Easy Cherry Pie Bars: A Simple Cherry Dessert to Savor

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that captures the essence of summer, look no further! Easy Cherry Pie Bars: A Simple Cherry Dessert to Savor is a recipe that brings back memories of warm afternoons spent with family. This dessert is not just easy to whip up but also perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a bustling weeknight or a cozy family gathering. The combination of sweet cherries and a buttery crust topped with a drizzle of glaze makes it truly special. Trust me, once you try these bars, they’ll become your new go-to dessert!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to make: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you’ll have these bars baking in no time!
• Family-approved: These cherry pie bars are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.
• Perfect for sharing: Cut them into squares, and they’re ready for potlucks or gatherings.
• Deliciously versatile: Enjoy them warm with ice cream or at room temperature with coffee.
• Make-ahead friendly: Bake a batch and store them for an easy snack throughout the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making these Easy Cherry Pie Bars is simple because the ingredients are all wholesome and easy to find! You’ll love how straightforward this recipe is. Here’s what you need to gather:

For the Base and Topping

• 1 cup softened butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temp
• 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

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! If you want to mix things up a bit, here are some fun variations to consider:

• Change the fruit: Swap out cherry filling for blueberry or peach—both are delicious alternatives!
• Add nuts: Sprinkle in some chopped almonds or walnuts for an extra crunch.
• Try different extracts: Experiment with coconut or vanilla extract instead of almond for a unique flavor twist.
• Make it gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free blend.

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 bake evenly and helps achieve that lovely golden crust we all crave.

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 because it helps incorporate air into your batter, making your bars light and tender.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Extracts

Next, add the room temperature eggs along with almond and vanilla extracts. Mix until fully combined. The extracts will infuse your bars with that irresistible flavor everyone will love!

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients. Be careful not to overmix; just combine until you see no more dry flour.

Step 5: Assemble the Bars

Press half of the dough into a greased baking pan evenly. Spread the cherry pie filling on top in an even layer. Then, dollop spoonfuls of the remaining dough over the cherries—this creates that lovely crumbly topping we adore.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Bake in your preheated oven for about 35–40 minutes or until golden brown. Let them cool completely before adding the glaze so it sets nicely.

Step 7: Drizzle Glaze and Serve

Once cooled, mix confectioners’ sugar, almond extract, vanilla, and enough milk to achieve a drizzling consistency. Drizzle over your cherry pie bars before cutting them into squares. Now they’re ready to be enjoyed—savor every bite!

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

Baking should be a joyful experience, and with these pro tips, you can ensure your cherry pie bars turn out perfectly every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing your eggs and butter to room temperature helps them blend more easily into the batter, creating a smoother texture.

• Don’t skip the almond extract: This ingredient adds a delightful depth of flavor that complements the cherries beautifully. A little goes a long way!

• Press dough evenly: When pressing half of the dough into the pan, make sure it’s evenly distributed. This ensures even baking and a uniform base for your cherry filling.

• Let them cool completely: Allowing the bars to cool before drizzling with glaze will help it set properly, making for a prettier presentation and easier slicing.

• Store properly: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want them to last longer, consider refrigerating them for up to a week.

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

Serving your easy cherry pie bars can elevate their appeal and make them even more enjoyable for friends and family. Here are some creative ideas!

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar on top gives your bars an elegant touch and enhances their sweetness.

• Fresh mint leaves: Adding a few fresh mint leaves not only adds color but also provides a refreshing contrast to the rich cherry flavor.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla Ice Cream: Serving warm cherry pie bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream creates a delightful contrast in temperature and creaminess that’s simply irresistible.

• Whipped Coconut Cream: For a dairy-free option, whipped coconut cream is perfect! Its lightness complements the cherry filling without overpowering it.

• Fresh Fruit Salad: A vibrant bowl of mixed berries, apples, or melons provides freshness that balances the sweetness of the cherry bars perfectly.

• Coffee or Herbal Tea: Pairing these bars with a nice cup of coffee or herbal tea makes for a cozy dessert experience. The warmth of the drink enhances their flavors beautifully.

Now that you have all these tips and serving suggestions, it’s time to bake up some delicious memories with this easy cherry pie bars recipe! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These easy cherry pie bars are perfect for meal prep! You can whip up a batch ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the week. Here’s how to store and preserve their deliciousness:

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cherry pie bars to cool completely after baking.
• Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, refrigerate the bars for up to a week.

Freezing

• Cut the cooled bars into squares before freezing for easy access.
• Place the squares in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• These bars can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just label with the date!

Reheating

• To enjoy the bars warm, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the desired number of bars on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes.
• You can also microwave individual pieces for 15-20 seconds until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about Easy Cherry Pie Bars: A Simple Cherry Dessert to Savor that you might find helpful!

Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned pie filling?

Absolutely! If you have fresh cherries, you can make your own filling by pitting and cooking them down with some sugar and cornstarch until thickened. It will be delicious in this recipe!

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

To make these cherry pie bars gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. The texture may vary slightly but will still be delightful!

What can I use instead of almond extract?

If you’re not a fan of almond extract or need an alternative, vanilla extract works beautifully too! You could also try using hazelnut extract for a unique twist.

How long do these cherry pie bars last?

These easy cherry pie bars will stay fresh at room temperature for about 3 days, or you can refrigerate them for up to a week. They also freeze well if you want to save some for later!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these easy cherry pie bars! This simple dessert brings together sweet memories and delightful flavors that are sure to please everyone. Whether you’re sharing them with family or enjoying them solo with a cup of coffee, they are bound to become a favorite in your home too. Happy baking, and don’t forget to savor every bite!