Easy Cherry Pie Bars: A Simple Cherry Dessert to Savor

If you’re looking for a delightful dessert that’s easy to whip up and sure to impress, look no further than these Easy Cherry Pie Bars: A Simple Cherry Dessert to Savor. Every time I make these bars, I’m reminded of summer days spent with my grandmother, picking cherries from her garden. This recipe has been passed down through generations, and it never fails to bring smiles at family gatherings or casual weeknight dinners. The combination of sweet cherry filling and buttery crust is simply irresistible!

These bars are not only delicious but incredibly versatile. Whether you need a quick treat for a potluck, a sweet addition to your Sunday brunch, or just something special to enjoy with your coffee, these cherry pie bars have got you covered.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just a handful of simple steps, you can have these tasty bars ready in under an hour.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves cherry desserts! These bars are perfect for kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Delight: You can bake them in advance and store them for a later treat. They taste just as good after a day or two!
• Flavorful Twist: The hint of almond extract adds a unique touch that elevates the classic cherry flavor.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: From casual get-togethers to festive celebrations, these bars fit right in.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making Easy Cherry Pie Bars is all about using simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Base and Topping

• 1 cup softened butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 large eggs (room temperature)
• 1 tsp almond extract
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp salt

For the Filling

• 1 (21 oz) can premium cherry pie filling

For the Glaze

• 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
• 1 tsp almond extract
• ½ tsp vanilla
• Milk as needed (to achieve desired consistency)

Variations

One of the best parts about this recipe is how flexible it can be! Feel free to get creative with these variations:

• Try Different Fruits: Swap out the cherry filling for other fruits like blueberry or raspberry for a fun twist.
• Add Nuts: Sprinkle some chopped walnuts or almonds on top for added crunch.
• Make It Chocolatey: Mix in some chocolate chips into the batter or drizzle melted chocolate over the glaze.
• Change Up the Extracts: Experiment with different extracts like lemon or coconut for unique flavor profiles.

How to Make Easy Cherry Pie Bars: A Simple Cherry Dessert to Savor

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your bars will bake evenly and come out perfectly golden brown.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into the mixture, giving your bars a light texture.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Extracts

Next, add in the eggs along with the almond and vanilla extracts. Mix until well combined. The extracts will enhance the flavor profile of your cherry pie bars, making them truly special.

Step 4: Combine Flour and Salt

Gradually mix in the flour and salt until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want soft bars that melt in your mouth!

Step 5: Press Half into Pan

Press half of this dough evenly into a greased baking pan. This will form the base of your bars—a sturdy foundation for that delicious cherry filling.

Step 6: Spread Cherry Filling

Spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the dough layer. Make sure it’s spread out nicely so every bite gets that juicy cherry goodness.

Step 7: Dollop Remaining Dough on Top

Dollop spoonfuls of the remaining dough over the cherry filling. It doesn’t need to cover completely; some cherries peeking through adds charm!

Step 8: Bake

Bake in your preheated oven for about 35–40 minutes or until golden brown on top. Keep an eye on them; you want that beautiful color!

Step 9: Cool and Glaze

Once baked, let them cool completely before drizzling with glaze made from confectioners’ sugar, almond extract, vanilla, and milk. This final touch adds sweetness and flair!

And there you have it—delicious Easy Cherry Pie Bars ready for sharing! Enjoy them with friends, family, or just yourself because you deserve a treat too!

Pro Tips for Making Easy Cherry Pie Bars: A Simple Cherry Dessert to Savor

Creating delicious cherry pie bars is a breeze with these handy tips to elevate your baking game!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Starting with room temperature butter and eggs helps them blend more smoothly, resulting in a lighter texture for your bars.

• Don’t skip the almond extract: This key ingredient adds a lovely depth of flavor that perfectly complements the cherries. It’s what makes these bars stand out from other desserts!

• Cool completely before glazing: Allowing your cherry pie bars to cool completely ensures that the glaze sets nicely without melting into the warm bars, giving you a beautiful finish.

• Press the dough firmly: When you press half of the dough into the pan, make sure to pack it down well. This creates a sturdy base for the cherry filling and prevents it from becoming too soggy.

• Experiment with different fillings: While cherry is delightful, feel free to switch things up! Try using other fruit fillings like blueberry or peach for a fun twist on this classic dessert.

How to Serve Easy Cherry Pie Bars: A Simple Cherry Dessert to Savor

Serving these cherry pie bars can be as creative as you want! Here are some delightful ideas that will impress your family and friends.

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds elegance and sweetness, making each bar look charming on any dessert table.

• Fresh whipped cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream on top provides a creamy contrast to the tart cherries, enhancing the overall flavor experience.

• Chopped nuts: Sprinkle some finely chopped almonds or walnuts for an added crunch that complements the soft texture of the bars beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: The classic pairing! A scoop of vanilla ice cream melts slightly over warm cherry pie bars, creating a heavenly combination of flavors and temperatures.

• Greek yogurt with honey: For a lighter option, serve with a side of plain Greek yogurt drizzled with honey. The tanginess balances out the sweetness of the bars perfectly.

• Fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad made with seasonal fruits not only looks colorful but also adds a healthy touch alongside these indulgent treats.

• Coffee or tea: Offering coffee or herbal tea as beverages can enhance the experience, providing warmth and balance to your sweet dessert!

With these tips and serving suggestions in mind, you’re all set to make and enjoy these easy cherry pie bars. Each bite will surely bring back memories while creating new ones! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Easy Cherry Pie Bars are perfect for meal prep! You can whip up a batch ahead of time and keep them on hand for unexpected guests or a sweet treat any day of the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the cherry pie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer storage, refrigerate them in a sealed container for up to a week.

Freezing

• Allow the bars to cool completely before freezing.
• Cut into individual bars and wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying.

Reheating

• To reheat, place the desired number of bars on a microwave-safe plate.
• Heat for about 10-15 seconds or until warmed through. Enjoy with a scoop of your favorite non-dairy ice cream!

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about these delicious Easy Cherry Pie Bars.

Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned filling for Easy Cherry Pie Bars: A Simple Cherry Dessert to Savor?

Absolutely! If you have fresh cherries on hand, simply pit and slice them. Cook them down with sugar, corn starch, and a splash of almond extract until they thicken up, then use that mixture instead of canned filling.

How do I make gluten-free Easy Cherry Pie Bars: A Simple Cherry Dessert to Savor?

To make these bars gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the blend includes xanthan gum for proper texture.

Can I use other fruit fillings besides cherry?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with other fruit fillings like blueberry, peach, or apple. Just adjust the sugar based on the sweetness of the fruit you choose.

How long do these cherry pie bars last in the fridge?

When stored properly in an airtight container, these cherry pie bars can last up to a week in the refrigerator.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you’ll give this Easy Cherry Pie Bars recipe a try! It’s not just about enjoying a delicious dessert; it’s about creating sweet memories with family and friends. The combination of flavors and textures will surely become a favorite in your home as it has in mine. So gather your ingredients, get baking, and enjoy every delightful bite!