Cherry Pie Bars (with Cherry Pie Filling)

Bright and buttery cherry pie bars are the perfect dessert for any occasion! These Cherry Pie Bars (with Cherry Pie Filling) combine a sweet cherry filling with a crumbly crust, making them an irresistible treat. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, these bars are easy to make and will leave everyone craving more!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe combines simple ingredients and straightforward steps, perfect for bakers of all levels.
• Year-Round Enjoyment: Using canned cherry pie filling means you can enjoy this dessert no matter the season.
• Ideal for Sharing: With 16 delicious bars, these treats are perfect for parties, potlucks, or family gatherings.
• Customizable Topping: Feel free to add sliced almonds or other toppings for a fun twist on flavor and texture.
• Deliciously Versatile: Serve them as a dessert, snack, or even breakfast treat with your morning coffee!

Tools and Preparation

Before you get started on your cherry pie bars, gather your tools and prepare your workspace.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 8-inch square baking pan
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Saucepan
• Wire rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking pan: Ensures even baking and helps shape the bars perfectly.
• Parchment paper: Makes it easy to lift the bars out after baking, preventing sticking.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining dry and wet ingredients separately for best results.
• Whisk: Helps incorporate air into the batter, making it light and fluffy.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delightful cherry pie bars:

For the Crust and Topping

• 2 cups (280 g) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• 3/4 cup (168 g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup (50 g) light brown sugar
• 1 tsp (4 g) vanilla extract
• 1/8 tsp pure almond extract
• 3 Tbsp (22 g) sliced almonds (optional)

For the Cherry Filling

• 21 oz (570 g) cherry pie filling
• 2 tsp (6 g) cornstarch
• 1 Tbsp (15 g) water
• 1/2 tsp fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp pure almond extract
• pinch of salt

For the Glaze

• 1/2 Tbsp (7 g) unsalted butter, melted
• pinch of salt
• 1/2 tsp (2 g) vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup (60 g) powdered sugar
• 1 Tbsp (15 g) milk

How to Make Cherry Pie Bars (with Cherry Pie Filling)

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

In a medium bowl, whisk together:
* Flour
* Baking soda
* Salt
* Cinnamon

In a large bowl, mix together:
* Melted butter
* Granulated sugar
* Brown sugar
* Vanilla extract
* Almond extract

Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Fold until just combined.

Step 3: Form the Base and Topping

Set aside 3/4 cup of dough for topping. Mix in sliced almonds if desired. Chill this reserved dough until ready to use. Press the remaining dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.

Step 4: Bake the Base

Bake for 14 to 16 minutes until lightly golden. Allow it to cool on a wire rack for about 15 minutes.

Step 5: Cook the Cherry Filling

In a saucepan over medium-low heat, combine:
* Cherry pie filling

In a small bowl, whisk together:
* Cornstarch
* Water

Add this cornstarch mixture along with lemon juice, almond extract, and salt to the saucepan. Gently simmer while stirring frequently for about 4 to 5 minutes until thickened.

Step 6: Assemble Your Bars

Spoon the cherry filling over the cooled crust. Crumble reserved dough evenly over the top.

Step 7: Final Bake

Return to oven and bake for another 38 to 40 minutes until golden brown on top and filling is slightly bubbly. Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. For easier cutting, chill in the freezer for about 15 minutes before slicing into squares.

Step 8: Add Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together:
* Melted butter
* Salt
* Vanilla extract
* Powdered sugar
* Milk

Drizzle this glaze over cooled bars and allow it to set before serving.

Step 9: Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cherry pie bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days.

Enjoy your delicious Cherry Pie Bars (with Cherry Pie Filling)!

How to Serve Cherry Pie Bars (with Cherry Pie Filling)

Cherry pie bars are a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving them at a gathering or enjoying them at home, these bars can be paired with different accompaniments to enhance their sweetness and flavor.

Pair with Fresh Cream

• Serve with whipped cream for a rich and creamy contrast that balances the tartness of the cherries.

Add a Scoop of Ice Cream

• Vanilla or almond-flavored ice cream complements the cherry filling beautifully and adds a refreshing touch.

