Cherry Pie Bars Recipe

Irresistible Cherry Pie Bars Recipe for Sweet Treat Lovers

Sweet summer memories dance through my cherished cherry pie bars, blending nostalgia with delectable simplicity.

Grandma’s kitchen always smelled like warm comfort and sweet possibilities.

Ripe cherries burst with juicy intensity, promising a delightful dessert experience.

Each crumbly bite connects generations of passionate bakers and their treasured recipes.

Buttery layers melt across your palate, creating moments of pure bliss.

Crisp edges and soft centers promise pure indulgence for anyone seeking a classic treat.

I promise these bars will become your new favorite dessert companion.

What To Use For Cherry Pie Bars Recipe

Crust and Base:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and tender texture for the bar base.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a golden crust.
  • Butter: Creates rich, tender texture and adds depth of flavor.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Eggs: Bind ingredients and provide moisture to the bars.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, classic baking flavor.
  • Almond Extract: Gives a subtle nutty background note.
Fruit and Topping:
  • Cherry Pie Filling: Adds fruity sweetness and moisture to the bars.
  • Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor profile.

Steps To Bake Cherry Pie Bars Recipe Easily

Step 1: Warm Up the Kitchen

Fire up your oven to 350°F. Grab a 9×13-inch baking pan and give it a friendly coating of butter or line it with parchment paper. This will ensure your bars slide out like a dream.

Step 2: Create the Magical Batter

In a spacious mixing bowl, whip together:
  • Softened butter
  • Sugar
Beat until the mixture looks light and fluffy like a cloud. Gently introduce:
  • Eggs
  • Vanilla extract
  • Almond extract
Mix until everything becomes best friends. Slowly fold in:
  • Flour
  • Salt

Stir until the batter transforms into a thick, creamy consistency.

Step 3: Layer the Deliciousness

Spread about two-thirds of the batter across the bottom of your prepared pan. Create an even blanket of goodness. Next, carefully pour the cherry pie filling over the batter, creating a vibrant fruity layer. Using a spoon, drop the remaining batter in playful dollops across the top. Don’t worry if it doesn’t completely cover the cherries – it’ll spread during baking.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven. Bake for 35-40 minutes until the top turns a gorgeous golden brown. The aroma will fill your kitchen with sweet promises of deliciousness.

Step 5: Cool and Finish

Allow the bars to cool completely. This patience will reward you with clean, perfect slices that showcase the beautiful layers of your creation.

Serving Tip: These bars are perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a sweet family treat. Slice and serve at room temperature for maximum enjoyment.

Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness.

Tips To Get Flaky Crust In Cherry Pie Bars Recipe

  • Measure Precisely: Use standard measuring cups and spoons for accurate ingredient quantities to ensure the perfect texture and flavor of your cherry pie bars.
  • Cherry Choice Matters: Select ripe, sweet cherries or high-quality canned pie filling for the most delicious and vibrant fruity flavor in your dessert.
  • Prevent Soggy Bottom: Line the baking pan with parchment paper to create easy removal and ensure a crisp, golden crust that doesn't stick or become mushy.
  • Customize Your Glaze: Experiment with different extracts like lemon or add a splash of almond extract to the glaze for a personalized twist on the classic recipe.
  • Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow butter and eggs to sit at room temperature before mixing to create a smoother, more uniform batter that blends effortlessly.

How To Store Cherry Pie Bars Recipe Neatly

  • Preserve these delightful cherry pie bars by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
  • Refrigerate the bars for extended freshness, keeping them sealed tightly for up to a week.
  • Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
  • For long-term storage, freeze the bars for up to 3 months by placing them in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Best Drinks And Bites With Cherry Pie Bars Recipe

  • Pair with Vanilla Delight: Serve these cherry pie bars alongside a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, creating a classic and refreshing combination that balances the rich, sweet flavors of the dessert.
  • Complement with Sparkling White: Pour a chilled glass of Moscato or a light, sweet sparkling white wine that echoes the fruity notes of the cherry filling and cuts through the buttery crust.
  • Match with Coffee Companion: Enjoy these bars with a smooth, medium-roast coffee or a cappuccino, whose slight bitterness perfectly contrasts the sweet cherry and rich pastry base.
  • Enhance with Almond Accent: Garnish with toasted sliced almonds to amplify the almond extract's subtle flavor and add a delightful crunch to the soft, gooey dessert bars.

Creative Twists For Cherry Pie Bars Recipe

  • Summer Berry Swap: Replace cherry pie filling with mixed berries like raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries for a vibrant, colorful dessert that captures seasonal freshness.
  • Tropical Coconut Crunch: Add shredded coconut to the batter and use mango or pineapple filling instead of cherries, creating a sweet island-inspired treat with added texture.
  • Nutty Chocolate Drizzle: Incorporate chopped almonds or pecans into the batter and finish with a rich chocolate glaze over the cooled bars for an indulgent flavor combination.
  • Spiced Autumn Version: Mix warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg into the batter, using a spiced apple or pear filling to transform the bars into a cozy fall-inspired dessert.

