Cherry pie bars are a delightful treat that marries the sweet, tart flavor of cherries with a buttery, crumbly crust. Imagine biting into a warm bar, the juices oozing out, and the aroma wafting through your kitchen like a sweet serenade. These bars are perfect for summer picnics or cozy family gatherings, where you can impress everyone without breaking a sweat in the kitchen.
Once you take that first bite of cherry pie bars, you’ll find yourself transported back to sunlit orchards and childhood memories of picking ripe cherries. Their vibrant red color and golden crust make them not only delicious but also visually stunning, ready to steal the show at any gathering.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These cherry pie bars require minimal effort yet deliver maximum flavor
- The sweet-tart cherry filling is balanced perfectly by the buttery crust
- They look gorgeous on any dessert table and are easily customizable with different fruits
- Perfect for summer barbecues or winter holiday gatherings!
I remember the first time I made cherry pie bars for my family; they vanished faster than I could blink, leaving only crumbs and happy faces behind.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Fresh Cherries: Choose ripe, juicy cherries for the best flavor; pit them before use for a smooth texture.
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Granulated Sugar: This adds sweetness to balance the tartness of the cherries; adjust according to taste preferences.
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All-Purpose Flour: Essential for creating that lovely crust; sift it well to avoid lumps.
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Unsalted Butter: Use cold butter for a flakier crust; cut it into small cubes before mixing.
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Eggs: One egg helps bind everything together; opt for large eggs at room temperature.
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Baking Powder: This gives your bars a little lift and lightness; fresh baking powder works best.
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Vanilla Extract: A splash enhances the overall flavor profile, making everything taste even better.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper. This will help prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Create the Crust Base: In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add in cold butter cubes and mix until crumbly—think sandy beach vibes but for dessert.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat an egg in a separate bowl with vanilla extract. Pour this mixture into your crumbly base while stirring until just combined—it should resemble doughy magic.
Press into Baking Dish: Transfer about two-thirds of your dough into the prepared baking dish. Press firmly with your fingers until evenly spread across the bottom—this will be your sturdy foundation.
Prepare Cherry Filling: In another bowl, mix pitted cherries with sugar and cornstarch until thoroughly coated. Spread this fruity goodness over your crust layer—get ready for some serious flavor!
Crumble Remaining Dough on Top: Take the remaining dough and crumble it over the cherry filling like you’re creating an edible snowstorm! Ensure it’s evenly distributed for that classic topping crunch.
Bake to Perfection!: Place in your preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes until golden brown on top. The smell alone will have everyone rushing to find out what’s cooking!
Let cool completely before slicing into bars—if you can resist that long! Enjoy these scrumptious cherry pie bars solo or topped with vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgence.
You Must Know
- These cherry pie bars are a delightful twist on traditional pie, offering a burst of flavor in every bite
- Their texture is perfect; the crust is buttery, and the filling is sweet yet tart
- Perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in with friends!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by making the crust first, then prepare the cherry filling while it cools to save time and ensure perfect results.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap cherries for your favorite berries or add a hint of almond extract for extra flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover cherry pie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Reheat gently in the oven.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve that perfect cherry filling, use fresh or frozen cherries; both work wonderfully
- Ensure you allow the filling to cool slightly before spreading it onto the crust
- A sprinkle of powdered sugar on top adds a lovely finish!
One memorable moment was when my friend declared these cherry pie bars her new favorite dessert. Watching her devour them was pure joy!
FAQ
Can I use canned cherries for cherry pie bars?
Yes, canned cherries can be used but drain them well to avoid excess moisture.
How do I know when my cherry pie bars are done?
The edges will be golden brown, and the filling will bubble slightly.
Can I freeze cherry pie bars?
Absolutely! Freeze them individually wrapped for up to three months for quick treats later.
Cherry Pie Bars
Cherry pie bars are the perfect blend of sweet and tart, featuring a luscious cherry filling enveloped in a buttery, crumbly crust. Ideal for summer picnics or cozy gatherings, these bars will transport you to sunlit orchards with every delicious bite. Easy to make and visually stunning, they promise to be the highlight of your dessert table.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh cherries, pitted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add cold butter cubes and blend until crumbly.
- Beat egg with vanilla in another bowl. Combine with the flour mixture until dough forms.
- Press two-thirds of the dough into the prepared dish as the crust base.
- Mix cherries with sugar and cornstarch; spread over the crust.
- Crumble remaining dough on top of the cherries evenly.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden brown. Let cool before slicing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (80g)
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
