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

Introduction

Enjoy a delightful twist on a classic dessert with these easy cherry pie bars. Bursting with sweet cherry filling and a tender, buttery crust, they’re perfect for any occasion. Simple to make and irresistibly delicious, these bars will quickly become a family favorite.

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. Add the eggs one at a time, then mix in the almond and vanilla extracts.
3. Step 3: Gradually add the flour and salt to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
4. Step 4: Press half of the dough evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking pan.
5. Step 5: Spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the dough layer.
6. Step 6: Dollop the remaining dough evenly on top of the cherry filling. It will create a rustic, patchy topping.
7. Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is golden and set. Remove from oven and let cool completely.
8. Step 8: To make the glaze, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar, almond extract, and vanilla extract. Add milk a teaspoon at a time until the glaze reaches a drizzle consistency.
9. Step 9: Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra texture, sprinkle chopped almonds or pecans on top before baking.
• Use fresh or frozen cherries cooked down with a bit of sugar and lemon juice in place of canned filling for a homemade touch.
• If you prefer, swap almond extract for all vanilla extract for a milder flavor.
• Chill the dough slightly before pressing it into the pan to make it easier to handle.

Storage

Store cherry pie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week. Reheat gently in the microwave if desired, or enjoy cold. The glaze will keep the bars moist and flavorful.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different fruit filling instead of cherry?

Yes, you can substitute other fruit pie fillings such as blueberry, apple, or raspberry to create different flavored bars.

Do I need to refrigerate these bars?

They can be stored at room temperature for a few days, but refrigeration will extend their freshness. Make sure to keep them in an airtight container to prevent drying out.

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

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★★★★★

4.8 from 76 reviews

These Easy Cherry Pie Bars offer a deliciously simple way to enjoy the classic flavors of cherry pie in a handheld bar form. With a buttery shortbread base, luscious cherry pie filling, and a sweet almond-vanilla glaze, this dessert is perfect for any occasion and can be made with minimal effort.

• Author: Anna
• 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 Base and Topping:

• 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

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 extract
• Milk, as needed to thin glaze

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare it for baking the pie bars evenly.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy, which helps create a tender crust.
3. Add Eggs and Extracts: Incorporate the two large room-temperature eggs along with 1 teaspoon almond extract and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix well to combine all flavors thoroughly.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients: Gradually add 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour and ½ teaspoon salt to the wet mixture, stirring until a dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep the bars tender.
5. Prepare the Pan: Lightly grease or line a baking pan (approx. 9×13 inches). Press half of the dough evenly into the bottom of the pan to form the base.
6. Add Cherry Filling: Spoon the entire 21 oz can of cherry pie filling evenly over the dough base, spreading gently to cover the surface.
7. Add Topping: Take the remaining half of the dough and dollop it in small portions over the cherry filling, leaving some gaps so the filling can peek through.
8. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
9. Cool Completely: Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan to firm up before glazing.
10. Make and Drizzle Glaze: In a small bowl, combine 1 cup confectioners’ sugar with 1 teaspoon almond extract and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract. Add milk a few drops at a time until the glaze reaches a drizzle-able consistency. Drizzle the glaze evenly over the cooled bars.
11. Serve: Cut into bars and enjoy this delicious cherry dessert as a perfect treat for gatherings or a sweet everyday snack.

Notes

• Make sure the butter is properly softened to ensure easy creaming with the sugar.
• Using room temperature eggs improves overall texture and helps the mixture combine better.
• You can substitute cherry pie filling with other fruit fillings like blueberry or apple for variety.
• If you prefer a more pronounced almond flavor, add an extra ½ teaspoon of almond extract to the glaze.
• Ensure the bars are completely cooled before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting.
• Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate up to 5 days.

Keywords: cherry pie bars, easy dessert, cherry dessert bars, homemade cherry bars, bake cherry bars, almond glaze dessert