Cherry Pie Bars

Indulge in the irresistible charm of cherry pie with a modern twist – Cherry Pie Bars! This delectable recipe takes the beloved flavors of cherry pie and transforms them into convenient, portable bars that are perfect for any occasion. With a buttery crust, luscious cherry filling, and a heavenly glaze, these bars are bound to become a favorite among family and friends. Follow along as we guide you through the steps to create these mouthwatering treats.

Ingredients:

1 cup softened butter

2 cups sugar
4 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract

¼ tsp almond extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt

2 cans (21 ounces each) cherry pie filling
1 cup powdered sugar
½ tsp vanilla extract

½ tsp almond extract
2 Tbs milk

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously spray a 15x10x1-inch pan with non-stick spray.

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla and almond extracts until well incorporated.
In a separate bowl, combine the flour and salt. Gradually add the flour mixture to the creamed mixture, mixing until a dough forms.

Spread 3 cups of the dough onto the bottom of the prepared pan, creating an even layer.
Next, evenly spread the cherry pie filling over the dough layer in the pan.
Using the remaining dough, drop dollops over the cherry filling, spreading them out as evenly as possible.

Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the bars are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
While the bars are cooling, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, almond extract, and milk until smooth.

Once the bars are cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top.
Allow the glaze to set before cutting the bars into squares and serving.

Prep Time: 20 minutes Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes Total Time: 55 minutes Servings: 26

Serving Tips:

Serve these Cherry Pie Bars at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
Accompany each serving with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Dust the bars with powdered sugar just before serving for an elegant finishing touch.

Garnish with fresh cherries or mint leaves for a pop of color and added freshness.

Storage Tips:

Store leftover Cherry Pie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
For longer storage, place the bars in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.

To freeze, wrap the bars individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Thaw frozen bars in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours before serving.
For optimal freshness, consume the bars within 2 days of thawing from frozen.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy the deliciousness of Cherry Pie Bars whenever the craving strikes, whether you’re serving them for a special occasion or enjoying them as a delightful everyday treat.

Variations:

Mixed Berry Bliss: Swap out the cherry pie filling for a combination of your favorite berries such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries. Add a splash of lemon juice to the filling for a refreshing twist.
Nutty Delight: Incorporate chopped nuts such as almonds, pecans, or walnuts into the dough for added crunch and flavor. Sprinkle some chopped nuts on top before baking for an extra nutty kick.

Citrus Burst: Enhance the flavor profile with a citrusy twist by adding lemon zest to the dough and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the cherry filling. Top the bars with a lemon glaze made with powdered sugar and lemon juice for a zesty finish.
Chocolate Cherry Temptation: For chocolate lovers, swirl some chocolate chips into the dough before spreading it in the pan. Layer the cherry pie filling over the chocolate dough for a decadent combination of flavors. Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled bars for an indulgent touch.
Spiced Sensation: Infuse warm spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger into the dough for a cozy, aromatic twist. Sprinkle a cinnamon-sugar mixture over the cherry filling before adding the top layer of dough for an extra burst of flavor.

Gluten-Free Option: Make these bars gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. Ensure that the other ingredients, such as the cherry pie filling and extracts, are also gluten-free.
Vegan Variation: Create a vegan version of these bars by substituting dairy-free butter and using flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water per egg) in place of regular eggs. Opt for a dairy-free milk alternative in the glaze, such as almond milk or coconut milk.
Oatmeal Cherry Crumble: Incorporate rolled oats into the dough for a hearty texture. Sprinkle a crumble topping made with oats, flour, brown sugar, and melted butter over the cherry filling before baking for a delightful oatmeal cherry crumble bar.

These variations offer creative ways to customize the Cherry Pie Bars to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs, allowing you to enjoy a diverse array of flavors and textures in every delicious bite.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) :

Can I use fresh cherries instead of cherry pie filling? While fresh cherries can be used, they may require additional preparation such as pitting and cooking to achieve the desired consistency. Cherry pie filling is convenient and provides a consistent flavor and texture.
Can I make Cherry Pie Bars ahead of time? Yes, you can make Cherry Pie Bars ahead of time. They can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage.

Can I omit the almond extract from the recipe? Yes, you can omit the almond extract if you prefer or if you have allergies. You can adjust the flavor by increasing the amount of vanilla extract or adding another extract of your choice.
Can I use a different size pan for baking? Yes, you can use a different size pan, but the baking time may vary. Adjust the baking time accordingly and keep an eye on the bars to prevent overbaking.
Can I substitute butter with margarine or shortening? While butter provides the best flavor and texture, you can substitute margarine or shortening. However, keep in mind that it may alter the taste and texture slightly.

How can I prevent the bars from sticking to the pan? To prevent sticking, generously spray the pan with non-stick spray or line it with parchment paper before spreading the dough.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the dough? Yes, you can customize the recipe by adding chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or other mix-ins to the dough for added flavor and texture.
Can I make these bars gluten-free? Yes, you can make gluten-free Cherry Pie Bars by using a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. Ensure that other ingredients are also gluten-free.

How do I know when the bars are done baking? The bars are done baking when they are golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The edges may also start to pull away from the sides of the pan.
Can I reheat Cherry Pie Bars? Yes, you can reheat Cherry Pie Bars in the microwave for a few seconds or in a preheated oven at a low temperature until warmed through. Enjoy them warm with a scoop of ice cream for a delicious treat.

These Cherry Pie Bars offer a delightful twist on the classic pie, combining all the flavors you love in a convenient, handheld treat. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving a special indulgence, these bars are sure to impress. Enjoy the perfect balance of buttery crust, sweet cherry filling, and creamy glaze with every bite. Try out this recipe today and treat yourself to a taste of homemade goodness!