Homemade Cherry Pie Bars Recipe: Sweet Summer Bliss

Sweet summer memories dance through this cherry pie bars recipe that captures pure dessert magic.

Memories of grandma’s kitchen sparked my love for these delightful treats.

Juicy cherries nestled between buttery, crumbly layers create an irresistible homemade delight.

Delicate and rich, these bars promise a slice of comfort in every bite.

Fresh ingredients bring warmth and nostalgia to your baking adventure.

One taste transports you to lazy afternoon gatherings with loved ones.

Bake these bars and watch smiles bloom around your kitchen table.

Why Cherry Pie Bars Make a Sweet Snack

• Create Sweet Memories: These cherry pie bars bring families together with their irresistible homemade charm and nostalgic flavors that remind everyone of grandma's classic desserts.
• Bake with Minimal Effort: Simple ingredients and straightforward mixing steps make this recipe perfect for both novice and experienced bakers who want a delicious treat without complicated techniques.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for potlucks, picnics, bake sales, or casual gatherings where you need a dessert that appeals to kids and adults alike with its fruity, buttery goodness.
• Stress-Free Dessert Solution: Requires just one baking pan and basic kitchen tools, allowing you to enjoy a homemade dessert without creating a mountain of dishes or spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients Needed for Cherry Pie Bars

• All-Purpose Flour: A key ingredient that provides structure and texture to the cherry pie bars.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender crumb in the dessert.
• Butter: Contributes rich flavor and creates a smooth, creamy base for the bars.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and help create a soft, consistent texture.

• Vanilla Extract, Almond Extract: These extracts provide depth and complexity to the overall taste of the bars.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors in the recipe.

• Cherry Pie Filling: Adds a fruity, sweet layer that creates a delicious center for the bars.

Instructions for Making Cherry Pie Bars

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350°F and generously grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray.

Step 2: Whip the Butter and Sugar

In a spacious mixing bowl, blend softened butter and sugar until the mixture becomes creamy and light, creating a smooth base for your bars.

Step 3: Incorporate Eggs and Flavor Boosters

Gently add eggs one at a time, whisking thoroughly after each addition. Stir in vanilla and almond extracts to elevate the flavor profile.

Step 4: Create the Dry Mixture

Combine flour and salt in a separate bowl, then gradually fold these dry ingredients into the creamy butter mixture until just combined.

Step 5: Prepare the First Layer

Spread half of the batter evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking pan, creating a solid foundation for your cherry bars.

Step 6: Add Cherry Goodness

Carefully distribute the cherry pie filling over the first batter layer, ensuring an even coverage from edge to edge.

Step 7: Top with Remaining Batter

Drop spoonfuls of the remaining batter across the cherry filling, creating a rustic and inviting top layer.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. The top should look set and slightly golden when it’s ready.

Step 9: Cool and Slice

Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into delectable squares. This helps them set and makes cutting easier.

Tips to Perfect Your Cherry Pie Bars

• Select ripe, sweet cherries for the most flavorful pie filling, ensuring a rich and vibrant taste in your bars.
• Create a smooth batter by letting butter and eggs reach room temperature before mixing, preventing lumps and ensuring even texture.
• Sprinkle powdered sugar or drizzle a light glaze over cooled bars for an elegant, sweet finishing touch.
• Enhance the almond extract's flavor by using high-quality, pure extract instead of artificial alternatives.
• Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness.

Flavor Variations of Cherry Pie Bars to Try

• Rustic Berry Blend: Swap cherry pie filling with a mixed berry compote combining strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for a vibrant summer flavor profile.
• Tropical Coconut Fusion: Replace half the flour with shredded coconut and use mango or pineapple filling instead of cherries for a Caribbean-inspired dessert bar.
• Chocolate Cherry Classic: Fold dark chocolate chips into the batter and drizzle melted chocolate over the finished bars for an indulgent rich version.
• Nutty Crunch Variation: Sprinkle chopped almonds or pecans between layers and on top before baking to add texture and depth to the original recipe.

Pairing Suggestions for Cherry Pie Bars

• Pair Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: Rich, smooth vanilla ice cream complements the sweet-tart cherry filling, creating a classic dessert combination that melts perfectly together.
• Serve Chilled Black Tea: A crisp, slightly tannic black tea balances the sweetness of the cherry bars, offering a refreshing contrast and cleansing the palate.
• Match Whipped Mascarpone Cream: Luxurious, light mascarpone cream adds an elegant touch, enhancing the dessert's richness while providing a silky, sophisticated finish.
• Select Sparkling Rosé Wine: A light, bubbly rosé cuts through the bar's sweetness, bringing a festive and sophisticated wine pairing that elevates the dessert experience.

How to Store Cherry Pie Bars Properly

• Store cherry pie bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality and taste.
• Remove frozen bars from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for 1-2 hours. Avoid microwaving to maintain texture.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed bars in the oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes. This method helps restore the original soft texture and prevents the bars from becoming tough or dry.

FAQs About Cherry Pie Bars

• Are cherry pie bars similar to traditional cherry pie?

Cherry pie bars are a more convenient, easier-to-serve version of classic cherry pie, featuring a similar fruity filling but in a bar-style format that’s perfect for casual gatherings.

• Can I use fresh cherries instead of pie filling?

Homemade cherry pie filling works great, but canned filling is more consistent and saves time. If using fresh cherries, cook them down first with sugar and cornstarch to create the right texture.

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

Look for a golden-brown top and slightly firm edges. A toothpick inserted near the center should come out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs.

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

The combination adds depth and complexity to the flavor, but you can use just vanilla if almond extract isn’t available.

Cherry Pie Bars Recipe

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4.7 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 60-65 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Delightful Cherry Pie Bars bring classic American dessert comfort to a convenient, handheld treat. Buttery crumble layers and sweet-tart cherry filling create a perfect balance of flavors that home bakers will savor with pure joy.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Fruit:

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

Dry Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

• 1 cup (227 grams) butter, softened
• 4 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350F and prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish with a light coating of grease to prevent sticking.
2. Using an electric mixer, blend butter and sugar until achieving a creamy, uniform consistency.
3. Incorporate eggs individually into the mixture, then gently fold in vanilla and almond extracts to enhance the flavor profile.
4. Sift together flour and salt, then gradually integrate into the wet ingredients, mixing until a smooth batter forms.
5. Carefully distribute half of the batter across the bottom of the prepared pan, creating an even base layer.
6. Generously spread cherry pie filling over the initial batter layer, ensuring complete and uniform coverage.
7. Delicately dollop remaining batter across the cherry filling, creating a rustic, textured top surface.
8. Place in preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, watching for a set and lightly golden top that indicates complete cooking.
9. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely at room temperature before cutting into individual bars.

Notes

• Swap fresh cherries for canned pie filling to control sweetness and texture, ensuring a more balanced dessert.
• For gluten-free version, replace all-purpose flour with a one-to-one gluten-free flour blend, maintaining the same measurements.
• Enhance flavor by adding a pinch of cinnamon or almond extract to the batter, creating a more complex taste profile.
• Prevent soggy bottom by lining the baking pan with parchment paper, which helps easy removal and even baking.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 374 kcal
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 171 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 51 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg