The Ultimate Guide to Cherry Pie Bars: Deliciousness in Every Bite
Cherry Pie Bars are a delightful treat that offer all the flavors of a classic cherry pie in an easy-to-make, handheld form. Perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or simply as a sweet indulgence, these bars are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything there is to know about making Cherry Pie Bars: from ingredients and step-by-step instructions to variations, tips, and nutritional information. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, you’ll find valuable insights to create the perfect dessert.
Table of Contents
- What Are Cherry Pie Bars?
- Ingredients You’ll Need
- Step-by-Step Instructions
- Tips for Perfect Cherry Pie Bars
- Variations to Try
- Serving Suggestions
- Nutritional Information
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
What Are Cherry Pie Bars?
Cherry Pie Bars are a delectable dessert that takes the essence of a traditional cherry pie and transforms it into an easy-to-serve bar format. Typically made with a buttery crust and a luscious cherry filling, these bars can be topped with a crumbly streusel or drizzled with icing or ganache—making them versatile and visually appealing. They are perfect for people of all ages and are often enjoyed at parties, holiday gatherings, and picnics.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create the perfect Cherry Pie Bars, gather the following ingredients:
For the Crust
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Cherry Filling
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted and halved
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
For the Topping (Optional)
- ½ cup oats
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup butter, melted
- Pinch of salt
For the Glaze (Optional)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
Set Up
- Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang to make it easier to lift the bars out later.
Make the Crust
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Cream Butter: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter until smooth and creamy.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir until a soft dough forms.
- Press into Pan: Press about two-thirds of the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Reserve the remaining dough for topping.
Prepare the Cherry Filling
- Mix Cherry Ingredients: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the pitted cherries, sugar, lemon juice, vanilla, and almond extract. Stir until the cherries release their juices and the mixture begins to bubble.
- Thicken the Filling: Whisk the cornstarch with a couple of tablespoons of water to make a slurry. Add this to the cherry mixture and cook until the filling thickens. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Assemble the Bars
- Layer Cherry Filling: Pour the cherry filling over the crust in the baking pan, spreading it evenly.
- Add Topping: Crumble the reserved dough over the cherry filling. If desired, mix oats, brown sugar, and flour with melted butter and sprinkle over the filling instead.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the topping is golden brown.
- Cool: Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Use the overhanging parchment to lift the bars out of the pan, then let cool on a wire rack completely.
Add the Glaze (Optional)
- Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled bars.
- Slice and Serve: Once the glaze has set, slice into bars and serve. Enjoy your delicious Cherry Pie Bars!
Tips for Perfect Cherry Pie Bars
- Cherries: Fresh cherries are ideal, but if they are out of season, frozen cherries work just as well. Make sure they’re pitted!
- Cornstarch: Adjust the amount of cornstarch depending on how juicy your cherries are. More juice means you might need more cornstarch to thicken.
- Soften Butter: For optimal mixing, ensure the butter is softened but not melting.
- Cooling Time: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to prevent the filling from spilling out.
Variations to Try
Cherry Pie Bars are versatile and can be customized to suit your taste. Here are some delightful variations you can try:
1. Mixed Berry Bars
Substitute cherries with a mix of berries such as blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries for a fruity twist.
2. Chocolate Cherry Bars
Fold in some chocolate chips into the cherry filling or the crust for added richness.
3. Lattice Topped
Instead of a crumb topping, cut the remaining dough into strips and create a lattice pattern on top of the cherry filling.
4. Nutty Crust
Incorporate ground almonds or walnuts into the crust for added flavor and texture.
5. Vegan Cherry Pie Bars
Substitute the butter with coconut oil and the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water).
Serving Suggestions
Cherry Pie Bars are delicious on their own, but here are some serving ideas to elevate your dessert:
- With Ice Cream: Serve warm cherry pie bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic treat.
- Garnished with Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds a light and airy touch.
- Drizzle with Caramel Sauce: For a richer flavor, drizzle some caramel sauce over the bars.
- Sprinkle with Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar can add visual appeal.
Nutritional Information
Understanding the nutritional content of your Cherry Pie Bars can help you enjoy them mindfully. Here’s an approximate breakdown per bar (based on a 9-bar recipe):
- Calories: 220
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 34g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 15g
- Protein: 3g
Note: Nutritional values may vary based on ingredients and portion sizes. Always check nutritional labels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned cherries instead of fresh or frozen?
Yes, you can use canned cherries, but make sure to drain them well to avoid excess liquid.
How can I store leftover Cherry Pie Bars?
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Allow them to come to room temperature or warm them slightly before serving.
Can I freeze Cherry Pie Bars?
Absolutely! To freeze, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to three months.
Conclusion
Cherry Pie Bars are a delightful and easy dessert that everyone will love. With their sweet cherry filling and buttery crust, they encapsulate the essence of cherry pie in a fun, portable form. Experiment with variations and serving suggestions to make this dessert your own. Whether you need a show-stopping treat for a special occasion or a simple after-dinner dessert, these bars will impress. Bake a batch today and let the sweet aroma fill your home!
