Easy Cherry Pie Bars: A Simple Cherry Dessert to Savor Recipe

Introduction

These Easy Cherry Pie Bars are a delightful twist on classic cherry pie, offering a simple, handheld dessert perfect for any occasion. With a buttery crust and a luscious cherry filling, they’re sure to satisfy your sweet tooth in no time.

Ingredients

• 1 cup softened butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 tsp almond extract
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 (21 oz) can premium cherry pie filling
• For glaze: 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
• 1 tsp almond extract (for glaze)
• ½ tsp vanilla extract (for glaze)
• Milk, as needed (for glaze)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Then, beat in the eggs, almond extract, and vanilla extract until well combined.
3. Step 3: Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour and salt until a dough forms.
4. Step 4: Press half of the dough evenly into the bottom of a prepared baking pan.
5. Step 5: Spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the dough layer.
6. Step 6: Drop spoonfuls of the remaining dough over the cherry filling, distributing it as evenly as possible.
7. Step 7: Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. Allow the bars to cool completely.
8. Step 8: Prepare the glaze by mixing confectioners’ sugar with almond extract, vanilla extract, and enough milk to reach a drizzling consistency. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For an extra burst of flavor, add a handful of chopped nuts like almonds or pecans to the cherry filling before spreading.
• Use fresh or frozen cherries if you prefer a more homemade filling instead of canned pie filling.
• Substitute almond extract with lemon zest for a citrus twist in the glaze and dough.

Storage

Store the cherry pie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. Reheat slightly in the microwave to soften before serving, or enjoy chilled for a firmer texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, these bars can be prepared and baked a day in advance. Store them properly to maintain freshness and add the glaze just before serving.

Can I freeze the cherry pie bars?

Absolutely. Wrap the cooled bars tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before glazing and serving.

Easy Cherry Pie Bars: A Simple Cherry Dessert to Savor Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 101 reviews

These Easy Cherry Pie Bars are a delightful, simple dessert featuring a buttery crust, sweet cherry pie filling, and a smooth almond-vanilla glaze. Perfect for summer gatherings or any time you want a quick, satisfying treat without the fuss of a traditional pie.

• Author: Mia
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
• Total Time: 50-55 minutes
• Yield: 12 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Bars

• 1 cup softened butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 tsp almond extract
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 (21 oz) can premium cherry pie filling

For the Glaze

• 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
• 1 tsp almond extract
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• Milk as needed (approximately 1-2 tbsp)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready when your bars are assembled.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, which creates the ideal base for a tender crust.
3. Add Eggs and Extracts: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the almond and vanilla extracts for added flavor depth.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: Gradually blend in the all-purpose flour and salt until the dough forms. Be careful not to over-mix to keep the bars tender.
5. Press Dough into Pan: Press half of the dough evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking pan to form the base layer.
6. Spread Cherry Filling: Layer the premium cherry pie filling evenly over the pressed crust, ensuring full coverage.
7. Add Top Dough: Dollop the remaining dough in spoonfuls over the cherry filling. It will create a rustic, crumbly top as it bakes.
8. Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and set.
9. Cool Completely: Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool fully on a wire rack to set the filling and crust.
10. Prepare Glaze and Drizzle: Mix confectioners’ sugar, almond extract, and vanilla extract in a small bowl, adding milk slowly until the glaze reaches a drizzle consistency. Drizzle over the cooled bars.
11. Serve: Cut into squares and serve. These bars are delightful on their own or with a scoop of ice cream for an indulgent treat.

Notes

• Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for easy creaming.
• Use premium cherry pie filling for the best flavor and texture in the bars.
• The glaze can be adjusted in thickness by adding more or less milk.
• Bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for longer freshness.
• For a nut-free version, omit almond extract and use extra vanilla extract instead.

Keywords: cherry pie bars, easy cherry dessert, cherry bars, pie bars, simple cherry dessert, baked cherry bars, almond glaze dessert