Easy Cherry Pie Bars: A Simple Cherry Dessert to Savor

If you’re looking for a delightful dessert that’s as easy to make as it is delicious, then look no further! These Easy Cherry Pie Bars: A Simple Cherry Dessert to Savor are the perfect treat for any occasion. I remember making these bars with my grandmother every summer, and they always brought smiles and sweet memories. With their buttery crust and luscious cherry filling, they are sure to become a favorite in your home too. Whether you’re hosting family gatherings or just want a quick after-dinner treat, this recipe fits the bill perfectly.

The best part? You don’t need to be an experienced baker to whip up these cherry pie bars. They come together quickly and easily, making them ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute get-togethers. Trust me, once you taste the sweet and tart flavors combined with the hint of almond extract, you’ll be hooked!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super easy to prepare: With simple steps and common ingredients, anyone can make these bars!
• Family-friendly appeal: Kids and adults alike adore the sweet flavor of cherries—perfect for all ages!
• Make-ahead convenience: You can bake these bars ahead of time and enjoy them later; they stay fresh for days.
• Deliciously versatile: You can experiment with different fruit fillings or toppings to suit your taste.
• Perfect for sharing: These bars cut into neat squares, making them easy to share at potlucks or parties.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make these Easy Cherry Pie Bars: A Simple Cherry Dessert to Savor, you’ll need some simple and wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Let’s gather what we need!

For the Bars

• 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 the Glaze

• 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
• 1 tsp almond extract
• ½ tsp vanilla
• Milk as needed

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun variations you might enjoy:

• Change up the fruit: Swap the cherry pie filling for blueberry or peach filling for a new twist.
• Add some spice: Sprinkle in a bit of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for added warmth.
• Top it off: Add chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts on top before baking for extra crunch.
• Try a different glaze: Mix things up by using lemon juice instead of milk in the glaze for a zesty finish.

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). This ensures that your bars bake evenly and helps achieve that perfect golden color.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step is important because it helps incorporate air into the mixture, giving your bars a lovely texture.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Extracts

Next, add in the eggs one at a time along with the almond and vanilla extracts. Mixing these ingredients well will enhance the flavor of your dessert beautifully.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

Now it’s time to mix in your flour and salt. Stir until just combined; overmixing can lead to tough bars!

Step 5: Press Dough into Pan

Take half of your dough mixture and press it firmly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan. This will create a solid base for your cherry filling.

Step 6: Spread Cherry Filling

Open your can of cherry pie filling and spread it evenly over the dough layer. The cherries will be the star of this dessert!

Step 7: Dollop Remaining Dough

Use dollops of the remaining dough on top of the cherries—don’t worry about covering every inch; those little blobs will create delicious textures when baked.

Step 8: Bake Until Golden

Place your pan in the oven and let it bake for about 35–40 minutes until golden brown on top. The smell will be absolutely heavenly!

Step 9: Cool & Glaze

Once baked, allow your cherry pie bars to cool completely before drizzling with glaze made from confectioners’ sugar, almond extract, vanilla, and just enough milk to reach desired consistency.

Step 10: Slice & Enjoy!

Cut into squares and serve! These Easy Cherry Pie Bars are best enjoyed fresh but are also great stored in an airtight container.

I hope you enjoy making these cherry pie bars as much as I do! They are truly a sweet treat that brings joy with every bite.

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

Baking can be a delightful experience, and with these handy tips, your cherry pie bars will turn out perfectly every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Ensuring your butter and eggs are at room temperature helps create a smooth batter that blends evenly, resulting in a better texture.

• Don’t skip the almond extract: This little addition enhances the cherry flavor beautifully, giving your bars a unique twist that will have everyone asking for seconds.

• Cool completely before cutting: Allowing the bars to cool fully ensures they set properly, making them easier to slice without crumbling apart.

• Experiment with fresh cherries: If you’re feeling adventurous, substitute the canned cherry filling with fresh cherries. Just pit and slice them, and toss with a little sugar before spreading on the dough for a delightful twist.

• Store correctly: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you’d like to extend their freshness, you can refrigerate them for about a week.

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

Presenting your cherry pie bars beautifully can make all the difference when serving these delicious treats. Here are some fun ideas!

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance and sweetness that complements the tartness of the cherries.
• Fresh mint leaves: Adding a few mint leaves not only looks stunning but also provides a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the bars.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: The creamy richness of vanilla ice cream pairs perfectly with the tartness of the cherry bars, creating a delightful contrast in textures.
• Whipped coconut cream: For a dairy-free option, whipped coconut cream offers a luscious topping that adds an exotic flair while balancing out the sweetness.
• Coffee or tea: Serving these bars alongside a cup of coffee or herbal tea enhances the experience and makes for a cozy dessert moment.
• Fruit salad: A light fruit salad featuring seasonal fruits can add freshness and brightness to your dessert table, making it well-rounded and refreshing.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, your Easy Cherry Pie Bars will not only taste incredible but also impress everyone who gets to enjoy them!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Easy Cherry Pie Bars are perfect for meal prep! You can make a batch ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy a delightful dessert whenever you crave something sweet. Here’s how to keep them fresh:

Storing Leftovers

• Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, refrigerate them; they’ll last up to a week.
• If you notice any condensation, place a paper towel inside the container to absorb moisture.

Freezing

• Allow the cherry pie bars to cool completely before freezing.
• Cut them into squares and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap.
• Place wrapped bars in a freezer-safe container or bag; they can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To enjoy your frozen cherry pie bars, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator.
• For a warm treat, reheat individual bars in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
• Alternatively, warm them in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions that might come up while making these delicious treats!

Can I use fresh cherries instead of cherry pie filling for the Easy Cherry Pie Bars?

Yes! Fresh cherries can be used, but you’ll need to cook them down with sugar and a bit of cornstarch to achieve the right consistency. This will give your bars a fresh taste!

How do I make Easy Cherry Pie Bars gluten-free?

To make these Easy Cherry Pie Bars gluten-free, simply replace all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend. Ensure it contains xanthan gum for better texture.

What’s the secret ingredient in Easy Cherry Pie Bars?

The secret ingredient that elevates these Easy Cherry Pie Bars is almond extract. It perfectly complements the cherries and adds a delightful depth of flavor!

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am about trying this easy cherry pie bars recipe! It holds so much nostalgia and warmth that makes it truly special. Whether you’re serving them at a gathering or enjoying them solo with a cup of coffee, I believe you’ll love every bite. Happy baking, and may your kitchen always be filled with sweetness and joy!