Beginner-Friendly Cherry Pie Bars: Quick, Simple Recipe

Cherry Pie Bars: Delightfully Easy and Delicious

Hello, fellow foodies! Today, we’re diving into a sweet treat that’s sure to tickle your taste buds and evoke memories of summer picnics and lazy afternoons — Cherry Pie Bars. These bars are a delightful fusion of classic cherry pie flavors, wrapped up in a convenient, handheld form that’s perfect for sharing — or keeping all to yourself!

Imagine biting into a buttery, crumbly crust, only to find a burst of tart cherry filling nestled within. These bars are not just desserts; they’re moments of joy, nostalgia, and sharing. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a picnic, or just because you can’t resist the allure of cherries, this recipe is your ticket to a deliciously satisfying experience.

Personal Story

Let me take you back to my childhood, where summertime meant visiting my grandma’s farmhouse. The star of our visits? Her famous cherry pie. Each summer, we would head out to the small cherry orchard behind her house, baskets in hand, ready to pluck the juiciest, ripest cherries off the trees. It became a tradition that went beyond just picking fruit — it was a bonding experience filled with laughter, sun-soaked afternoons, and the sweet smell of cherries in the air. Once we gathered our treasures, we would rush back to the kitchen, where my grandma’s expert hands transformed those little gems into a pie that was nothing short of magical.

Fast forward a few years, and those cherry memories inspired me to create something that could evoke the same feelings of joy and nostalgia but with a modern twist. Thus, the Cherry Pie Bars were born! They deliver the same delightful flavors as grandma’s pie but are easy to share at any gathering. Trust me; you’re going to love these bars just as much as I do!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these Cherry Pie Bars. Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of flavor and texture:

• 1 cup unsalted butter (barely softened)
  This is your magic ingredient for a rich and buttery crust. If you’re in a pinch, you can use unsalted margarine, but real butter really amps up the flavor.

• ¾ cup granulated sugar
  Sweetness is essential, but if you want to cut back, coconut sugar works as a great substitute and adds a nice caramel flavor.

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  This will enhance the sweetness and add depth. Use pure vanilla extract for the best results, but in a pinch, imitation vanilla can work too.

• ½ teaspoon almond extract
  This is where the magic happens! Almond extract elevates the cherry flavor. If you’re not a fan, you can skip it, but I highly recommend it for that authentic pie taste!

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
  All-purpose flour is perfect for creating that crumbly, tender crust. For a gluten-free version, try almond flour or a gluten-free baking blend, but the texture may vary.

• ½ teaspoon baking powder
  This little helper keeps the crust light and flaky. Make sure it’s fresh for the best lift.

• ¾ teaspoon fine sea salt or table salt
  Salt balances the sweetness beautifully. Sea salt lends a more complex flavor, but regular salt will do just fine.

• 21 ounces cherry pie filling (1 can)
  The star of the show! You can use store-bought for convenience, or if you’re adventurous, make your own filling with fresh cherries.

• ½ cup powdered sugar
  This will sweeten up your glaze for that perfect finishing touch, ensuring each bite is decadently sweet.

• ¼ teaspoon almond extract or vanilla extract
  An additional splash of flavor for the glaze. Either works; it depends on your preferred flavor profile.

• 1 Tablespoon milk or cream
  This will help achieve the right consistency for your glaze. If you’re dairy-free, try almond milk or a non-dairy cream.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s dive into the cooking process! Here’s a detailed guide on how to make these scrumptiously satisfying Cherry Pie Bars.

1. Preheat Your Oven
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is one of the critical steps that you don’t want to skip; a properly heated oven is essential for that perfect crust!

2. Prepare the Baking Pan
   Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. This little trick helps keep your bars from sticking, making clean-up a breeze.

3. Make the Crust
   In a large mixing bowl, cream together your barely softened butter and granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy (this should take about 3-4 minutes). If you don’t have an electric mixer, a good old-fashioned whisk will work too — just be ready for a bit of arm workout!

4. Add the Flavorings
   Beat in the vanilla and almond extracts until they’re well incorporated. You’ll love the aroma of vanilla and almond filling your kitchen — it’s pure bliss!

5. Combine the Dry Ingredients
   In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the butter-sugar mixture, mixing just until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix; we want tender, crumbly bars!

