Easy Cherry Pie Bars: 7 Irresistibly Delicious Reasons to Bake

Let me tell you about my absolute favorite dessert to whip up when I’m short on time but still want something delicious—Easy Cherry Pie Bars! These little gems are like a cherry pie’s cousin, but way easier to make and perfect for any occasion. I first stumbled upon this recipe during a summer picnic, and it quickly became a hit with friends and family. The sweet, tangy cherry filling nestled between buttery, crumbly layers of dough is just heavenly. Plus, they’re so easy to cut into bars, making them perfect for sharing. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just want a sweet treat after dinner, these bars are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Trust me, once you try making these Easy Cherry Pie Bars, they will become your go-to dessert for any event!

Ingredients List

Gather these simple ingredients to create your delicious Easy Cherry Pie Bars:

  • 1 cup softened butter
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 large eggs, at 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 for consistency

Make sure to have everything measured out and ready to go before you start baking. It makes the process so much smoother and more enjoyable!

How to Prepare Easy Cherry Pie Bars

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into making these scrumptious Easy Cherry Pie Bars! I promise, it’s simpler than it sounds. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a delightful treat that’ll impress everyone!

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because it ensures your bars bake evenly and come out with that perfect golden brown finish.
  2. Cream the butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar using an electric mixer or a sturdy wooden spoon. You want this mixture to be light and fluffy, which usually takes about 3-4 minutes. Trust me, this step makes a big difference in texture!
  3. Add eggs and extracts: Next, add in the eggs, almond extract, and vanilla extract. Mix everything well until it’s fully combined. It should be nice and smooth!
  4. Combine dry ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the butter mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Don’t overmix; a few flour streaks are okay!
  5. Layer the dough: Take half of your dough and firmly press it into the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking pan. This layer acts as a sturdy base for your cherry filling.
  6. Add the cherry filling: Spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the dough. Make sure it covers the entire surface for a delicious bite every time!
  7. Top with remaining dough: Now, drop spoonfuls of the remaining dough over the cherry filling. It doesn’t have to be perfect; some cherry peeking through is just fine. It adds to the charm!
  8. Bake: Pop it in the oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are slightly pulling away from the pan. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!
  9. Cool and glaze: Once baked, let the bars cool completely in the pan before drizzling with the glaze. For the glaze, mix the confectioners’ sugar, almond extract, vanilla, and enough milk until you reach a pourable consistency. Drizzle it over the cooled bars. Yum!

And there you have it! Let them cool a bit longer if you can resist, then slice into squares and enjoy! You’re going to love how easy and delicious these Easy Cherry Pie Bars are!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up these bars in no time, making them perfect for busy days!
  • Delicious Flavor: The sweet and tangy cherry filling paired with buttery, crumbly dough creates a flavor explosion that will have everyone asking for seconds.
  • Versatile Treat: Whether it’s a picnic, potluck, or family gathering, these Easy Cherry Pie Bars are a hit for any occasion.
  • Perfect for Sharing: Cut them into squares, and you’ve got a delightful dessert that’s easy to serve and share with friends and family.

Tips for Success

To ensure your Easy Cherry Pie Bars turn out perfectly every time, here are my pro tips! First, use high-quality butter; it makes a world of difference in flavor and texture. When creaming the butter and sugar, don’t rush it—aim for that light, fluffy consistency. Remember, mixing too much after adding the flour can lead to tough bars, so mix just until combined. Also, let the bars cool completely before glazing; this helps the glaze set beautifully without sliding off. Lastly, feel free to experiment with different fruit fillings if you want to mix things up—peach or blueberry would be fantastic too!

Nutritional Information

When it comes to satisfying your sweet tooth, Easy Cherry Pie Bars offer a delightful treat without overindulging. Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown per bar:

  • Calories: 250
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg
  • Sodium: 100mg
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 15g
  • Protein: 3g

Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on ingredient brands and specific measurements. Enjoy your bars guilt-free!

FAQ Section

Got questions about making these Easy Cherry Pie Bars? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common inquiries that pop up:

  • Can I use frozen cherries instead of canned pie filling? Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before using, and you might want to add a bit of sugar to sweeten them up.
  • How do I store leftovers? Keep any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. They can also be refrigerated for a week—if they last that long!
  • Can I make these bars ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the bars a day in advance. Just store them covered in the fridge and glaze them right before serving to keep that fresh look.
  • What other fillings can I use? Feel free to get creative! Blueberry, peach, or even a mixed berry filling would work wonderfully in this recipe.

I hope this helps clear up any questions you might have. Happy baking!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storing your Easy Cherry Pie Bars is a breeze! Simply place any leftovers in an airtight container and keep them at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to extend their life, you can pop them in the fridge, where they’ll stay fresh for about a week. Just make sure they’re completely cooled before sealing them up! When you’re ready to enjoy a bar, you can eat them cold or warm them slightly in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. The cherry filling will be deliciously gooey again! Enjoy every last bite!

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Easy Cherry Pie Bars: 7 Irresistibly Delicious Reasons to Bake

Easy Cherry Pie Bars are a delightful dessert that combines the flavors of cherry pie in a convenient bar form. These bars are easy to make and perfect for any occasion.

  • Author: Ghalina
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 16 bars 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale
  • 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
  • ½ tsp vanilla
  • milk as needed

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Add eggs, almond extract, and vanilla extract to the mixture. Mix well.
  4. In another bowl, combine flour and salt. Gradually add this to the butter mixture.
  5. Press half of the dough into the bottom of a greased baking pan.
  6. Spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the dough.
  7. Drop spoonfuls of the remaining dough over the cherry filling.
  8. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown.
  9. Let cool before glazing.
  10. For the glaze, mix confectioners’ sugar, almond extract, vanilla, and milk until smooth. Drizzle over cooled bars.

Notes

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container.
  • These bars can be served warm or chilled.
  • Adjust the glaze consistency with milk as needed.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bar
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 15g
  • Sodium: 100mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg

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