Cherry Pie Bars are a delightful twist on classic cherry pie, featuring a buttery shortbread crust, a sweet cherry filling, and a crumbly topping. These bars are easy to make and perfect for serving at gatherings, potlucks, or as a comforting dessert at home. The combination of a tender, buttery base with a tart cherry filling creates a delicious balance of flavors that everyone will love. With just a few simple ingredients, you can make these irresistible cherry pie bars that are sure to impress.
Table of Contents
- Ingredients
- Instructions
- Tips for Perfect Cherry Pie Bars
- Recipe Variations
- FAQs
- Serving Suggestions
- Conclusion
Ingredients
For the Crust and Topping
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
For the Cherry Filling
- 2 cans (21 oz each) cherry pie filling
For the Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp almond extract (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
- Make the Crust and Topping: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until combined.
- Divide the Dough: Set aside 1 1/2 cups of the dough for the topping. Press the remaining dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust.
- Add the Cherry Filling: Spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the crust layer.
- Add the Topping: Drop spoonfuls of the reserved dough over the cherry filling. It’s okay if some of the cherry filling is still visible.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.
- Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract (if using) until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars.
- Cut and Serve: Once the glaze has set, cut the bars into squares and serve.
Tips for Perfect Cherry Pie Bars
- Use Softened Butter: Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for easy mixing and a tender crust.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix the dough just until the ingredients are combined to keep the crust and topping tender.
- Cool Completely Before Glazing: Allow the bars to cool completely before adding the glaze to ensure it sets properly.
Recipe Variations
- Blueberry Pie Bars: Substitute the cherry pie filling with blueberry pie filling for a different flavor.
- Cinnamon Streusel Topping: Mix 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup flour, and 1/4 cup melted butter to create a cinnamon streusel topping instead of using the reserved dough.
- Lemon Glaze: Use lemon juice instead of milk in the glaze for a bright citrus flavor.
FAQs
Q: Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned filling?
A: Yes, you can use fresh cherries. Cook them with sugar and cornstarch to create a homemade filling before using it in the recipe.
Q: How do I store cherry pie bars?
A: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Q: Can I freeze cherry pie bars?
A: Yes, you can freeze cherry pie bars. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- With Whipped Cream: Serve the bars with a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
- With Ice Cream: Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious contrast to the tart cherries.
- With Fresh Berries: Garnish with fresh berries for added color and flavor.
Cherry Pie Bars are an easy and delicious dessert that combines all the flavors of a classic cherry pie in a convenient bar form. With a buttery crust, sweet cherry filling, and a simple glaze, these bars are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them at home, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the classic taste of cherry pie in every bite!
These Cherry Pie Bars are versatile and can be easily customized with different fillings or glazes. They’re a great way to enjoy the flavors of pie without the hassle of making a traditional pie crust. Share these bars with friends and family, and watch them disappear in no time!
