry Pie Bars never fail to make an impression. They’re not only delicious but also incredibly simple to make, which is why they’ve become a go-to treat in our home.

So let’s get to it! If you’ve been searching for the perfect dessert to add to your recipe collection, these cherry pie bars are just what you need. Follow along, and you’ll have a batch of these irresistible treats in no time!

Ingredients for Cherry Pie Bars:

For the Crust and Topping:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1 large egg

For the Cherry Filling:

• 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling (or use homemade if preferred)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon almond extract (optional, for a nutty twist)

Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that the bars bake evenly and have that perfect golden-brown finish.

Step 2: Prepare the Crust

In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir the dry ingredients together so they are evenly distributed. Then, cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers. You want the mixture to resemble coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces of butter scattered throughout. This will give your bars that delicious buttery texture.

Next, add in the egg, mixing until the dough comes together. You may need to use your hands to knead it gently into a dough ball. Once the dough is ready, divide it in half, keeping one half slightly larger than the other.

Step 3: Press the Larger Portion into the Pan

Take the larger half of the dough and press it evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Use your fingers or the back of a spoon to spread it into an even layer. This will be the crust for your cherry pie bars.

Step 4: Prepare the Cherry Filling

Open the can of cherry pie filling and pour it into a medium bowl. If you prefer a thicker filling, stir in the cornstarch. Add the vanilla extract and almond extract (if using), and mix everything until well combined. If you’re using homemade filling, make sure it’s at a nice, thick consistency.

Step 5: Assemble the Bars

Once the crust is pressed into the baking dish and the cherry filling is ready, spoon the cherry filling evenly over the crust layer. Spread it out with a spatula to ensure that every bite will be full of sweet, tangy cherries.

Step 6: Add the Crumble Topping

Now, take the remaining dough and crumble it over the top of the cherry filling. You want to leave some gaps so that the filling peeks through, but be sure to cover most of it for that perfect crumble texture. Don’t worry if it’s not perfectly even—this is what gives the bars their homemade charm!

Step 7: Bake the Bars

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling up at the edges. You’ll know they’re done when the crust and topping have that delicious golden color, and the filling has thickened and is starting to peek out from underneath the crumble.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Once the cherry pie bars are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes. This will help the filling set so that the bars can be sliced neatly. After they’ve cooled, cut them into squares or bars. If you’re feeling extra fancy, dust them with powdered sugar for a beautiful finishing touch.

Optional: Add a Scoop of Ice Cream

For an extra treat, serve these cherry pie bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The coolness of the ice cream pairs perfectly with the warm, gooey cherry filling, creating an irresistible contrast that’s sure to wow everyone.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Cherry Pie Bars:

1. Make Ahead: These bars can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. They’re just as delicious the next day!
2. Frozen Cherries: If you prefer to use fresh or frozen cherries, you can make your own filling by simmering the cherries with sugar, cornstarch, and a bit of lemon juice to create a thick sauce. It’s a great option if you want a more natural cherry flavor.
3. Add-Ins: Feel free to mix things up by adding a sprinkle of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a handful of chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts for extra flavor and texture.
4. Serving Suggestions: These bars are perfect for any occasion! Serve them at picnics, potlucks, or family gatherings. They’re also great as an afternoon snack with a cup of coffee or tea.

Variations to Try:

• Peach Pie Bars: Replace the cherry filling with peach preserves or a can of peach pie filling. You can even add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to enhance the flavor.
• Raspberry Pie Bars: Swap out the cherries for raspberries or a mix of raspberries and blackberries for a tangy, berry-filled twist.
• Lemon Cherry Pie Bars: Add a tablespoon of lemon zest to the filling or top with a lemon glaze for a refreshing citrus kick.

Why You’ll Love Cherry Pie Bars:

Cherry pie bars are the ultimate dessert for anyone who loves the classic flavor of cherry pie but doesn’t want to deal with the hassle of making a full pie. They’re easier to make, easier to serve, and just as delicious! The sweet, buttery crust pairs perfectly with the juicy cherry filling, and the crumble topping adds that extra layer of texture that makes each bite irresistible. These bars are also a great way to use up a can of cherry pie filling or fresh cherries in season. No matter how you make them, they’re sure to become a favorite dessert in your recipe box.

In conclusion, cherry pie bars are the perfect combination of ease and indulgence, with a lovely balance of sweetness and tartness that everyone will love. They’re versatile, easy to customize, and always a hit at gatherings. I hope you give this recipe a try and share it with your loved ones—because there’s nothing better than enjoying a homemade dessert together

Enjoy!

So grab your ingredients and preheat that oven—delicious cherry pie bars await!

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