Answers To Common Cherry Pie Bars Recipe Questions

  • What makes these cherry pie bars special?

These bars combine the classic flavors of cherry pie with a tender, cake-like crust and a delightful homemade feel. The combination of butter, vanilla, and almond extracts creates a rich, aromatic base that perfectly complements the sweet cherry filling.

  • Can I use fresh cherries instead of pie filling?

While the recipe is designed for canned cherry pie filling, you can make your own filling using fresh cherries. Simply cook pitted cherries with sugar and a bit of cornstarch until they thicken, then cool before using in the recipe.

  • How do I know when the bars are perfectly baked?

Look for a golden-brown top and slightly firm edges. A toothpick inserted near the center should come out with just a few moist crumbs. Be careful not to overbake, as this can dry out the bars.

  • Is it necessary to use both vanilla and almond extract?

The combination of vanilla and almond extract adds depth and complexity to the flavor. However, if you don’t have almond extract, you can use just vanilla or omit the almond extract entirely without significantly impacting the overall taste.

Why Cherry Pie Bars Recipe Brings A Sweet Smile

  • Quick and Easy Dessert: Whip up these cherry pie bars in under an hour with minimal kitchen skills, perfect for beginner bakers looking to impress.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: These bars work wonderfully for family gatherings, potlucks, or casual weekend treats that both kids and adults will devour with excitement.
  • Stress-Free Baking Experience: No complicated techniques required – just mix, spread, and bake, making this recipe a stress-free way to create a delicious homemade dessert without complicated steps.
  • Customizable Flavor Potential: Easily swap cherry pie filling with other fruit options like blueberry or raspberry to keep the recipe fresh and exciting for repeated baking adventures.
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Cherry Pie Bars Recipe

Cherry Pie Bars Recipe


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4.6 from 8 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Sweet summer memories bloom in these delightful cherry pie bars, offering a perfect blend of buttery crust and luscious fruit filling. Rich layers of homemade comfort invite dessert enthusiasts to savor each delectable bite with pure joy.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 (21 ounces/595 grams) can cherry pie filling
  • 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar

Dairy and Fats:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

Flavor Enhancers and Toppings:

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • ½ tablespoons milk
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla or almond extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare the baking vessel by coating a 9×13-inch pan with butter or lining it with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage to prevent sticking.
  2. Create a luscious base by whipping butter and sugar until light and airy, then incorporate eggs and fragrant extracts, blending until smooth and cohesive.
  3. Gradually fold in flour and salt, mixing until a velvety batter emerges with a consistent texture and no dry patches.
  4. Transfer approximately two-thirds of the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula to create a uniform foundation.
  5. Generously distribute cherry pie filling across the initial batter layer, ensuring an even coverage that reaches all corners of the pan.
  6. Delicately dollop the remaining batter over the cherry layer, allowing small gaps between spoonfuls that will naturally expand during baking.
  7. Slide the pan into a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven, allowing the bars to transform for 35-40 minutes until the surface achieves a golden, enticing hue.
  8. Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely, permitting the layers to set and flavors to meld before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Experiment with different pie fillings like blueberry or apple to create unique flavor variations that match your mood or seasonal preferences.
  • Ensure butter is at room temperature for easier creaming and a smoother batter texture, which helps achieve a more consistent and tender bar base.
  • For a gluten-free version, swap regular flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend, making this dessert accessible to those with dietary restrictions.
  • Enhance the almond extract flavor by toasting sliced almonds and sprinkling them on top of the bars just before serving for an extra crunch and nutty depth.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 20 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Emily Morgan

Emily Morgan

Food Critic & Kitchen Tips Specialist

Expertise

Global Food Exploration & Critique, Simple Kitchen Hacks & Time-Saving Tips, Presentation & Plating Techniques, Culinary Research & Storytelling.

Education

New York University

  • Program: Bachelor’s in Journalism
  • Focus: Combined foundational journalism training with deep dives into global food traditions, restaurant criticism, and the cultural role of cuisine.

Emily Morgan has journeyed across the globe, collecting culinary secrets that turn everyday ingredients into impressive meals.

Based in Seattle and armed with a Journalism degree from NYU, she blends thorough research with a flair for presentation, ensuring every dish looks just as good as it tastes.

Focusing on fresh flavors, simple methods, and a bit of fun, Emily shows home cooks how to elevate their daily cooking without fancy gadgets or complex steps.

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