Easy Cherry Pie Bars

A Sweet, Fruity Dessert for Any Occasion

Cherry pie is a timeless classic, but what if you could enjoy its fruity, buttery goodness in an easy-to-make bar form? Enter Cherry Pie Bars—a quick, versatile dessert that’s perfect for potlucks, holidays, or a sweet treat anytime. With a soft, buttery crust, a luscious cherry filling, and a crumbly topping, these bars bring the essence of cherry pie with a fraction of the effort.

Let’s dive into how to make these deliciously simple bars!

Why You’ll Love These Bars

• Quick and easy: A simple recipe that’s perfect for beginner bakers.
• Versatile: Easily swap the filling to suit your taste or the season.
• Perfectly portable: Ideal for potlucks, picnics, or lunchbox treats.
• Classic flavor: All the goodness of cherry pie in a convenient bar format.

What Ingredients You’ll Need

To make these easy Cherry Pie Bars, gather the following ingredients:

• All-purpose flour (for the crust and crumb topping)
• Granulated sugar (to sweeten the crust and balance the filling)
• Butter (for a rich, tender crust)
• Eggs (to bind the batter)
• Vanilla extract (for warmth and depth of flavor)
• Cherry pie filling (the fruity star of the recipe) or any other fruit filling of your choice.

Optional: Powdered sugar for a glaze made with milk or lemon juice.

How to Make Cherry Pie Bars

1. Make the crust and topping:
   • In a mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar until fluffy. Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract. Gradually add the flour, mixing until the dough comes together. Reserve a portion of the dough for the crumb topping.
2. Assemble the base:
   • Press the remaining dough evenly into a greased or parchment-lined baking pan to form the crust. This base will hold up the cherry filling.
3. Add the cherry filling:
   • Spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the crust, ensuring a good layer of fruit in every bite.
4. Add the crumb topping:
   • Crumble the reserved dough over the top of the cherry filling, creating a rustic, crumbly layer.
5. Bake to golden perfection:
   • Bake the bars until the topping is golden brown and the cherry filling is bubbling. Allow them to cool completely in the pan before slicing.
6. Optional glaze:
   • For added sweetness, whisk powdered sugar with milk or lemon juice to make a glaze. Drizzle it over the cooled bars before serving.

Pro Tips for Perfect Cherry Pie Bars

1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients:
   • Room-temperature butter and eggs blend more efficiently, ensuring a smooth dough and even baking.
2. Don’t Overmix the Dough:
   • Mix until the dough comes together to keep the crust tender and crumbly.
3. Customize the Filling:
   • Enhance the cherry filling with a splash of almond extract or a pinch of cinnamon for added depth of flavor.
4. Cool Completely Before Slicing:
   • Allow the bars to cool fully to ensure clean, even slices. Warm bars may crumble when cut.
5. Add a Glaze or Dusting:
   • Drizzle a powdered sugar glaze or dust with powdered sugar for an elegant finishing touch.

Storage Information

• Store the bars in an airtight container for up to 2 days at room temperature.
• In the refrigerator: Keep them chilled in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
• In the freezer: Freeze the bars in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and enjoy chilled or at room temperature.

FAQ: Easy Cherry Pie Bars

1. Can I use homemade cherry pie filling?
Yes! Homemade cherry pie filling works wonderfully and allows you to adjust the sweetness to your preference.

2. Can I substitute the cherry filling with other flavors?
Absolutely! Try apple, blueberry, or mixed berry pie filling for a fun twist.

3. How do I prevent the bars from sticking to the pan?
Line your baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This makes it easy to lift the bars out of the pan after cooling.

4. Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend designed for desserts.

5. Can I add nuts to the topping?
Certainly! Chopped almonds, pecans, or walnuts make a delicious addition to the crumb topping.

A Sweet Slice of Simplicity

These Easy Cherry Pie Bars are the ultimate combination of fruity, buttery, and sweet. With their flaky crust, luscious filling, and crumbly topping, they’re a treat that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat.

Whether you’re baking for a gathering, a family dessert, or just because, these bars are sure to impress, so preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the simplicity of a recipe that’s bound to become a favorite!

Have you tried these Cherry Pie Bars? Share your tips, variations, or favorite moments in the comments below! 🍒✨