Cherry pie bars are an irresistible treat combining the flavors of traditional cherry pie in a convenient, handheld form. Whether you’re hosting a party, attending a potluck, or simply craving a sweet dessert at home, these bars are sure to impress. Our cherry pie bars recipe is easy to follow, and the result is always a crowd-pleaser. Below, we will guide you through every step of this delicious recipe, ensuring you can recreate these perfect cherry pie bars in your kitchen.
Ingredients for the Perfect Cherry Pie Bars
To make these delightful cherry pie bars, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 2 cups sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp almond extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 cans (21 oz each) cherry pie filling
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for the glaze)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract (for the glaze)
- ½ tsp almond extract (for the glaze)
- 2 tbsp milk (for the glaze)
These ingredients will create a rich, buttery dough that contrasts beautifully with the tangy sweetness of the cherry filling. The glaze adds an extra touch of sweetness, making these bars completely irresistible.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Cherry Pie Bars
1. Preheat the Oven
To start, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 15x10x1-inch baking pan by spraying it generously with non-stick cooking spray or lining it with parchment paper. This ensures the bars don’t stick and makes clean-up easier.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened butter and 2 cups of sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it ensures the bars will have a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
3. Add Eggs One at a Time
Next, beat in the eggs one at a time. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. This method ensures that the batter stays smooth and doesn’t curdle. After adding all four eggs, stir in 1 tsp of vanilla extract and ¼ tsp of almond extract. These extracts add depth and richness to the flavor profile of the bars.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 tsp of salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the creamed butter and sugar, mixing until well combined. The dough will be soft and slightly sticky, but that’s exactly what you want for these bars.
5. Assemble the Cherry Pie Bars
Spread about three cups of the batter evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking pan. The batter will be thick, so it’s best to use a spatula to spread it into an even layer. Once the bottom layer is in place, spoon the cherry pie filling on top, spreading it evenly across the batter. Finally, drop spoonfuls of the remaining batter over the cherry filling. Don’t worry about covering the cherry filling entirely; a patchy top gives these bars a rustic, homemade look.
6. Bake to Perfection
Bake the cherry pie bars for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Depending on your oven and the thickness of the batter, baking time may vary slightly. If you are using a smaller pan, such as a 9×13-inch, the bars may need a few extra minutes in the oven.
Once the bars are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack. Cooling is essential for the bars to set properly and makes cutting them easier.
7. Prepare the Glaze
While the bars are cooling, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar, ½ tsp of vanilla extract, ½ tsp of almond extract, and 2 tbsp of milk. Whisk the mixture until smooth and pourable. The glaze should be thick enough to drizzle, but not too runny.
8. Drizzle and Serve
Once the bars are completely cool, drizzle the glaze generously over the top. You can use a spoon or a piping bag to get nice, even lines of glaze. After the glaze has set, cut the bars into squares and serve. These cherry pie bars are perfect for any occasion, offering a delicious balance of sweet and tart flavors with a buttery, soft base.
Why Cherry Pie Bars Are the Perfect Dessert
Cherry pie bars bring together the best aspects of a pie and a cookie bar in one treat. Here are some reasons why they make the perfect dessert:
1. Convenient for Serving
Unlike a traditional pie, which requires slicing and serving, cherry pie bars are cut into squares, making them ideal for large gatherings. Guests can simply grab a piece and enjoy without the need for plates or utensils.
2. Ideal for Potlucks and Parties
Because they’re easy to transport and don’t require refrigeration, cherry pie bars are perfect for potlucks, picnics, and parties. They’re sturdy enough to travel well, yet soft and gooey inside, making them a hit wherever they go.
3. Versatile and Customizable
You can easily modify this recipe to suit your tastes. Swap out the cherry pie filling for blueberry, apple, or even mixed berry filling to create your favorite flavor combination. You can also adjust the glaze by using lemon juice in place of milk for a tangy finish.
4. Crowd-Pleasing Flavor
With their rich, buttery crust, sweet and tart cherry filling, and sugary glaze, cherry pie bars offer a perfect balance of flavors and textures that appeal to a wide range of tastes. Whether served warm with a scoop of ice cream or at room temperature, these bars are always a crowd-pleaser.
Tips for Perfect Cherry Pie Bars
- Use Softened Butter: For the creamiest texture, make sure your butter is fully softened before mixing it with the sugar. This helps create the light and fluffy base for the bars.
- Spread Batter Evenly: Take your time to spread the batter evenly in the pan for consistent results. The cherry filling should be evenly distributed to ensure every bite has the perfect balance of cherry and crust.
- Cool Completely Before Glazing: It’s essential to let the bars cool entirely before adding the glaze. If they’re still warm, the glaze may melt into the bars rather than staying on top, resulting in a less appealing finish.
Conclusion
These cherry pie bars are a must-try for anyone who loves the classic taste of cherry pie but wants something more portable and convenient. The soft, buttery crust paired with the sweet, tangy cherry filling and smooth glaze makes for an irresistible treat. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or just because, these bars will undoubtedly become a staple in your dessert repertoire.
