These Cherry Pie Bars are a delicious and easy dessert that brings all the flavors of a classic cherry pie in a convenient, handheld form. Made with a buttery crust, sweet cherry pie filling, and a light vanilla glaze, these bars are perfect for potlucks, parties, or anytime you’re craving a fruity treat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Easy to Make: No rolling out pie dough required! The crust and topping are made from the same dough.
- Cherry Pie Flavor: Get the taste of a cherry pie with less effort and more convenience.
- Perfect for Sharing: These bars are easy to cut into squares and serve at gatherings or as an on-the-go snack.
- Versatile: Swap the cherry filling with your favorite fruit pie filling, like apple or blueberry.
Key Ingredients
- Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the crust and topping.
- Sugar: Sweetens both the dough and the cherry filling.
- Eggs: Helps bind the ingredients and gives structure to the bars.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and enhances the overall flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour: Creates a sturdy crust and crumbly topping.
- Cherry Pie Filling: The star of the dessert, providing sweet and tart cherry flavor.
- Powdered Sugar: Used to make the simple vanilla glaze.
- Milk: Thins the glaze to a drizzling consistency.
How to Make Cherry Pie Bars
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Make the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup (2 sticks) of softened butter and 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Beat in 4 large eggs, one at a time, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- Gradually add in 3 cups of all-purpose flour and 1/2 teaspoon of salt, mixing until just combined. The dough will be thick.
Step 3: Assemble the Bars
- Spread about two-thirds of the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, pressing it into an even layer with your hands or a spatula.
- Spread 1 can (21 oz) of cherry pie filling evenly over the dough.
Step 4: Add the Topping
- Drop the remaining dough in small spoonfuls over the cherry filling. It doesn’t have to cover the entire surface; some of the cherries should peek through.
Step 5: Bake
- Bake the cherry pie bars in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan.
Step 6: Make the Glaze
- In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 2-3 tablespoons of milk until smooth. The glaze should be thick but pourable.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cherry pie bars.
Step 7: Serve
- Once the bars are fully cooled and the glaze has set, cut them into squares or rectangles and serve. Enjoy!
Tips for the Best Cherry Pie Bars
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for a smoother dough.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix the flour in until just combined to avoid tough bars.
- Customize the Filling: You can use any flavor of pie filling you like, such as blueberry, apple, or peach.
- Let Them Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool fully before cutting to ensure clean slices and prevent the filling from oozing out.
Recipe Variations
- Blueberry Pie Bars: Swap the cherry pie filling with blueberry pie filling for a different fruity flavor.
- Almond Cherry Pie Bars: Add 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract to the dough and top with slivered almonds for a classic cherry-almond combo.
- Apple Pie Bars: Use apple pie filling instead of cherry and add a sprinkle of cinnamon to the dough for a fall-inspired treat.
- Crumble Topping: For extra texture, mix some oats and brown sugar into the dough topping for a crumbly finish.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use homemade cherry pie filling?
Yes! If you prefer homemade pie filling, you can substitute it for the canned version. Just make sure it’s thick enough to hold up in the bars.
2. How do I store leftover cherry pie bars?
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
3. Can I freeze cherry pie bars?
Yes! Once fully cooled, wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
4. Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make the bars gluten-free.
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