Cherry Pie Bars | Classic American Dessert Recipe
As I took my first bite of these cherry pie bars, the combination of the crumbly crust, the sweet and tangy cherry filling, and the buttery flavor melted in my mouth, transporting me back to my childhood summers spent at my grandparents’ house.
I vividly remember one summer afternoon, my grandmother and I spent hours in the kitchen, carefully selecting the ripest cherries from our backyard tree to make a classic cherry pie.
That summer, and many summers after, were filled with the warmth and love of family, and the cherry pie bars quickly became a cherished family favorite.
This Cherry Pie Bars | Classic American Dessert Recipe quickly became a cherished family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Cherry Pie Bars | Classic American Dessert Recipe
- The crumbly crust and the gooey cherry filling create a delightful texture combination.
- The balance of sweet and tangy flavors in the cherry filling is simply perfect.
- It takes only 45 minutes to prepare and bake these cherry pie bars.
- The recipe is foolproof, and the result is always consistent.
- These cherry pie bars are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering or a potluck.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 1/2 cup cherry preserves
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cherries
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
The star ingredients of this recipe are the fresh cherries and the high-quality almond extract, which give the bars a unique and delicious flavor.
The combination of the cherries, sugar, and almond extract creates a sweet and tangy filling that’s just irresistible.
Expert Tips for the Best Cherry Pie Bars | Classic American Dessert Recipe
- Make sure to use high-quality ingredients, especially the cherries and the almond extract, to get the best flavor.
- A common mistake is overmixing the dough, which can result in a tough crust.
- Adding a sprinkle of sugar on top of the bars before baking gives them a nice crunchy topping.
- The bars are done when the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- You can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Variations and Substitutions
You can make these bars gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
You can also use other types of fruit, such as blueberries or raspberries, to create a different flavor profile.
Adding a hint of lemon zest to the filling gives the bars a nice brightness and flavor twist.
How to Store and Reheat
These cherry pie bars can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
To reheat, simply microwave the bars for 20-30 seconds or until warm.
You can also freeze the bars for up to 2 months and thaw them at room temperature when you’re ready to serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen cherries, but make sure to thaw them first and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
How do I prevent the crust from becoming too brown?
To prevent the crust from becoming too brown, you can cover the edges with foil or use a pie shield.
Can I make these bars ahead of time and store them in the fridge?
Yes, you can make these bars ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 5 days.
I hope you enjoy making and devouring these delicious cherry pie bars as much as my family and I do!
So go ahead, give this recipe a try, and let the sweetness of the cherry pie bars bring a smile to your face and a warmth to your heart.
Cherry Pie Bars
🧂 Ingredients
👩🍳 Instructions
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1Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper or aluminum foil, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
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2In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, and confectioners’ sugar. Add the cold butter and use a pastry blender or your fingers to work it into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
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3Press the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
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4Bake for 20-25 minutes or until lightly golden brown. Allow to cool completely in the dish.
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5In a small bowl, whisk together the cherry preserves, chopped cherries, and vanilla extract. Spread the mixture evenly over the cooled crust.
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6Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the filling to set. Cut into bars and serve.
