Easy Cherry Pie Bars: A Simple Cherry Dessert to Savor

If you’re looking for a delightful dessert that effortlessly combines ease and flavor, look no further than these Easy Cherry Pie Bars: A Simple Cherry Dessert to Savor. This recipe is a cherished family treasure, passed down from my grandmother, who knew just how to brighten our summer days with the sweet taste of cherries. The beauty of these bars lies in their simplicity; they are quick to whip up and perfect for those busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings. With each bite, you’ll experience a wonderful blend of tart cherries and a hint of almond that will leave everyone asking for seconds!

Whether you’re planning a picnic, hosting friends, or simply treating yourself, these cherry pie bars are sure to make any occasion feel special.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a delicious dessert ready in under an hour.
• Family-Friendly: These bars are loved by kids and adults alike, making them perfect for any family gathering.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can bake these bars ahead of time and store them for easy snacking throughout the week.
• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of sweet cherries and almond extract creates a flavor profile that’s hard to resist!
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy them as is, or dress them up with ice cream or whipped topping for an extra special treat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple, wholesome ingredients! This list includes everything you need to create these scrumptious cherry pie bars from scratch. Trust me; you probably have most of them in your pantry already!

• 1 cup softened butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temp
• 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
• ½ tsp vanilla
• milk as needed

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative and make it your own with these fun variations:

• Add Fresh Cherries: Swap out the canned cherry pie filling for fresh pitted cherries during peak season for an even more vibrant flavor.
• Try Different Extracts: Experiment with different extracts like coconut or lemon for a unique twist on the classic flavor.
• Change Up the Topping: Instead of dolloping the remaining dough on top, crumble it for a streusel-like topping that adds texture.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to accommodate dietary needs without sacrificing taste.

How to Make Easy Cherry Pie Bars: A Simple Cherry Dessert to Savor

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is essential because it ensures even baking, helping your bars rise perfectly as they cook.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a mixing bowl, cream together your softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step helps incorporate air into the mixture, making your bars nice and tender. Next, add in your eggs along with the almond and vanilla extracts. Mix until well combined.

Step 3: Mix in Dry Ingredients

Now it’s time to add the flour and salt! Gradually mix these dry ingredients into your wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want our dough soft but not tough!

Step 4: Assemble the Bars

Take half of your dough and press it evenly into the bottom of a greased baking pan. Spread the cherry filling over this layer, ensuring it covers every corner. Now, dollop spoonfuls of the remaining dough on top of the filling—this will create lovely pockets as it bakes.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden

Place your pan in the oven and bake for about 35–40 minutes or until golden brown on top. The aroma will fill your kitchen with sweetness!

Step 6: Cool and Glaze

Once baked, let your cherry pie bars cool completely before drizzling them with glaze made from confectioners’ sugar mixed with almond extract, vanilla, and milk until smooth. This finishing touch adds an irresistible sweetness!

Now you have a batch of Easy Cherry Pie Bars ready to savor! Enjoy sharing this simple cherry dessert with friends and family—they’ll love every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Easy Cherry Pie Bars: A Simple Cherry Dessert to Savor

Making cherry pie bars can be a delightful and stress-free experience with just a few tips to guide you along the way. These simple suggestions will help ensure your bars turn out perfectly every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Starting with eggs and butter at room temperature helps create a smoother batter, leading to better texture in your bars.
• Don’t skimp on the cherry filling: Using high-quality cherry pie filling enhances the flavor of your bars. Look for options that contain real cherries and minimal additives for the best taste.
• Dollop the dough evenly: When spreading the remaining dough on top of the cherry filling, use dollops instead of a flat layer. This allows some of the cherry filling to peek through, creating a beautiful presentation.
• Cool completely before glazing: Allowing your bars to cool completely before drizzling with glaze prevents it from melting into the warm bars, ensuring a lovely finish that stays intact.
• Experiment with flavors: While almond extract is a wonderful addition, consider playing around with other extracts like lemon or coconut for a unique twist on this classic recipe.

How to Serve Easy Cherry Pie Bars: A Simple Cherry Dessert to Savor

Presenting your easy cherry pie bars can be just as fun as making them! Here are some creative ideas to elevate your dessert game and impress your guests.

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance and sweetness that complements the tartness of the cherries beautifully.
• Fresh mint leaves: Adding a sprig of fresh mint not only gives a pop of color but also introduces a refreshing note that pairs well with the richness of the bars.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: Creamy vanilla ice cream offers a delicious contrast to the tart cherry filling, creating an irresistible combination that many love.
• Whipped coconut cream: For a dairy-free option, whipped coconut cream provides a light and fluffy topping that enhances the flavors without overpowering them.
• Fresh fruit salad: A light fruit salad made with seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances out the sweetness of the cherry pie bars.
• Coffee or tea: Offering coffee or herbal tea as beverages can enhance the overall experience, providing warmth and comfort alongside these delightful treats.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’ll be well on your way to creating an unforgettable dessert experience with your easy cherry pie bars. Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These easy cherry pie bars are perfect for meal prep! You can whip them up in advance, making them a fantastic treat to have on hand for busy days or unexpected guests.

Storing Leftovers

• Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, refrigerate the bars to extend their shelf life to about a week.

Freezing

• To freeze, let the bars cool completely after baking.
• Cut into squares and wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap.
• Place wrapped bars in a freezer-safe bag or container; they will keep well for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen bars overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• To warm, place individual bars on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 10-15 seconds or until desired warmth is achieved.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this delightful dessert:

Can I substitute the cherry filling in Easy Cherry Pie Bars?

Absolutely! You can use any fruit filling of your choice. Blueberry, apple, or even mixed berry fillings work beautifully!

What makes these Easy Cherry Pie Bars so special?

These bars are not only easy to make but also feature a unique hint of almond extract that enhances the cherry flavor, making them truly irresistible.

Can I make Easy Cherry Pie Bars with fresh cherries?

Yes! If you prefer using fresh cherries, you can pit and slice them, then mix with sugar and a bit of cornstarch to thicken. Spread this mixture just like the canned filling.

How long do Easy Cherry Pie Bars last?

When stored properly, these bars will last about 3 days at room temperature or up to a week in the refrigerator.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find as much joy in making these easy cherry pie bars as my family has over the years. They’re not just a delicious dessert; they’re packed with memories and love. Enjoy baking your own batch, and don’t forget to share your experience! There’s nothing quite like savoring a sweet treat made from scratch. Happy baking!