Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simplified Preparation: Enjoy the essence of cherry pie without the need for rolling out pie dough.
- Perfect for Sharing: Easily sliced into bars, making them ideal for serving a crowd.
- Versatile: While cherry is a classic choice, you can experiment with various fruit fillings to suit your taste.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- For the Bars:
- Butter, softened
- Granulated sugar
- Large eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Almond extract
- All-purpose flour
- Salt
- Cherry pie filling
- For the Glaze:
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Almond extract
- Milk
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 15x10x1-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Batter:
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Mix in the vanilla and almond extracts.
- Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until just combined.
- Assemble the Bars:
- Spread approximately two-thirds of the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Evenly distribute the cherry pie filling over the batter layer.
- Drop spoonfuls of the remaining batter over the cherry filling, allowing some of the filling to peek through.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden brown. A toothpick inserted into the batter (avoiding the cherry filling) should come out clean.
- Cool: Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Prepare the Glaze:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, almond extract, and milk until smooth and of drizzling consistency.
- Glaze the Bars: Once the bars have cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top. Allow the glaze to set before cutting into squares.
Servings and Timing
- Yield: Approximately 24 bars
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Baking Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 1 hour (including cooling and glazing)
Variations
- Different Fillings: Substitute the cherry pie filling with blueberry, apple, or raspberry fillings for a new flavor experience.
- Citrus Zest: Incorporate a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest into the batter for a refreshing citrus note.
- Nutty Addition: Sprinkle chopped almonds or pecans over the top before baking to add a delightful crunch.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the cooled and glazed bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the bars (without glaze) in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and add the glaze before serving.
- Reheating: If you prefer warm bars, heat individual pieces in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
FAQs
What type of cherry pie filling works best for these bars?
Both homemade and store-bought cherry pie fillings work well. Opt for a high-quality store-bought filling if you’re short on time.
Can I use fresh cherries instead of pie filling?
Yes, you can use fresh cherries. You’ll need to cook them down with some sugar and cornstarch to create a filling consistency.
Is it necessary to use almond extract?
While not mandatory, almond extract enhances the cherry flavor and adds depth to the bars.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.
How do I prevent the bars from becoming too soggy?
Ensure the bars are baked until the top is golden and a toothpick comes out clean from the batter portions. Also, allow them to cool completely before glazing and cutting.
Can I add a crumb topping to these bars?
Certainly! Sprinkle a simple streusel made of flour, sugar, and butter over the top before baking for added texture.
What’s the best way to cut these bars neatly?
Use a sharp knife, and for cleaner cuts, wipe the blade between slices. Chilling the bars slightly can also make
classic taste of cherry pie
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 24 bars
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cherry Pie Bars combine the buttery crust, luscious cherry filling, and sweet almond glaze of a traditional cherry pie into an easy-to-make, shareable treat. Perfect for gatherings, these bars are a versatile dessert sure to impress.
Ingredients
For the Bars:
- Butter, softened
- Granulated sugar
- Large eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Almond extract
- All-purpose flour
- Salt
- Cherry pie filling
For the Glaze:
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Almond extract
- Milk
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 15x10x1-inch baking pan.
- Prepare the Batter:
- Cream butter and sugar until fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla and almond extracts.
- Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until combined.
- Assemble the Bars:
- Spread two-thirds of the batter into the pan.
- Distribute cherry pie filling over the batter.
- Drop spoonfuls of the remaining batter on top.
- Bake: Bake for 30–35 minutes until golden brown. Cool completely.
- Prepare the Glaze:
- Whisk powdered sugar, vanilla, almond extract, and milk until smooth.
- Glaze the Bars: Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars. Let set, then cut into squares.
Notes
- Experiment with different fruit fillings for variety.
- Sprinkle chopped nuts or add citrus zest for extra flavor.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days at room temperature or 5 days refrigerated.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American