Cherry Pie Bars are a delightful twist on the classic cherry pie, combining the lusciousness of sweet cherries with a buttery crust that’s both easy to make and irresistible. Perfect for any gathering or as a sweet treat after dinner, these bars offer all the flavors of traditional cherry pie in a convenient, handheld form. The recipe requires simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels. sweet dessert pairing ideas Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply indulging your sweet tooth, Cherry Pie Bars are sure to please everyone. They can be served warm or chilled, and they pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. With their vibrant color and delicious taste, these bars are not just satisfying but also visually appealing, adding charm to any dessert table.
Why You’ll Love This Cherry Pie Bars
- Quick and Easy: Minimal prep time and straightforward steps make this recipe stress-free, even for novice cooks
- Flavorful and Versatile: Enjoy outstanding flavor with ingredients you can easily customize by adding your favorites or adjusting spices
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for casual gatherings, holiday celebrations, or weeknight dinners
Ingredients for Cherry Pie Bars
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Fresh Cherries: Use ripe cherries for the best flavor; you can pit them yourself or purchase pre-pitted cherries for convenience.
- Granulated Sugar: This is essential for sweetening the filling; adjust the amount based on your taste preference.
- All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure to the crust and helps create a crumbly texture that complements the filling.
- Butter: Use unsalted butter to control the saltiness; it gives richness to both the crust and filling.
- Baking Powder: This leavening agent helps create a light texture in the bars.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Cherry Pie Bars
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking pan with parchment paper or grease it lightly with cooking spray.
Step 2: Make the Crust
In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and melted butter until crumbly. Press two-thirds of this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
In another bowl, mix fresh cherries with sugar and let them sit for about ten minutes to release their juices.
Step 4: Assemble
Spread the cherry mixture evenly over the crust layer in the baking pan. Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the top.
Step 5: Bake
Bake in your preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes until golden brown on top.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let cool completely before cutting into squares. Transfer to plates and serve as desired.
Tips and Tricks
Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh cherries yield better flavor than canned ones; look for ripe cherries when shopping.
- Chill Your Butter: For an extra flaky crust, make sure your butter is cold when mixing it into dry ingredients.
- Let It Cool Completely: Allowing the bars to cool fully makes them easier to cut without falling apart.
How to Serve Cherry Pie Bars
This Cherry Pie Bars is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy texture of vanilla ice cream complements the tartness of the cherry filling perfectly.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds a light and airy touch, enhancing the dessert experience.
- Coffee: A warm cup of coffee balances the sweetness, making it an ideal pairing for an afternoon treat.
Feel free to pair it with your favorite sides for a personalized meal!
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the cherry filling and crust one day in advance. Store each component in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
- Storing: Leftover Cherry Pie Bars should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the bars in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warm. This keeps the crust crisp and the filling delicious.
Suggestions for Cherry Pie Bars :
Choose the Right Cherries
Using the right type of cherries is crucial for making delicious Cherry Pie Bars. You can opt for fresh, frozen, or canned cherries. If using fresh cherries, ensure they are ripe and sweet. Frozen cherries work well too, but remember to thaw and drain them thoroughly to avoid excess moisture in your bars. Canned cherries can be a convenient option; just make sure to drain them well and check for added sugars. The flavor of the cherries is what makes or breaks your dessert, so select high-quality fruit for the best results. For more inspiration, check out this Delicious Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake recipe.
Don’t Overmix the Dough
When preparing the crust for your Cherry Pie Bars, avoid overmixing the dough. Overmixing can lead to tough bars rather than tender ones. Mix until the ingredients just come together—this helps maintain a light texture in your crust. Incorporating too much air by mixing excessively can also cause uneven baking, resulting in dry edges while leaving the center undercooked. Aim for a crumbly yet cohesive mixture, which will bake into a perfectly soft and buttery base.
Allow Cooling Time
After baking your Cherry Pie Bars, it is essential to allow them enough time to cool before cutting them into squares. If you slice them while they are still warm, they may fall apart due to their soft filling. Cooling helps set both the crust and filling, ensuring that each bar maintains its shape when served. Ideally, let them cool in the pan for about 15-20 minutes at room temperature before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience here rewards you with beautiful and tidy slices.
Consider Flavor Enhancements
While cherry is a fantastic flavor on its own, adding a few enhancements can elevate your Cherry Pie Bars even further. A dash of almond extract pairs beautifully with cherries and adds depth to your dessert. You might also consider incorporating lemon zest for a refreshing citrus note that complements the sweetness of the cherries. more fruity dessert options Cinnamon can provide warmth and warmth as well, creating a more complex flavor profile. Small tweaks can make your bars stand out and impress guests.
FAQs :
What are Cherry Pie Bars?
Cherry Pie Bars are a delightful dessert that combines the flavors of traditional cherry pie in an easy-to-eat bar format. They typically consist of a buttery crust topped with a sweet cherry filling made from fresh or canned cherries mixed with sugar and cornstarch for thickening. seasonal dessert inspirations These bars are perfect for picnics or potlucks because they can be cut into squares without the mess associated with traditional pies. The combination of flaky crust and juicy cherry filling makes them irresistible!
Can I use different fruits instead of cherries?
Yes! While this recipe focuses on Cherry Pie Bars, you can easily swap out cherries for other fruits such as blueberries, raspberries, or peaches. Just be sure to adjust the sugar content based on the sweetness of the alternative fruit you choose. Each fruit brings its unique flavor profile but follows a similar method as cherry preparation regarding cooking time and thickness of fillings. For more inspiration, check out this Authentic Maggianos Lasagna Recipe recipe.
How do I store leftover Cherry Pie Bars?
To keep your leftover Cherry Pie Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate them for up to one week. If you want longer storage options, consider freezing them instead; wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap then place it in a freezer-safe container or baggie. When you’re ready to enjoy more bars, simply thaw them overnight in the fridge or at room temperature.
Can I make Cherry Pie Bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! Making Cherry Pie Bars ahead of time is an excellent idea for parties or gatherings since they can be prepared a day in advance without losing quality. After baking and cooling completely, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator until serving time. This allows flavors to meld beautifully while saving you time on event day so you can focus on enjoying yourself rather than cooking.
Conclusion for Cherry Pie Bars :
Cherry Pie Bars offer a delightful twist on traditional pie desserts that everyone loves. By avoiding common mistakes like overmixing dough or neglecting cooling time, you ensure that every batch turns out perfectly tender and flavorful. Remember that choosing quality ingredients—especially when it comes to cherries—can significantly enhance your results as well as considering small flavor enhancements like almond extract or lemon zest.
Storing leftovers properly ensures these scrumptious bars stay enjoyable long after baking day! Whether you enjoy these bars fresh from the oven or chilled from refrigeration, their vibrant taste will undoubtedly become a favorite among family and friends alike.
Cherry Pie Bars
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x
Description
Cherry Pie Bars are a delightful fusion of classic cherry pie flavors in a convenient, handheld format. Featuring a buttery, crumbly crust enveloping sweet, juicy cherries, these bars are perfect for gatherings or as an indulgent dessert at home. Easy to make and visually appealing, they can be served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or chilled for a refreshing treat.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh cherries (pitted)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (divided)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 tsp baking powder
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine 1 1/4 cups flour, 3/4 cup sugar, baking powder, and melted butter until crumbly. Press two-thirds of this mixture into the prepared pan.
- In another bowl, mix the pitted cherries with the remaining sugar and let sit for 10 minutes to release juices.
- Spread the cherry mixture over the crust and sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture on top.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown. Allow cooling completely before cutting into squares.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (85g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
