Homemade Cherry Pie Bars Recipe: Sweet & Scrumptious Treat

Sweet memories flood back whenever I create these delectable cherry pie bars that blend nostalgia with pure deliciousness.

Grandma’s cherished recipe inspired this modern twist on a classic dessert.

Bursting with juicy fruit and buttery crust, these bars offer a delightful escape from ordinary treats.

Layers of rich, golden pastry cradle vibrant red cherries in every single bite.

Each square promises a perfect balance between tart fruit and tender crumbles.

Homemade comfort comes alive through this simple yet incredible dessert that feels like a warm embrace.

Let’s bake something spectacular that will make everyone ask for seconds.

Cherry Pie Bars That Are Soft and Tart

Savor Simplicity: Quick and Delightful Dessert Bars

• Time-Saving Treat: Bake these bars in just 30-35 minutes, offering a speedy dessert solution for busy families or last-minute gatherings without compromising on taste.
• Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Adaptable for various occasions from casual family dinners to potluck parties, these bars combine classic cherry flavor with a delectable glaze that appeals to all ages.
• Customizable Comfort: Easily modify the recipe by adjusting pan sizes or experimenting with different fruit fillings, making it a flexible dessert option for creative home bakers.

Cherry Pie Bars Ingredient Set

• Butter, Sugar: Essential for creating a rich, sweet foundation with a tender texture. Choose unsalted butter for better flavor control.
• Eggs: Provide structure and richness to the bar base. Room temperature eggs blend more smoothly.
• Vanilla Extract, Almond Extract: Add depth and complementary flavor to the cherry dessert.

• Flour, Salt: Create the structural base for the bars. Use all-purpose flour for consistent results.

• Cherry Pie Filling: Adds fruity sweetness and vibrant color. Opt for high-quality canned filling or homemade for best taste.

• Powdered Sugar, Milk, Vanilla Extract, Almond Extract: Create a smooth, sweet drizzle that enhances the overall dessert. Adjust milk quantity for desired glaze consistency.

Cherry Pie Bar Baking Instructions

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a cozy 350°F.

Grab a 15x10x1-inch pan and give it a quick spritz of non-stick spray to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Whip Up Butter and Sugar

In a spacious mixing bowl, transform butter and sugar into a fluffy cloud-like mixture.

Beat them together until they’re light, airy, and looking absolutely dreamy.

Step 3: Incorporate Eggs and Flavor Boosters

Gently introduce eggs one by one, ensuring each is fully blended before the next joins the party.

Splash in vanilla and almond extracts for an extra flavor punch.

Step 4: Marry Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, softly whisk flour and salt together.

Gradually fold this dry mixture into your creamy base, mixing until everything is perfectly harmonized.

Step 5: Layer Your Masterpiece

Spread a generous layer of batter across the bottom of your prepared pan.

Lovingly pour cherry pie filling over this base, creating a vibrant fruity landscape.

Dot the remaining batter across the cherry surface in playful spoonfuls.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes.

Your bars are ready when a toothpick comes out clean, signaling a perfectly baked treat.

Step 7: Cool Down

Allow your bars to cool completely on a wire rack, letting the flavors settle and mingle.

Step 8: Create Magical Glaze

• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Almond extract
• Milk

Blend until smooth and glossy.

Step 9: Finishing Touches

Once cooled, drizzle the glaze over your bars in elegant swirls.

Let the glaze set, then slice into squares and serve up your delectable creation.

Pie Bar Tips for Sweet Cherry Balance

Choose ripe, plump cherries with a deep red color for the most intense flavor and natural sweetness in your pie bars.

Spread the first layer of batter evenly and make sure it’s slightly thickened before adding cherry filling to maintain a crisp crust.

Adjust milk quantity to create a thicker or thinner glaze – less milk for a more concentrated drizzle, more milk for a lighter touch.

Use both vanilla and almond extracts sparingly to enhance the cherry taste without overwhelming the natural fruit notes.

Check bars at 30 minutes and use the toothpick test to avoid overbaking, which can dry out the delicate texture.

Store Cherry Pie Bars

• Store cooled cherry pie bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or place in a sealed container to maintain freshness.
• Wrap individual bars or the entire batch in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Warm refrigerated bars in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 325°F for 5-7 minutes. Enjoy them slightly warm for a gooey, delicious treat.
• Allow chilled bars to sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to soften the glaze and enhance the flavors.

