Easy Cherry Pie Bars
Easy Cherry Pie Bars capture the sweet, nostalgic essence of homemade cherry pie in a convenient bar form. Bursting with the bright, tangy flavor of cherries and balanced with a soft, buttery crust, this dessert is as delightful to eat as it is to make. Perfectly portable, these bars bring joy to any gathering—from family picnics to cozy coffee dates. With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward, step-by-step instructions, this recipe offers a quick yet satisfying way to indulge in a fruity treat. It’s worth making not only for its simplicity but also for the warm, homemade feel it brings to your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One of the best aspects of Easy Cherry Pie Bars is how effortlessly they come together. The preparation is quick, making it an ideal dessert for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. With family-friendly ingredients and approachable steps, even novice bakers can join in the fun. Plus, this recipe uses minimal ingredients, letting the star—the luscious cherry filling—shine in each bite. It’s a delightful treat that keeps both kids and adults coming back for more, ensuring that it’ll be a favorite in your home.
Ingredients for Easy Cherry Pie Bars
Creating these Easy Cherry Pie Bars requires just a few key ingredients that are likely already in your pantry.
- 1 cup softened butter: Adds rich flavor and tenderness.
- 1 cup sugar: Sweetens the bars perfectly.
- 2 large eggs (room temperature): Binds the ingredients together.
- 1 tsp almond extract: Infuses a lovely nuttiness.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Complements the almond for a fragrant touch.
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour: Forms the crust and topping.
- ½ tsp salt: Balances the sweetness.
- 1 (21 oz) can premium cherry pie filling: The show-stopper with juicy cherries.
- 1 cup confectioners’ sugar: For the delicious glaze.
- 1 tsp almond extract: Repeats for the glaze to tie flavors together.
- ½ tsp vanilla: Also for the glaze.
- Milk as needed: To achieve the desired glaze consistency.
Step-by-Step Directions for Easy Cherry Pie Bars
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is essential for creating a tender texture in your bars.
- Add the eggs, almond extract, and vanilla extract to the bowl, blending until everything is well combined and smooth.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the flour and salt. Gradually incorporate this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing until a tender dough forms.
- Press half of the dough evenly into a prepared baking pan to create a base for your pie bars.
- Next, spread the cherry filling evenly over the crust, making sure to cover every inch for double the cherry goodness.
- Dollop the remaining dough over the cherry filling in small pieces, leaving some areas uncovered to allow the cherry filling to peek through.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and inviting.
- Once baked, allow the bars to cool in the pan before drizzling with glaze.
- To make the glaze, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar, almond extract, vanilla, and enough milk to achieve your desired consistency.
- Drizzle the glaze generously over the cooled bars and let it set for a few moments before slicing into squares.
Tips & Tricks for Easy Cherry Pie Bars
To make your baking experience seamless, here are some tips and tricks that can elevate your Easy Cherry Pie Bars. First, ensure your butter is at room temperature for optimal creaminess and mixing. If you want to experiment, consider adding a sprinkle of cinnamon to the dough or a handful of nuts for added crunch. You can also switch out the cherry filling for other fruit fillings like blueberry or apple, creating a variation that suits your tastes. Lastly, when drizzling the glaze, you can use a squeeze bottle for precise designs or a fork for a more rustic look.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
These Easy Cherry Pie Bars are delicious on their own, but you can take them to the next level with a few simple serving suggestions. Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for a delightful à la mode experience. Pair them with a cup of tea or coffee for a sophisticated afternoon treat. For a festive touch, garnish with fresh mint leaves or serve alongside whipped cream for added indulgence. These bars also make a lovely addition to a dessert platter for parties or family gatherings.
Nutritional Information
The nutritional information for Easy Cherry Pie Bars varies slightly depending on portion size and specific ingredients, but approximately speaking, each bar contains around 200 calories. The nutritional breakdown includes carbohydrates from the sugar and flour, fats from the butter, and protein from the eggs. While these bars are a delightful indulgence, keeping portion sizes in mind can help enjoy without exceeding daily calorie limits.
Storing Tips & Variations for Easy Cherry Pie Bars
Proper storage of your Easy Cherry Pie Bars ensures they remain fresh and tasty. Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. If you want to prepare in advance, these bars freeze beautifully; simply wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap and store them in a labeled freezer bag for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight. For healthier swaps, consider using almond flour or whole wheat flour and a sugar substitute for a lighter option. Feel free to experiment with different fruit fillings such as raspberry or mixed berries for a customized version.
Conclusion for Easy Cherry Pie Bars
Now that you’ve learned how to make these irresistible Easy Cherry Pie Bars, it’s time to gather your ingredients and get baking! Their delightful flavor and simple preparation will quickly turn this recipe into a go-to favorite. Whether you whip them up for a special occasion or a casual family night, your loved ones are sure to be impressed. Don’t wait any longer—bring home the charming taste of cherry pie in bar form today!
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned pie filling?
Yes, you can use fresh cherries! Simply pit and chop the cherries, and mix with a bit of sugar and cornstarch to create a filling.
2. How long do these bars last?
When stored in an airtight container, the bars will last up to a week in the fridge. You can also freeze them for up to three months.
3. Can I replace the butter with a dairy-free alternative?
Absolutely! You can use coconut oil or a dairy-free butter substitute to make these bars dairy-free.
4. What if I don’t have almond extract?
If you’re out of almond extract, you can simply use vanilla extract or omit it entirely. The bars will still taste amazing!
5. Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to cater to gluten-sensitive diets. Just be sure to check that all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
Easy Cherry Pie Bars
Ingredients
Crust and Filling
- 1 cup softened butter Adds rich flavor and tenderness.
- 1 cup sugar Sweetens the bars perfectly.
- 2 large eggs (room temperature) Binds the ingredients together.
- 1 tsp almond extract Infuses a lovely nuttiness.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract Complements the almond for a fragrant touch.
- 2.5 cups all-purpose flour Forms the crust and topping.
- 0.5 tsp salt Balances the sweetness.
- 1 can (21 oz) premium cherry pie filling The show-stopper with juicy cherries.
Glaze
- 1 cup confectioners’ sugar For the delicious glaze.
- 1 tsp almond extract Repeats for the glaze to tie flavors together.
- 0.5 tsp vanilla extract Also for the glaze.
- milk as needed milk To achieve the desired glaze consistency.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs, almond extract, and vanilla extract to the bowl, blending until everything is well combined and smooth.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the flour and salt. Gradually incorporate this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing until a tender dough forms.
- Press half of the dough evenly into a prepared baking pan to create a base for your pie bars.
- Spread the cherry filling evenly over the crust, making sure to cover every inch for double the cherry goodness.
- Dollop the remaining dough over the cherry filling in small pieces, leaving some areas uncovered.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
- Allow the bars to cool in the pan before drizzling with glaze.
Glazing
- To make the glaze, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar, almond extract, vanilla, and enough milk to achieve your desired consistency.
- Drizzle the glaze generously over the cooled bars and let it set before slicing into squares.