Drizzle with Chocolate Sauce

• A light drizzle of chocolate sauce creates a delicious twist, making each bite even more indulgent.

Sprinkle with Toasted Almonds

• Top the bars with toasted almonds for a crunchy texture that pairs well with the soft filling.

Serve Warm

• Enjoying these bars slightly warmed can enhance the flavors and provide a comforting dessert experience.

Accompany with Fresh Fruit

• Fresh berries or slices of peaches add a fruity freshness and vibrant color to your dessert platter.

How to Perfect Cherry Pie Bars (with Cherry Pie Filling)

To achieve the best results with your cherry pie bars, consider these helpful tips. Each step can make a difference in texture and flavor.

• Use high-quality cherry pie filling: A good filling will have rich flavor and natural sweetness, enhancing the overall taste of your bars.

• Chill the dough before baking: Allowing the dough to chill helps maintain its structure while baking, resulting in a perfectly crumbly crust.

• Don’t skip on cooling time: Cooling your baked bars completely ensures they set properly, making them easier to cut into neat squares.

• Adjust sweetness if needed: Taste your cherry filling before adding it to ensure it’s sweet enough for your preference; you can always add sugar if necessary.

• Experiment with spices: Adding nutmeg or ginger can elevate the flavor profile of your cherry pie bars beyond just cinnamon.

• Store properly: Keep leftover bars in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain their freshness for up to two days.

Best Side Dishes for Cherry Pie Bars (with Cherry Pie Filling)

Cherry pie bars can be enjoyed alongside various side dishes that complement their sweet and tart flavors. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing that adds creaminess and enhances the cherry flavor.
2. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits provides balance and brightness alongside rich dessert bars.
3. Caramel Sauce: Drizzling caramel over the bars adds depth and an extra layer of sweetness.
4. Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy, it offers a perfect contrast to the dense texture of the bar.
5. Almond Biscotti: For those who enjoy crunch, biscotti adds an enjoyable texture when dipped into coffee or tea.
6. Coffee or Tea: A warm beverage pairs well by balancing sweetness while providing warmth during dessert time.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Cherry Pie Bars (with Cherry Pie Filling), it’s essential to avoid common pitfalls that can affect the outcome.

• Skipping the chilling step – If you don’t chill the reserved dough before using it as a topping, it may not crumble properly. Ensure to chill for the recommended time for best results.
• Overmixing the batter – Overmixing can lead to tough bars. Mix until just combined to keep them tender and delicious.
• Not cooling the crust – Allowing the crust to cool for 15 minutes before adding filling is crucial. This prevents the filling from becoming too watery and helps maintain a firm base.
• Ignoring consistency of filling – If your cherry pie filling isn’t thick enough, it may result in soggy bars. Ensure you follow the instructions for thickening with cornstarch properly.
• Cutting too soon – Cutting into the bars while they are still warm can lead to messy squares. Let them cool completely, or chill briefly in the freezer for easier cutting.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Freezing Cherry Pie Bars (with Cherry Pie Filling)

• Wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap.
• Place in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating Cherry Pie Bars (with Cherry Pie Filling)

• Oven – Preheat oven to 350°F and warm bars on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave – Heat individual bars on medium power for about 20-30 seconds until warmed through.
• Stovetop – Use a non-stick skillet over low heat, warming each bar gently for 1-2 minutes per side.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding Cherry Pie Bars (with Cherry Pie Filling).

How do I make Cherry Pie Bars (with Cherry Pie Filling) gluten-free?

You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Be sure to check that other ingredients are gluten-free too.

Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned cherry pie filling?

Yes! You can make your own cherry filling by cooking fresh cherries with sugar and cornstarch until thickened.

What can I serve with Cherry Pie Bars (with Cherry Pie Filling)?

These bars pair wonderfully with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for added indulgence!

How long do Cherry Pie Bars last?

If stored properly, they will last up to 2 days in the refrigerator and up to 3 months if frozen.

Final Thoughts

Cherry Pie Bars (with Cherry Pie Filling) are a delightful dessert that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Their buttery base combined with sweet cherry filling makes them irresistible! Feel free to customize by adding different nuts or spices according to your taste preferences.