6. Reserve Dough for Topping
   Take about 1 cup of the dough out and set it aside for the topping. Press the remaining dough into the bottom of your prepared baking pan evenly. You can use the back of a spoon or your clean hands to get it nice and flat.

7. Add the Cherry Filling
   Spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the crust. This is where the goodness really starts to happen. Use a spatula to ensure it’s spread evenly — every bite should have a burst of cherry goodness!

8. Crumble the Reserved Dough
   Now, take the reserved dough and crumble it over the cherry filling. You’re looking to cover as much of the filling as possible, like a cozy blanket of dough!

9. Bake to Perfection
   Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. Keep an eye on it — you want that beautiful golden crust!

10. Cool and Glaze
    Once baked, take your pan out and let it cool on a wire rack. After it’s completely cool, make your glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, remaining almond or vanilla extract, and milk/cream until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled bars for that sweet finish.

Serving Suggestions

Once cooled and glazed, these Cherry Pie Bars can be cut into squares or rectangles, making serving them easy and fun! Arrange them on a large plate or a rustic wooden board, and don’t forget to dust a little extra powdered sugar on top for that professional touch. Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to elevate your dessert game even further!

Recipe Variations

Here are some fun twists to try with your Cherry Pie Bars:

• Berry Blend: Swap the cherry filling for a mix of raspberries and blueberries for a colorful berry medley.

• Chocolate Drizzle: Add a drizzle of melted chocolate on top of the glaze for that extra decadent touch.

• Almond Joy: Add shredded coconut to the filling for a tropical twist!

• Peachy Keen: Substitute cherry filling with peach filling for a summertime favorite.

• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free for a delightful treat everyone can enjoy.

Chef’s Notes

Oh, I have to tell you about the time I made these Cherry Pie Bars for a summer gathering. I was feeling extra creative and added a hint of cinnamon to the crust, thinking it would add a warm twist. Little did I know how much everyone would love it! They disappeared in no time, and I was bombarded with requests for the recipe. It’s funny how simple ingredients can lead to unexpected culinary adventures! Over the years, I’ve tweaked this recipe to make it my own, adding little touches here and there, but the love for it remains the same!

FAQs and Troubleshooting

Q: My bars fell apart when I tried to cut them. What went wrong?
A: This can happen if the bars are not fully cooled before cutting. Patience is key! Let them cool completely for best results.

Q: Can I use frozen cherries instead of canned filling?
A: Absolutely! Just thaw and drain them, then cook them down a little with some sugar and cornstarch to make your own filling. It’s a great way to use fresh ingredients!

Q: How do I store my Cherry Pie Bars?
A: Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. They also freeze well, so feel free to make a double batch!

Q: Can I make these bars ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the crust and filling the day before and bake them right before serving, or you can bake them and freeze them for up to three months.

Nutritional Info

While I always encourage enjoying the treat in moderation, you might be curious about the nutritional breakdown. A single serving of Cherry Pie Bars (1 square) contains approximately:

• Calories: 250
• Total Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Cholesterol: 30mg
• Sodium: 120mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 35g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 15g
• Protein: 2g

Note: These values can vary based on specific substitutions and portion sizes.

So, folks, there you have it — my delightful and easy Cherry Pie Bars recipe! I hope you’re as excited to try it out as I am to share it with you. Remember to savor each bite and create your own memories while baking. Grab your apron, let’s bake something delicious together, and fill those plates with love and warmth. Happy baking!

Cherry Pie Bars

Print Recipe

Delightful Cherry Pie Bars that combine classic cherry pie flavors in a convenient, handheld form. Perfect for sharing or enjoying solo!

• Author: platefulkitchen
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup unsalted butter, barely softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon almond extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¾ teaspoon fine sea salt or table salt
• 21 ounces cherry pie filling (1 can)
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• ¼ teaspoon almond extract or vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon milk or cream

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper.
3. Cream together the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the vanilla and almond extracts.
5. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in another bowl.
6. Combine the dry ingredients with the butter-sugar mixture until the dough comes together.
7. Reserve 1 cup of dough for topping and press the remaining dough into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
8. Spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the crust.
9. Crumble the reserved dough over the cherry filling.
10. Bake for about 30-35 minutes until the top is golden brown.
11. Cool on a wire rack and prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, remaining extract, and milk/cream.
12. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars.

Notes

These bars are perfect for summer gatherings, and pairs well with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 square
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 120mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: cherry pie bars, dessert, easy baking, summer recipes, cherry recipes