Irresistible Cherry Pie Bars: A Nostalgic Delight

Cherry pie bars are like a party in your mouth, bursting with luscious cherry flavor and a buttery crumbly crust. Imagine sinking your teeth into a vibrant, juicy slice that reminds you of warm summer days and family picnics, where laughter mingles with the sweet aroma of baking. These cherry pie bars aren’t just dessert; they’re a little slice of nostalgia that brings back memories of grandma’s kitchen.

Every bite of these cherry pie bars is like a cozy hug from your favorite childhood memories. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or simply when you need to impress friends at your next gathering, they deliver an amazing flavor experience that will keep everyone coming back for more.

I remember the first time I made these cherry pie bars for a family reunion; my cousin took one bite and declared it “the best thing since sliced bread.” Safe to say, I was the star of the day!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Fresh Cherries: Choose ripe, sweet cherries for the best flavor; feel free to pit them yourself or buy them pre-pitted.

• Granulated Sugar: A must for balancing the tartness of the cherries; adjust based on your sweetness preference.

• All-Purpose Flour: Essential for the crust and crumb topping; sift for better texture.

• Unsalted Butter: Use cold butter for a flaky crust; cut it into small cubes before mixing.

• Eggs: They help bind everything together while adding richness to the bars.

• Baking Powder: This leavening agent ensures your bars rise beautifully during baking.

• Cinnamon: A sprinkle adds warmth and depth to the overall flavor profile.

• Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens the flavors and enhances the cherries’ natural sweetness.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Prepare Your Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or butter. This prevents sticking and helps achieve that golden crust.

Make the Cherry Filling: In a bowl, combine pitted cherries, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and cinnamon. Toss gently until well mixed and set aside while you prepare the crust.

Create the Crust Mixture: In another bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in cold butter until it resembles coarse crumbs; I love using a pastry cutter for this step.

Add in Eggs and Form Dough: Stir in one beaten egg until combined. Reserve some dough (about one cup) for topping later. Press remaining dough firmly into the greased pan evenly.

Add Cherry Filling and Top with Dough**: Pour the cherry mixture over the crust layer, spreading evenly. Crumble reserved dough on top of cherries to create a lovely crumbly topping.

Bake Until Golden Brown**: Place in preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown on top. The aroma will fill your kitchen—trust me; it’s heavenly!

Let cool completely before cutting into bars; serve chilled or warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream to elevate this delightful dessert experience!

You Must Know

• Cherry pie bars are not just a dessert; they offer a delightful balance of tart and sweet
• The buttery crust pairs beautifully with the juicy cherry filling, making every bite irresistible
• Perfect for gatherings, they’ll have everyone asking for seconds (and thirds)

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by preparing the crust first, allowing it to cool while you make the cherry filling. This timing ensures a flaky texture and prevents sogginess.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap fresh cherries for frozen ones if they’re out of season. You can also add almond extract for an extra layer of flavor.

Storing & Reheating

Store your cherry pie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate them or freeze individually wrapped pieces.

Chef's Helpful Tips

• Always use ripe cherries for the best flavor and texture in your cherry pie bars
• Adding a pinch of salt enhances the sweetness significantly, creating a more balanced dessert
• Remember to let them cool completely before slicing to avoid messy bars!

Baking these cherry pie bars reminds me of my childhood summers spent at Grandma’s house, where she’d let me help pit cherries. Those moments were filled with laughter and sticky fingers, making those bars taste even sweeter.

FAQ

Can I use other fruits instead of cherries?

Absolutely! Blueberries or peaches work wonderfully in place of cherries.

How do I prevent my crust from getting soggy?

Pre-baking the crust for a few minutes helps maintain its crispness against the filling.

What’s the best way to serve cherry pie bars?

Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on top!

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Delicious Cherry Pie Bars

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Indulge in the delightful taste of cherry pie bars, where a buttery crumb crust meets juicy, sweet-tart cherries. Perfect for gatherings or a comforting dessert at home, these bars bring back cherished memories with every bite. Serve them warm with a scoop of ice cream or chilled for a refreshing treat; this easy recipe is sure to impress.

• Author: Logan Reed
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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• 2 cups fresh cherries, pitted
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a bowl, mix together pitted cherries, sugar, lemon juice, and cinnamon; set aside.
3. In another bowl, whisk flour, sugar (reserve some), baking powder, and salt. Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Stir in one beaten egg until combined. Reserve about one cup of dough for topping.
5. Press remaining dough into the greased pan evenly. Pour cherry mixture over the crust and crumble reserved dough on top.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown. Let cool completely before slicing into bars.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bar (68g)
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 100mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 30mg