Cherry Pie Bars

by

🍒 Cherry Pie Bars

Description

Cherry Pie Bars are a delightful dessert that combines the flavors of classic cherry pie with the ease of a bar cookie. A buttery, vanilla-scented crust is layered with sweet-tart cherry pie filling, then topped with more dough and a drizzle of glaze. They’re perfect for parties, potlucks, or whenever you crave pie without the fuss of rolling dough.

Ingredients for Cherry Pie Bars

    • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

    • 2 cups granulated sugar

    • 4 large eggs

    • 1 tsp vanilla extract

    • 1/2 tsp almond extract (optional, but enhances cherry flavor)

    • 3 cups all-purpose flour

    • 1 tsp salt

  • For the filling:

    • 1 (21 oz) can cherry pie filling (or homemade if preferred)

  • For the glaze:

    • 1 cup powdered sugar

    • 2–3 Tbsp milk

    • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line with parchment paper.

  2. Make the batter:

    • In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

    • Beat in eggs, one at a time, then add vanilla and almond extract.

    • Gradually mix in flour and salt until combined.

  3. Layer the crust:

    • Spread about 2/3 of the batter evenly into the prepared pan.

  4. Add filling:

    • Spoon cherry pie filling over the crust, spreading evenly.

  5. Top with batter:

    • Drop spoonfuls of the remaining batter over the cherry layer (it won’t cover completely, but that’s fine).

  6. Bake:

    • Bake for 35–40 minutes, until golden brown and set. Cool completely.

  7. Make glaze:

    • Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over cooled bars.

  8. Slice and serve.

Notes

  • Use almond extract for a bakery-style cherry flavor.

  • If you like less sweetness, use tart cherry filling or make homemade cherry compote.

  • These bars can be made a day ahead and stored covered at room temperature.

Tips

  • For easy cutting, chill bars in the fridge before slicing.

  • You can substitute other pie fillings (blueberry, apple, or peach) for variety.

  • Add a sprinkle of slivered almonds on top before baking for extra crunch.

Servings

  • Makes about 24 bars (depending on size cut).

Nutritional Info (per bar, approx.)

  • Calories: 210

  • Carbohydrates: 30g

  • Protein: 2g

  • Fat: 9g

  • Saturated Fat: 5g

  • Sugar: 20g

  • Fiber: 1g

  • Sodium: 95mg

Benefits

  • Convenient: Easier than making a full cherry pie.

  • Versatile: Can be adapted with different fruit fillings.

  • Crowd-pleaser: Great for sharing at gatherings.

  • Balanced flavor: Sweet cherries + buttery crust = perfect bite.

Q & A

Q: Can I freeze cherry pie bars?
A: Yes, they freeze well. Wrap tightly and store up to 2 months. Thaw before serving.

Q: Can I make these gluten-free?
A: Yes, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.

Q: Can I reduce the sugar?
A: Yes, you can cut sugar in the batter by 1/4 cup without affecting texture.

Q: How do I keep the bars moist?
A: Don’t overbake, and store them in an airtight container.

Leave a Comment