Cherry Pie Bars Recipe: Sweet Summer Treat with a Crisp Twist

Crafting a delightful cherry pie bars recipe brings pure joy to any dessert lover’s kitchen.

Sweet cherries nestled between buttery layers create an irresistible treat that everyone adores.

Homemade pastry transforms simple ingredients into something magical and memorable.

Crumbly, golden crusts embrace vibrant fruit filling with delicate precision.

Summer’s bounty shines through each delectable bite you’ll savor.

Fresh ingredients and minimal effort guarantee a dessert that impresses without stress.

You’ll want to bookmark this crowd-pleasing recipe for future celebrations.

Cherry Pie Bars That Make Every Occasion Sweet

• Whip Up a Crowd-Pleaser: These cherry pie bars bring everyone together with their irresistible blend of sweet cherries and buttery crust, making them perfect for family gatherings and potlucks.
• Customize with Ease: The recipe allows simple modifications like swapping cherries for other fruit fillings or adding a sprinkle of nuts, giving bakers creative freedom to make it their own.
• Quick and Simple Preparation: With straightforward ingredients and minimal steps, this dessert comes together quickly, making it ideal for bakers of all skill levels who want a delicious treat without complex techniques.
• Versatile Dessert Option: These bars work wonderfully as a casual dessert, afternoon snack, or elegant party treat, adapting to different occasions and serving styles with minimal effort.

Ingredients for Cherry Pie Bars

• All-Purpose Flour: The essential foundation that provides structure and texture for the bars.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the dessert.

• Butter: Creates a rich, tender base that adds moisture and depth to the bars.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a golden, caramelized texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, classic flavor that complements the cherries.
• Almond Extract: Brings a subtle, nutty background note that elevates the dessert's complexity.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the bars' soft, tender crumb.

• Cherry Pie Filling: Delivers a vibrant, sweet-tart fruit layer that becomes the star of the dessert.
• Powdered Sugar: Optional finishing touch that adds a delicate, sweet dusting to the bars.

How to Bake Cherry Pie Bars Perfectly

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Grab your 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a generous coating of grease to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create A Creamy Base

In a spacious mixing bowl, whip the butter and sugar together until they transform into a light, fluffy cloud.

Splash in the vanilla and almond extracts for an extra flavor punch.

Step 3: Incorporate Eggs

Crack the eggs into the mixture one by one, giving each a thorough beating to ensure they blend seamlessly into the creamy base.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

Gradually fold in the flour and salt, stirring gently until everything just comes together.

Be careful not to overmix – you want a tender texture.

Step 5: Build The First Layer

Spread about two-thirds of the batter across the bottom of your prepared baking dish, creating a smooth, even foundation.

Step 6: Add Cherry Goodness

Pour the cherry pie filling over the first layer, making sure it covers the entire surface evenly.

Step 7: Create The Topping

Dot the remaining batter across the cherry layer, creating a rustic, scattered look that will bake into a beautiful top.

Step 8: Bake To Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes.

Watch for a golden-brown top that signals the bars are ready.

Step 9: Cool And Serve

Let the bars cool completely in the pan.

For an extra touch of sweetness, dust with a light snow of powdered sugar before slicing into delectable squares.

Pro Tips for Cherry Pie Bars Success

• Use ripe, sweet cherries for the best flavor and natural sweetness in your pie bars.
• Spread the initial batter layer evenly and pat it down gently to create a solid base that won't get wet from the cherry filling.
• Cream butter and sugar thoroughly until light and fluffy to ensure a tender, moist texture in the bars.
• Watch the bars closely during the last 5 minutes of baking to prevent over-browning and maintain a perfect golden top.
• Sprinkle sliced almonds or a dash of cinnamon over the top before baking for an enhanced taste profile.

Flavorful Variations on Cherry Pie Bars

• Gluten-Free Cherry Bars: Replace all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the rich, fruity flavor.
• Vegan Cherry Delight: Swap butter with coconut oil, eggs with flax eggs, and use plant-based milk to create a dairy-free, egg-free alternative that's equally delicious.
• Low-Sugar Cherry Crumble Bars: Reduce sugar content by using stevia or monk fruit sweetener, and incorporate rolled oats for added texture and nutritional value.
• Berry Fusion Bars: Substitute cherry pie filling with mixed berry preserves or fresh seasonal berries for a vibrant, adaptable fruit bar experience.

Serving Suggestions for Cherry Pie Bars

• Sweet Summer Picnic Partner: Pack these bars in a cute container for outdoor gatherings with friends, perfect for casual dessert sharing.
• Elegant Dessert Plating: Serve on white porcelain plates with a small mint leaf garnish and drizzle of vanilla glaze for sophisticated presentation.
• Coffee Break Companion: Pair with a warm cappuccino or cold brew coffee, creating a delightful afternoon treat that balances the cherry's sweetness.
• Weekend Brunch Star: Include these bars on a brunch buffet alongside fresh berries and whipped cream for a crowd-pleasing breakfast dessert option.

Storage Tips for Cherry Pie Bars

• Store cooled cherry pie bars in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
• Keep bars at room temperature for 1-2 days if covered with plastic wrap or in a sealed container.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed bars in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or briefly in a 300F oven until heated through. Avoid overheating to maintain moisture and texture.

FAQs

• What are cherry pie bars?

Cherry pie bars are a delightful dessert that combines a soft, buttery cake-like base with sweet cherry pie filling, creating a portable and easy-to-serve treat that’s perfect for gatherings or casual desserts.

• Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned pie filling?

While canned pie filling is recommended for consistency, you can make your own filling by cooking fresh pitted cherries with sugar and cornstarch until thickened, though the texture might slightly differ from the original recipe.

• How do I know when the cherry pie bars are done baking?

The bars are ready when the top turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean, typically after 35-40 minutes of baking at 350°F.

Cherry Pie Bars Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sweet and tangy cherry pie bars blend classic American dessert flavors into a convenient handheld treat. Crumbly buttery crust and rich cherry filling create a delightful summer dessert you’ll savor with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Fruit Filling:

• 1 (21-ounce / 595 grams) can cherry pie filling

Main Ingredients:

• 3 cups (375 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups (300 grams) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (227 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 large eggs

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and thoroughly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter.
2. Using an electric mixer, blend butter and sugar until the mixture becomes airy and pale, incorporating vanilla and almond extracts for enhanced flavor complexity.
3. Introduce eggs individually, ensuring thorough integration after each addition to create a smooth, consistent base.
4. Gently fold flour and salt into the wet mixture, stirring until ingredients are just combined to maintain a tender texture.
5. Transfer approximately two-thirds of the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly to create a uniform base layer.
6. Carefully distribute cherry pie filling across the initial batter layer, ensuring complete and consistent coverage.
7. Delicately dollop remaining batter over the cherry layer, creating a rustic, textured surface that allows glimpses of the fruity filling.
8. Bake for 35-40 minutes, monitoring until the top develops a golden-brown hue and the edges appear slightly crisp.
9. Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature, then slice into individual servings and optionally dust with a light veil of powdered sugar for an elegant finish.

Notes

• Customize the fruit filling by swapping cherries with other seasonal fruits like blueberries, peaches, or mixed berries for variety.
• Control the sweetness by reducing sugar or using a sugar substitute if you prefer a less sweet dessert.
• Enhance the texture by adding chopped nuts like almonds or pecans to the batter for extra crunch and depth of flavor.
• Make the bars gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to accommodate dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 308 kcal
• Sugar: 24 g
• Sodium: 131 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 52 mg