Review: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Cherry Pie Bars are sweet dessert bars with a buttery crumble crust topped with homemade cherry pie filling.”
There’s something irresistible about the combination of a buttery crust and the sweet, tangy flavor of cherry pie filling. These Cherry Pie Bars capture the essence of a classic cherry pie but are much easier to make and enjoy as convenient, hand-held treats. Whether you’re looking for a quick dessert to bring to a gathering or simply want to indulge in a sweet treat at home, these Cherry Pie Bars are sure to delight. Let’s dive into the details of how to make these delectable bars.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create these scrumptious Cherry Pie Bars, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- ½ cup (1 stick / 113 g) unsalted butter, melted, cooled to room temperature: Provides a rich, buttery flavor and helps create the crumble texture.
- ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to the crust and topping.
- 1½ cups (187.5 g) all-purpose flour: Forms the base and crumble topping.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Helps the crust and topping rise slightly.
- ½ teaspoon baking powder: Adds lightness to the crumble.
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances the overall flavor.
- 2 cups (510 g) cherry pie filling: The sweet and tangy filling that contrasts beautifully with the buttery crust. You can use store-bought or homemade cherry pie filling.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Pan
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring the paper extends up the sides of the dish. This will make it easier to remove the bars from the pan once they’re baked.
Making the Crumble Mixture
- Combine Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, add the melted, cooled butter and granulated sugar. Stir until well combined. The mixture should be smooth and creamy.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Add the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and kosher salt to the butter and sugar mixture. Use a fork to stir the ingredients together until the mixture is well combined and resembles crumbs. This crumbly texture is crucial for creating both the base and the topping for the bars.
Assembling the Bars
- Set Aside Topping: Remove ¾ cup of the crumb mixture and set it aside to use as the topping later.
- Form the Base: Firmly press the remaining crumb mixture into the bottom of the lined baking pan. Press it down evenly to create a solid base layer for the bars.
- Add Cherry Pie Filling: Spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the pressed crumb base. Make sure the filling covers the entire base layer.
- Add the Topping: Using your hands, evenly distribute the reserved crumb mixture over the cherry pie filling. This crumb topping will become golden and slightly crunchy as it bakes, providing a delightful contrast to the soft filling.
Baking the Bars
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 23-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the cherry filling is bubbly. The exact baking time can vary, so keep an eye on the bars towards the end of the baking time.
- Cool: Let the bars cool in the pan before cutting. Cooling helps the bars set, making them easier to cut and serve.
Serving Suggestions
These Cherry Pie Bars are perfect on their own, but you can elevate them with a few simple additions:
- Serve with Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds a light, airy contrast to the rich, buttery bars.
- Top with Ice Cream: Serve the bars warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic combination.
- Dust with Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance and extra sweetness.
Tips for Perfect Cherry Pie Bars
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the butter is cooled to room temperature before mixing with the sugar to achieve the right texture.
- Press the Crust Firmly: Press the crumb mixture firmly into the pan to create a solid base that holds together well.
- Even Topping Distribution: Distribute the reserved crumb mixture evenly over the cherry filling to ensure even baking and a balanced texture.
- Let Them Cool: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to prevent them from falling apart.
Variations to Try
- Mixed Berry Bars: Replace the cherry pie filling with a mixed berry filling for a different flavor profile.
- Chocolate Cherry Bars: Add a handful of chocolate chips to the crumb mixture for a chocolatey twist.
- Almond Topping: Mix some sliced almonds into the reserved crumb mixture for added crunch and flavor.
Making Homemade Cherry Pie Filling
While store-bought cherry pie filling works well, making your own can elevate these bars to another level. Here’s a simple recipe for homemade cherry pie filling:
Ingredients:
- 4 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Cook the Cherries: In a medium saucepan, combine the cherries and sugar. Cook over medium heat until the cherries release their juices and the mixture begins to simmer.
- Add Cornstarch: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a few tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Add the slurry to the cherry mixture and stir well.
- Simmer: Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Flavorings: Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the lemon juice and vanilla extract. Allow the filling to cool before using it in the Cherry Pie Bars.
Nutritional Information
For those mindful of their dietary intake, here’s a brief nutritional breakdown per serving (based on an approximate serving size of one bar):
- Calories: 248 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Sugars: 20g
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
The Joy of Homemade Desserts
There’s a unique satisfaction that comes from baking your own desserts at home. These Cherry Pie Bars are a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly delicious. The combination of a buttery crumble crust and sweet, tangy cherry filling is a classic that never goes out of style. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and yields consistently delightful results.
Conclusion
Cherry Pie Bars are a wonderful way to enjoy the flavors of cherry pie in a convenient, easy-to-make format. With their buttery, crumbly crust and sweet cherry filling, they’re sure to be a hit with anyone who tries them. This recipe is straightforward, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
Whether you’re making these bars for a special occasion, a potluck, or simply to enjoy at home, they are sure to impress. The combination of textures and flavors is perfectly balanced, creating a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Give this recipe a try and experience the joy of baking a classic dessert with a modern twist. Happy baking!