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Cherry pie bars are an irresistible treat combining the flavors of traditional cherry pie in a convenient, handheld form. Whether you’re hosting a party, attending a potluck, or simply craving a sweet dessert at home, these bars are sure to impress. Our cherry pie bars recipe is easy to follow, and the result is always a crowd-pleaser. Below, we will guide you through every step of this delicious recipe, ensuring you can recreate these perfect cherry pie bars in your kitchen.
Ingredients for the Perfect Cherry Pie Bars
To make these delightful cherry pie bars, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 2 cups sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp almond extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 cans (21 oz each) cherry pie filling
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for the glaze)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract (for the glaze)
- ½ tsp almond extract (for the glaze)
- 2 tbsp milk (for the glaze)
These ingredients will create a rich, buttery dough that contrasts beautifully with the tangy sweetness of the cherry filling. The glaze adds an extra touch of sweetness, making these bars completely irresistible.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Cherry Pie Bars
1. Preheat the Oven
To start, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 15x10x1-inch baking pan by spraying it generously with non-stick cooking spray or lining it with parchment paper. This ensures the bars don’t stick and makes clean-up easier.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened butter and 2 cups of sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it ensures the bars will have a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
3. Add Eggs One at a Time
Next, beat in the eggs one at a time. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. This method ensures that the batter stays smooth and doesn’t curdle. After adding all four eggs, stir in 1 tsp of vanilla extract and ¼ tsp of almond extract. These extracts add depth and richness to the flavor profile of the bars.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 tsp of salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the creamed butter and sugar, mixing until well combined. The dough will be soft and slightly sticky, but that’s exactly what you want for these bars.
5. Assemble the Cherry Pie Bars
Spread about three cups of the batter evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking pan. The batter will be thick, so it’s best to use a spatula to spread it into an even layer. Once the bottom layer is in place, spoon the cherry pie filling on top, spreading it evenly across the batter. Finally, drop spoonfuls of the remaining batter over the cherry filling. Don’t worry about covering the cherry filling entirely; a patchy top gives these bars a rustic, homemade look.
6. Bake to Perfection
Bake the cherry pie bars for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Depending on your oven and the thickness of the batter, baking time may vary slightly. If you are using a smaller pan, such as a 9×13-inch, the bars may need a few extra minutes in the oven.
Once the bars are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack. Cooling is essential for the bars to set properly and makes cutting them easier.
7. Prepare the Glaze
While the bars are cooling, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar, ½ tsp of vanilla extract, ½ tsp of almond extract, and 2 tbsp of milk. Whisk the mixture until smooth and pourable. The glaze should be thick enough to drizzle, but not too runny.
8. Drizzle and Serve
Once the bars are completely cool, drizzle the glaze generously over the top. You can use a spoon or a piping bag to get nice, even lines of glaze. After the glaze has set, cut the bars into squares and serve. These cherry pie bars are perfect for any occasion, offering a delicious balance of sweet and tart flavors with a buttery, soft base.
Why Cherry Pie Bars Are the Perfect Dessert
Cherry pie bars bring together the best aspects of a pie and a cookie bar in one treat. Here are some reasons why they make the perfect dessert:
1. Convenient for Serving
Unlike a traditional pie, which requires slicing and serving, cherry pie bars are cut into squares, making them ideal for large gatherings. Guests can simply grab a piece and enjoy without the need for plates or utensils.
2. Ideal for Potlucks and Parties
Because they’re easy to transport and don’t require refrigeration, cherry pie bars are perfect for potlucks, picnics, and parties. They’re sturdy enough to travel well, yet soft and gooey inside, making them a hit wherever they go.
3. Versatile and Customizable
You can easily modify this recipe to suit your tastes. Swap out the cherry pie filling for blueberry, apple, or even mixed berry filling to create your favorite flavor combination. You can also adjust the glaze by using lemon juice in place of milk for a tangy finish.
4. Crowd-Pleasing Flavor
With their rich, buttery crust, sweet and tart cherry filling, and sugary glaze, cherry pie bars offer a perfect balance of flavors and textures that appeal to a wide range of tastes. Whether served warm with a scoop of ice cream or at room temperature, these bars are always a crowd-pleaser.
Tips for Perfect Cherry Pie Bars
- Use Softened Butter: For the creamiest texture, make sure your butter is fully softened before mixing it with the sugar. This helps create the light and fluffy base for the bars.
- Spread Batter Evenly: Take your time to spread the batter evenly in the pan for consistent results. The cherry filling should be evenly distributed to ensure every bite has the perfect balance of cherry and crust.
- Cool Completely Before Glazing: It’s essential to let the bars cool entirely before adding the glaze. If they’re still warm, the glaze may melt into the bars rather than staying on top, resulting in a less appealing finish.
Conclusion
These cherry pie bars are a must-try for anyone who loves the classic taste of cherry pie but wants something more portable and convenient. The soft, buttery crust paired with the sweet, tangy cherry filling and smooth glaze makes for an irresistible treat. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or just because, these bars will undoubtedly become a staple in your dessert repertoire.