
Irresistible Cherry Pie Bars: A Sweet Treat Everyone Will Love
If you love cherry pie but want an easier way to enjoy it, these Cherry Pie Bars are the perfect dessert for you! With a buttery, flaky crust and a juicy cherry filling, these bars are easy to make and perfect for parties, potlucks, or simply treating yourself. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe.
Ingredients
For the Crust and Topping:
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
For the Cherry Filling:
- 2½ cups (350g) fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional, for added flavor)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
Step 2: Make the Crust
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Step 3: Assemble the Base
Press about ¾ of the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Reserve the remaining ¼ for the topping. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool slightly.
Step 4: Prepare the Cherry Filling
In a medium saucepan, combine the cherries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens and bubbles (about 5-7 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in the almond extract, if using.
Step 5: Assemble the Bars
Spread the cherry filling evenly over the baked crust. Sprinkle the reserved crust mixture over the top, breaking it into small crumbles for a rustic look.
Step 6: Bake
Bake the bars for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. Allow them to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.
Tips for the Best Cherry Pie Bars
- Use Fresh or Frozen Cherries: If using frozen cherries, be sure to thaw and drain them to avoid excess liquid.
- Chill the Crust: If your kitchen is warm, chill the crust mixture for 10-15 minutes before pressing it into the pan.
- Add a Drizzle: For an extra touch, drizzle the cooled bars with a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk.
Why These Cherry Pie Bars Are a Winner
- Easy to Make: No rolling out dough or complicated steps required.
- Packed with Flavor: Sweet cherries paired with a buttery crust create the perfect balance.
- Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a picnic, holiday, or midweek treat, these bars are always a hit.
Try This Recipe Today!
Bring the flavors of a classic cherry pie to your kitchen in a fun, portable form. These Cherry Pie Bars are simple, delicious, and guaranteed to impress. Give this recipe a try and let us know how it turned out in the comments below. Happy baking!