Review: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Cherry Pie Bars are sweet dessert bars with a buttery crumble crust topped with homemade cherry pie filling.”
There’s something irresistible about the combination of a buttery crust and the sweet, tangy flavor of cherry pie filling. These Cherry Pie Bars capture the essence of a classic cherry pie but are much easier to make and enjoy as convenient, hand-held treats. Whether you’re looking for a quick dessert to bring to a gathering or simply want to indulge in a sweet treat at home, these Cherry Pie Bars are sure to delight. Let’s dive into the details of how to make these delectable bars.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create these scrumptious Cherry Pie Bars, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- ½ cup (1 stick / 113 g) unsalted butter, melted, cooled to room temperature: Provides a rich, buttery flavor and helps create the crumble texture.
- ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to the crust and topping.
- 1½ cups (187.5 g) all-purpose flour: Forms the base and crumble topping.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Helps the crust and topping rise slightly.
- ½ teaspoon baking powder: Adds lightness to the crumble.
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances the overall flavor.
- 2 cups (510 g) cherry pie filling: The sweet and tangy filling that contrasts beautifully with the buttery crust. You can use store-bought or homemade cherry pie filling.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Pan
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring the paper extends up the sides of the dish. This will make it easier to remove the bars from the pan once they’re baked.
Making the Crumble Mixture
- Combine Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, add the melted, cooled butter and granulated sugar. Stir until well combined. The mixture should be smooth and creamy.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Add the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and kosher salt to the butter and sugar mixture. Use a fork to stir the ingredients together until the mixture is well combined and resembles crumbs. This crumbly texture is crucial for creating both the base and the topping for the bars.
Assembling the Bars
- Set Aside Topping: Remove ¾ cup of the crumb mixture and set it aside to use as the topping later.
- Form the Base: Firmly press the remaining crumb mixture into the bottom of the lined baking pan. Press it down evenly to create a solid base layer for the bars.
- Add Cherry Pie Filling: Spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the pressed crumb base. Make sure the filling covers the entire base layer.
- Add the Topping: Using your hands, evenly distribute the reserved crumb mixture over the cherry pie filling. This crumb topping will become golden and slightly crunchy as it bakes, providing a delightful contrast to the soft filling.
Baking the Bars
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 23-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the cherry filling is bubbly. The exact baking time can vary, so keep an eye on the bars towards the end of the baking time.
- Cool: Let the bars cool in the pan before cutting. Cooling helps the bars set, making them easier to cut and serve.
Serving Suggestions
These Cherry Pie Bars are perfect on their own, but you can elevate them with a few simple additions:
- Serve with Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds a light, airy contrast to the rich, buttery bars.
- Top with Ice Cream: Serve the bars warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic combination.
- Dust with Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance and extra sweetness.
Tips for Perfect Cherry Pie Bars
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the butter is cooled to room temperature before mixing with the sugar to achieve the right texture.
- Press the Crust Firmly: Press the crumb mixture firmly into the pan to create a solid base that holds together well.
- Even Topping Distribution: Distribute the reserved crumb mixture evenly over the cherry filling to ensure even baking and a balanced texture.
- Let Them Cool: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to prevent them from falling apart.
Variations to Try
- Mixed Berry Bars: Replace the cherry pie filling with a mixed berry filling for a different flavor profile.
- Chocolate Cherry Bars: Add a handful of chocolate chips to the crumb mixture for a chocolatey twist.
- Almond Topping: Mix some sliced almonds into the reserved crumb mixture for added crunch and flavor.
Making Homemade Cherry Pie Filling
While store-bought cherry pie filling works well, making your own can elevate these bars to another level. Here’s a simple recipe for homemade cherry pie filling:
Ingredients:
- 4 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Cook the Cherries: In a medium saucepan, combine the cherries and sugar. Cook over medium heat until the cherries release their juices and the mixture begins to simmer.
- Add Cornstarch: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a few tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Add the slurry to the cherry mixture and stir well.
- Simmer: Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Flavorings: Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the lemon juice and vanilla extract. Allow the filling to cool before using it in the Cherry Pie Bars.
Nutritional Information
For those mindful of their dietary intake, here’s a brief nutritional breakdown per serving (based on an approximate serving size of one bar):
- Calories: 248 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Sugars: 20g
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
The Joy of Homemade Desserts
There’s a unique satisfaction that comes from baking your own desserts at home. These Cherry Pie Bars are a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly delicious. The combination of a buttery crumble crust and sweet, tangy cherry filling is a classic that never goes out of style. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and yields consistently delightful results.
Conclusion
Cherry Pie Bars are a wonderful way to enjoy the flavors of cherry pie in a convenient, easy-to-make format. With their buttery, crumbly crust and sweet cherry filling, they’re sure to be a hit with anyone who tries them. This recipe is straightforward, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
Whether you’re making these bars for a special occasion, a potluck, or simply to enjoy at home, they are sure to impress. The combination of textures and flavors is perfectly balanced, creating a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Give this recipe a try and experience the joy of baking a classic dessert with a modern twist. Happy baking!