classic taste of cherry pie

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

  1. Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 15x10x1-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Cool: Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
  6. Prepare the Glaze:
    • In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, almond extract, and milk until smooth and of drizzling consistency.
  7. 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


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classic taste of cherry pie


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  • Author: Isabella
  • 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

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