Cherry Pie Bars Matches

• Chill with Chardonnay: Select a crisp, buttery Chardonnay that complements the sweet cherry flavor and balances the dessert's richness with its smooth, oak-aged notes.
• Brew Coffee Companion: Match the bars with a medium-roast coffee featuring subtle vanilla and caramel undertones, which enhance the dessert's sweet almond and cherry profile.
• Scoop Vanilla Ice Cream: Top the warm cherry bars with a classic vanilla bean ice cream, creating a delightful temperature contrast and creamy texture that melts perfectly with the fruity filling.
• Sip Sparkling Rosé: Enjoy a light, effervescent sparkling rosé that cuts through the dessert's sweetness while adding a refreshing, celebratory touch to each bite.

Cherry Pie Bars Flavor Twists

• Gluten-Free Cherry Dream Bars: Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend, ensuring equal measurements and texture remains similar.
• Vegan Cherry Celebration Bars: Substitute butter with coconut oil, eggs with flax eggs, and use dairy-free milk in glaze for plant-based version.
• Low-Sugar Cherry Wellness Bars: Use sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit, swap regular pie filling with no-sugar-added cherry preserves, reduce overall sweetness.
• Nutty Cherry Crunch Bars: Incorporate chopped almonds or pecans into batter, sprinkle additional nuts on top before baking for extra crunch and protein boost.

FAQs

• Can I use fresh cherries instead of pie filling?

Yes, you can use fresh cherries. Pit and chop about 2 cups of fresh cherries, mix with a little sugar and cornstarch to create a homemade filling.

• Is it possible to make these bars gluten-free?

Absolutely! Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum for best results.

• How do I know when the bars are perfectly baked?

The edges will be lightly golden, and a toothpick inserted in the center will come out clean with just a few moist crumbs. The top should look set but not dried out.

• Can I freeze these cherry pie bars?

Yes, these bars freeze wonderfully. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Cherry Pie Bars Recipe

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4.7 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sweet temptations come alive in these irresistible cherry pie bars, blending classic dessert comfort with modern bakery charm. Buttery crust cradles juicy cherries, promising delectable moments that will satisfy your craving for a homemade treat.

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Ingredients

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Cherry Pie Bars

Main Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups sugar
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 4 eggs
• 2 cans (21 ounces each) cherry pie filling

Flavoring Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
• 1 teaspoon salt

Glaze Ingredients:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 2 tablespoons milk

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 350°F and coating a 15x10x1-inch pan with non-stick spray.
2. Using a large mixing bowl, transform butter and sugar into a light, airy mixture through vigorous creaming.
3. Introduce eggs individually, thoroughly blending each before adding the next, then incorporate vanilla and almond extracts for enhanced flavor complexity.
4. Separately combine flour and salt, then gently integrate the dry mixture into the creamed base, ensuring uniform consistency.
5. Distribute 3 cups of batter evenly across the pan’s surface, create a luscious layer of cherry pie filling, and delicately scatter remaining batter atop the cherries.
6. Slide the pan into the preheated oven, baking for 30-35 minutes until a inserted toothpick emerges clean and pristine.
7. Transfer the baked creation to a wire rack, allowing complete cooling and setting of the dessert.
8. Craft a silky glaze by whisking powdered sugar with vanilla, almond extract, and milk until achieving a smooth, pourable consistency.
9. Once fully cooled, artfully drizzle the glaze over the bars, permitting it to set before slicing into elegant squares for serving.

Notes

• Ensure butter is softened at room temperature for easier creaming and smoother batter consistency.
• Use fresh, high-quality cherries or premium canned pie filling for the most vibrant flavor profile.
• Consider reducing sugar by 2-3 tablespoons if using sweeter pie filling to balance overall sweetness.
• Swap almond extract with additional vanilla for nut-free version or if almond allergies are a concern.
• Line pan with parchment paper for easier removal and cleaner cutting of bars.
• Test doneness by checking center with toothpick – slight moist crumbs are okay, but no wet batter.
• Allow complete cooling before glazing to prevent runny, absorbed glaze and maintain crisp texture.
• Store bars in refrigerator for up to 4 days in airtight container to maintain freshness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 340
• Sugar: 28 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 48 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg