Easy Cherry Pie Bars: A Simple Cherry Dessert to Savor

If you’re looking for a delightful dessert that’s both simple and satisfying, you’ve come to the right place! Easy Cherry Pie Bars: A Simple Cherry Dessert to Savor are a perfect choice for any occasion. They bring back sweet memories of summer, when fresh cherries filled our plates and hearts. This recipe is not just about quick baking; it’s about sharing love and joy with family and friends, whether it’s a busy weeknight or a festive gathering.

These bars are truly special because they embody the essence of comfort food while being incredibly easy to whip up. You can make them for a backyard barbecue, a potluck, or just because you deserve a treat after a long day. Trust me; once you bake these cherry pie bars, they’ll become your go-to dessert!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 15 minutes of prep time, making it perfect for those busy days.
• Family-Friendly: With their sweet cherry filling and crumbly topping, these bars are sure to please both kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Bake them in advance and store them for late-night cravings or surprise guests.
• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of cherries and almond extract creates a mouthwatering flavor that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to create these delicious cherry pie bars. You might already have many of these items in your pantry!

For the Base and Topping

• 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

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
• Milk as needed

Variations

The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative with these fun variations:

• Swap the fruit: Instead of cherries, use blueberries or raspberries for a different fruity twist.
• Add nuts: Sprinkle chopped almonds or walnuts into the topping for added crunch.
• Make it chocolatey: Add cocoa powder to half of the dough for a chocolate cherry bar that’s irresistible!
• Try different extracts: Experiment with lemon or coconut extract instead of almond for a fresh flavor profile.

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

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating ensures that your bars bake evenly, giving them that golden-brown finish we all love.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream together your softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into your mixture, helping your bars rise beautifully.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Extracts

Next, add the eggs, almond extract, and vanilla extract to your creamed mixture. Beat well until everything is combined. These extracts will enhance the flavor profile of your bars!

Step 4: Mix in Flour and Salt

Gently fold in the flour and salt until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want our bars tender but not tough!

Step 5: Press Dough into Pan

Press half of the dough into the bottom of an ungreased pan evenly. This will form your crust layer.

Step 6: Add Cherry Filling

Spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the dough layer. The vibrant color will make your dessert even more appealing!

Step 7: Dollop Remaining Dough

Using spoonfuls of the remaining dough, dollop it over the cherry filling. It doesn’t have to be perfect; those lovely gaps will create gorgeous pockets as they bake.

Step 8: Bake

Bake in your preheated oven for about 35-40 minutes until golden brown on top. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will be heavenly!

Step 9: Cool and Glaze

Once baked, let them cool completely before drizzling with glaze made from confectioners’ sugar, almond extract, vanilla, and milk mixed together until smooth.

And there you have it—Easy Cherry Pie Bars: A Simple Cherry Dessert to Savor that’s sure to win hearts! Enjoy every bite!

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

Making these cherry pie bars is a delightful experience, and with a few handy tips, you can ensure they turn out perfectly every time!

• Use fresh cherries for a twist: If you have access to fresh cherries when they’re in season, consider pitting and using them instead of canned filling. Fresh cherries provide a vibrant flavor and lovely texture that can elevate your bars.

• Chill the dough: After mixing your dough, chilling it for about 30 minutes can help it firm up. This makes it easier to press into the pan and helps prevent spreading during baking, resulting in beautifully shaped bars.

• Don’t skimp on the glaze: The glaze adds a sweet finishing touch to your cherry pie bars. Make sure to drizzle generously over the cooled bars; it enhances both the appearance and flavor.

• Check for doneness: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on your bars as they bake. They should be lightly golden on top and set in the center. A toothpick inserted into the middle should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.

• Cool completely before cutting: Allowing your cherry pie bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting ensures that they hold their shape well. This is crucial for serving neat slices!

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

These cherry pie bars are not only delicious but also visually appealing! Here are some fun ways to present this delightful dessert at your next gathering or family dinner.

Garnishes

• Whipped coconut cream: This dairy-free alternative adds a light, fluffy texture and complements the cherry flavor beautifully.
• Sliced almonds: Sprinkling some toasted almonds on top before serving gives a satisfying crunch and enhances the nutty notes from the almond extract.
• Fresh mint leaves: A few sprigs of mint not only add a pop of color but also provide a refreshing contrast to the sweet cherry filling.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream provides a classic pairing that balances the tartness of the cherries perfectly.
• Fruit salad: A light fruit salad made with seasonal fruits adds freshness and can be a great way to contrast flavors with the rich bars.
• Yogurt parfait: Layer some yogurt with granola and fresh berries for a nutritious side dish that offers different textures alongside the sweet cherry treat.
• Tea or coffee: Serving these bars with a warm cup of tea or coffee creates a cozy atmosphere perfect for enjoying dessert after any meal.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’ll be ready to enjoy Easy Cherry Pie Bars: A Simple Cherry Dessert to Savor in style! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Easy Cherry Pie Bars recipe is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy delicious treats throughout the week without the hassle of daily baking. Here’s how to store, freeze, and reheat these delightful bars.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cherry pie bars to cool completely.
• Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you prefer, refrigerate them for longer freshness—up to a week.

Freezing

• Cut the cooled cherry pie bars into squares.
• Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just remember to label them with the date!

Reheating

• To enjoy them warm, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the bars on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• You can also microwave a single bar for about 15-20 seconds if you’re in a hurry!

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Easy Cherry Pie Bars: A Simple Cherry Dessert to Savor.

Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned filling?

Absolutely! If you prefer using fresh cherries, simply pit and slice about 2 cups of cherries. Cook them with sugar and a bit of cornstarch over medium heat until thickened, then use this as your filling.

How do I make Easy Cherry Pie Bars: A Simple Cherry Dessert to Savor gluten-free?

You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure that your blend contains xanthan gum or add it separately for better texture.

Can I add other fruits to the cherry pie bars?

Yes! Feel free to mix in other berries like blueberries or raspberries along with the cherries for a delicious twist.

What can I substitute for almond extract?

If you’re not a fan of almond extract, vanilla extract works well too! You could also try hazelnut or coconut extracts for different flavor profiles.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Easy Cherry Pie Bars: A Simple Cherry Dessert to Savor! This recipe is not just easy; it’s filled with love and memories that make every bite special. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or enjoying them solo, these bars are sure to bring a smile. Happy baking, and don’t forget to share your creations with us!