As a passionate home cook, I find that Cherry Pie Bars hold a special place in my heart. The moment I take a bite, I’m transported back to my grandmother’s kitchen, where the sweet aroma of cherries mingled with buttery crust filled the air. These Cherry Pie Bars are not just a dessert; they are a warm hug on a plate, perfect for sharing with loved ones. With their delightful balance of sweetness and tartness, they are an easy-to-make treat that brings joy to any gathering. Trust me, once you try these bars, they’ll become a cherished favorite in your home, just like they are in mine.
What is Cherry Pie Bars?
Cherry Pie Bars are a delightful dessert that combines the classic flavors of cherry pie with the convenience of a bar format. Originating from American kitchens, these bars are a modern take on a beloved traditional dessert. They feature a sweet, buttery crust that cradles a luscious cherry filling, making them a perfect treat for any occasion.
These bars are not only easy to prepare but also versatile. You can enjoy them warm, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or chilled for a refreshing snack. The vibrant red of the cherries adds a beautiful touch, making them visually appealing for gatherings. Whether you’re a novice baker or a seasoned pro, Cherry Pie Bars are sure to become a favorite in your home.
Why You’ll Love This Cherry Pie Bars
- Quick and easy to prepare, making them perfect for busy weeknights.
- Deliciously sweet with a hint of tartness from the cherries, satisfying every sweet tooth.
- Great for sharing at gatherings or as a comforting family dessert.
- Customizable with different fruit fillings or toppings, allowing for creativity in the kitchen.
Who It’s For
Cherry Pie Bars are perfect for busy families seeking a quick and delicious dessert option, health-conscious cooks who appreciate homemade treats, and food lovers eager to explore classic American flavors. They cater to all ages, making them a hit at any gathering.
When to Cook It
These bars are ideal for various occasions, including weeknight dinners, birthday parties, holiday celebrations, or simply as a sweet treat to enjoy after a family meal. They also make a fantastic addition to potlucks and bake sales, ensuring everyone leaves with a smile.
How to Make the Perfect Cherry Pie Bars
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – provides the base for the crust.
- 1 cup granulated sugar – sweetens the bars and balances the tartness of the cherries.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened – adds richness and helps create a tender crust.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder – helps the crust rise slightly for a lighter texture.
- 1 large egg – binds the ingredients together and adds moisture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – infuses a warm, sweet flavor into the bars.
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling – provides the delicious cherry flavor and juicy filling.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking.
- Mix the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, softened butter, salt, baking powder, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined and forms a dough.
- Prepare the crust: Press half of the dough mixture into the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, creating an even layer.
- Add the cherry filling: Spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the crust, ensuring every bite will be filled with cherry goodness.
- Top with remaining dough: Crumble the remaining dough mixture over the top of the cherry filling, creating a rustic, crumbly topping.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Cool and serve: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting them into squares. Enjoy them as they are, or serve with whipped cream or ice cream for an extra treat!
For People with Diabetes: Sugar Substitutes
- Stevia: A natural sweetener that has no calories and does not raise blood sugar levels.
- Monk fruit: Another natural sweetener that is calorie-free and has a low glycemic index.
- Allulose: A low-calorie sugar that mimics the taste and texture of sugar without affecting blood sugar.
Avoid using honey or maple syrup as substitutes, as they can still impact blood sugar levels significantly.
Tools You’ll Need
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula or wooden spoon
- Whisk or fork for mixing
- Cooling rack
- Sharp knife for cutting bars
Top Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Use Fresh Cherries: If you have access to fresh cherries, consider using them instead of canned filling for a more vibrant flavor. Just pit and slice them, then toss with a bit of sugar and cornstarch to thicken.
- Chill the Dough: For a flakier crust, chill the dough for about 30 minutes before pressing it into the baking dish. This helps the butter firm up, resulting in a tender texture.
- Experiment with Spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon or almond extract to the filling for an extra layer of flavor. These spices complement the cherries beautifully.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your bars while baking. They should be golden brown on top but not overly dark. Overbaking can lead to a dry texture.
- Let Them Cool: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting. This helps them set and makes for cleaner, more appealing slices.
Storing and Reheating Tips
- Room Temperature: Store leftover Cherry Pie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigeration: For longer freshness, keep them in the fridge for up to a week. Just make sure they are well covered to prevent drying out.
- Freezing: To freeze, wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be stored for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: To enjoy warm, reheat bars in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve reheated bars with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Greasing the Baking Dish: Failing to grease your baking dish can lead to the bars sticking, making it difficult to cut and serve them neatly.
- Overmixing the Dough: Mixing the dough too much can result in tough bars. Mix just until combined for a tender texture.
- Skipping the Cooling Time: Cutting the bars while they are still warm can cause them to crumble. Allow them to cool completely for cleaner slices.
- Using Cold Butter: Cold butter can make the dough hard to mix and result in a dense crust. Always use softened butter for the best results.
- Not Checking for Doneness: Overbaking can dry out the bars. Keep an eye on them and remove them from the oven when they are golden brown.
FAQs About Cherry Pie Bars
Q: Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned for Cherry Pie Bars?
Yes, you can use fresh cherries! Just pit and slice them, then toss with a bit of sugar and cornstarch to thicken the filling.
Q: Are Cherry Pie Bars suitable for freezing?
Yes, Cherry Pie Bars freeze well. Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Q: Can I make Cherry Pie Bars ahead of time?
It depends on your preference. You can prepare the bars a day in advance and store them in the fridge, or freeze them for longer storage.
Q: Do Cherry Pie Bars need to be refrigerated?
No, they can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days in an airtight container, but refrigeration can extend their freshness.
Q: Can I substitute the cherry filling in Cherry Pie Bars?
Yes, you can use other fruit fillings like blueberry, apple, or peach for a delicious variation on the classic Cherry Pie Bars.
Conclusion: Final Thoughts on Cherry Pie Bars
Cherry Pie Bars are not just a dessert; they are a delightful way to create memories with family and friends. Their simplicity and deliciousness make them a must-try for any home cook. I hope you enjoy making these bars as much as I do! If you try this recipe, please share your thoughts in the comments below or share it with your friends. Happy baking!
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Cherry Pie Bars
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and easy-to-make cherry pie bars that are perfect for dessert lovers.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix together flour, sugar, butter, salt, baking powder, egg, and vanilla until well combined.
- Press half of the mixture into the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Spread the cherry pie filling over the crust.
- Crumb the remaining mixture over the top of the cherry filling.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown.
- Allow to cool before cutting into bars.
Notes
- Serve with whipped cream or ice cream for extra indulgence.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Cherry Pie Bars