Cherry Pie Bars: Sweet, Tart, and Irresistibly Easy 🍒✨
These Cherry Pie Bars are the perfect blend of buttery, tender crust and sweet-tart cherry filling, topped with a delicate glaze. Quick to whip up and endlessly customizable, they’re a crowd-pleasing dessert for potlucks, family gatherings, or a cozy night in. With a golden crust and juicy fruit filling, these bars are as beautiful as they are delicious. Let’s dive into this simple yet stunning recipe!
Ingredients
For the Bars (Serves 12-16):
- 1 cup (2 sticks / 225 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1¾ cups (350 g) granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp almond extract (optional, for extra flavor)
- 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 can (21 oz / 595 g) cherry pie filling
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp milk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract or almond extract
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 35–40 minutes
- Cooling Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: ~1 hour 55 minutes
Instructions
1. Prepare the Baking Dish
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Make the Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, cream 1 cup softened butter and 1¾ cups sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes with a mixer).
- Add 4 eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in 1 tsp vanilla extract (and ½ tsp almond extract, if using).
- Gradually add 3 cups flour and ½ tsp salt, mixing until a smooth dough forms.
3. Assemble the Bars
- Spread about ⅔ of the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish, using a spatula or your hands to press it into an even layer.
- Spoon the cherry pie filling over the dough, spreading gently to cover the surface.
- Drop spoonfuls of the remaining dough over the cherry filling. It’s okay if some filling peeks through—it adds to the rustic charm!
4. Bake
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the crust comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan (about 1 hour).
5. Prepare the Glaze
- In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar, 2–3 tbsp milk, and ½ tsp vanilla or almond extract until smooth. Adjust milk for desired drizzle consistency.
6. Glaze and Serve
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars using a spoon or piping bag for a decorative touch.
- Slice into squares and serve up the sweet-tart cherry perfection!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 16 Servings)
- Calories: ~300 kcal
- Protein: 4 g
- Fat: 13 g
- Carbohydrates: 43 g
- Fiber: 1 g
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
- Pair with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy treat.
- For a savory twist, drizzle with a honey-garlic glaze (inspired by our earlier recipe) for a unique sweet-savory fusion.
Cooking Tips
- Filling Variations: Swap cherry pie filling for blueberry, peach, or apple pie filling for a fun twist.
- Make Ahead: These bars taste even better the next day! Store in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Glaze Consistency: Add milk gradually to avoid a runny glaze. For a thicker glaze, use less milk.
Nutritional Benefits
- Cherries: Packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.
- Eggs: Provide high-quality protein and essential nutrients.
- Butter: Adds richness and a source of healthy fats when enjoyed in moderation.
Dietary Information
- Vegetarian: Perfect for meat-free diets.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Freeze for up to 3 months (without glaze).
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Sweet-Tart Bliss: The juicy cherry filling pairs perfectly with the buttery crust.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and minimal effort for maximum flavor.
- Versatile: Customize with different fillings or enjoy as a make-ahead treat.
Social Media Caption for Sharing
“Whipping up these Cherry Pie Bars for a sweet-tart treat that’s perfect for any occasion! 🍒✨ Buttery crust, juicy cherries, and a dreamy glaze—yum! Try them with blueberry or peach filling for a fun twist. 😍 #CherryPieBars #DessertGoals #BakingLove #SweetTreats #EasyRecipes”
Want a Printable Recipe Card?
I can format a cute, printable recipe card for you—just let me know! Alternatively, I can tweak the recipe (e.g., add a honey-garlic drizzle for a bold twist or suggest pairings with the Chocolate Buttermilk Cake or Lemon Cream Cheese Tart from earlier). Want to explore more dessert ideas or savory pairings? Let me know! 😊
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