Indulge in the mouthwatering goodness of Cherry Pie Bars, a perfect dessert that combines a buttery crust with a sweet, tart cherry filling. These bars are easy to make and are sure to become a favorite at any gathering. Follow this SEO-friendly recipe to create a treat that’s both delicious and visually appealing.
Ingredients:
For the Crust and Topping:
1 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Cherry Filling:
4 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
1 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon almond extract
For the Glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
2-3 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving enough overhang on the sides to lift the finished bars out easily.
Make the Crust and Topping:
In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Add the flour and salt, and mix until a thick dough forms. Set aside 1 cup of the dough for the topping.
Press the remaining dough evenly into the prepared baking pan to form the crust.
Prepare the Cherry Filling:
In a medium bowl, combine the cherries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and almond extract. Stir until the cherries are evenly coated.
Assemble the Bars:
Spread the cherry filling evenly over the crust. Crumble the reserved dough over the top of the cherry layer.
Bake:
Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and the cherry filling is bubbling. If the top is browning too quickly, cover loosely with aluminum foil.
Cool and Glaze:
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to make the glaze. Drizzle the glaze over the bars before cutting into squares.
Serving Tips:
Room Temperature: Serve Cherry Pie Bars at room temperature to enjoy their full flavor and texture.
With Ice Cream: Pair these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert combination.
With Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of fresh whipped cream on top of each bar for an extra touch of indulgence.
Festive Garnish: For a festive presentation, garnish with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a few fresh cherries on top.
Storage Tips:
Airtight Container: Store the Cherry Pie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
Refrigeration: For longer storage, place the bars in the refrigerator. They can be kept for up to a week. Ensure the container is sealed to prevent the bars from drying out.
Freezing: If you want to store the bars for an extended period, freeze them. Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving.
Reheating: If you prefer warm bars, reheat them in the oven at 350°F (177°C) for 5-10 minutes. Avoid reheating in the microwave as it may alter the texture.
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FAQs:
Can I use canned cherry pie filling instead of fresh or frozen cherries?
Yes, you can use canned cherry pie filling as a substitute for fresh or frozen cherries. However, keep in mind that the texture and sweetness might differ. If using canned filling, you may want to reduce the amount of added sugar in the recipe to avoid making the bars too sweet.
Can I make Cherry Pie Bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! Cherry Pie Bars can be made a day or two in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator. If making them ahead for a special occasion, you can also freeze the bars and thaw them before serving.
How do I prevent the crust from becoming soggy?
To prevent the crust from becoming soggy, make sure to bake the bars until the top is lightly golden and the cherry filling is bubbling. This ensures that the moisture from the cherries has evaporated sufficiently. Additionally, cooling the bars completely before glazing and cutting helps maintain the crust’s texture.
Can I use other fruits in place of cherries?
Yes, you can substitute cherries with other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or a mix of berries. Adjust the amount of sugar based on the sweetness of the fruit you choose. This recipe is versatile and works well with various fruits, allowing you to customize it to your taste preferences.
Conclusion:
Cherry Pie Bars are a delightful dessert that combines a buttery crust with a sweet, tart cherry filling, topped with a luscious glaze. Easy to make and perfect for any occasion, these bars are sure to become a favorite. Enjoy them as a satisfying treat with family and friends!
📖 Recipe:
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Cherry Pie Bars
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these irresistible Cherry Pie Bars, featuring a buttery crust, sweet and tart cherry filling, and a delicious glaze. Perfect for any dessert lover, these bars are easy to make and perfect for sharing.
Ingredients
For the Crust and Topping:
1 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Cherry Filling:
4 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
1 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon almond extract
For the Glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
2–3 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving enough overhang on the sides to lift the finished bars out.
- Make the Crust and Topping: In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Add the flour and salt, and mix until a thick dough forms. Set aside 1 cup of the dough for the topping. Press the remaining dough evenly into the prepared baking pan to form the crust.
- Prepare the Cherry Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the cherries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and almond extract. Stir until the cherries are evenly coated.
- Assemble the Bars: Spread the cherry filling evenly over the crust. Crumble the reserved dough over the top of the cherry layer.
- Bake: Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and the cherry filling is bubbling. If the top is browning too quickly, cover loosely with aluminum foil.
- Cool and Glaze: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to make the glaze. Drizzle the glaze over the bars before cutting into squares.
Notes
Customization: Feel free to use different fruits like blueberries or raspberries for the filling.
Glaze Consistency: Adjust the consistency of the glaze by adding more milk for a thinner glaze or more powdered sugar for a thicker one.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 16 bars
- Calories: 320 kcal
