Introduction
Cherry Pie Bars offer a delightful twist on the classic cherry pie, presenting all the flavors and textures in a convenient bar form. Perfect for those who love the combination of sweet cherry filling and buttery crust, these bars are a versatile dessert option for any occasion.
The Taste of Summer in Every Bite
Indulge in the burst of fresh cherry flavor with every bite of these Cherry Pie Bars. The sweet-tart combination of juicy cherries and a touch of sugar creates a symphony of taste that will invigorate your senses. Paired with a buttery, flaky crust, these bars offer a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, making them a perfect treat for summer gatherings or as a sweet finish to any meal.
Easy to Make, Easier to Enjoy
Simple to prepare and easy to enjoy, Cherry Pie Bars are a fantastic option for both beginner bakers and seasoned chefs. With a straightforward recipe that requires minimal ingredients and time, you can whip up a batch of these bars in no time. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply craving a sweet treat, these Cherry Pie Bars are sure to satisfy your dessert cravings with every mouthwatering bite.
What Tools You’ll Need
Essential Baking Tools
– 9×13-inch baking pan
– Mixing bowls (various sizes)
– Whisk
– Spatula
– Measuring cups and spoons
– Rolling pin
– Parchment paper or non-stick cooking spray
Handy Kitchen Equipment
– Cherry pitter
– Pastry blender
– Cooling rack
– Food processor (for crust)
– Knife for cutting bars
– Aluminum foil (for covering crust)
– Oven thermometer (to ensure accurate baking temperature)
To successfully prepare Cherry Pie Bars, you will need a selection of essential baking tools and some handy kitchen equipment. A 9×13-inch baking pan is the base for creating these delicious treats. Multiple mixing bowls in various sizes will come in handy for preparing different components of the bars. A whisk and spatula will aid in mixing and blending the ingredients smoothly. Utilize measuring cups and spoons to ensure accurate amounts of each ingredient. A rolling pin is essential for flattening the dough for the crust. Make sure to line the baking pan with parchment paper or use non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
For added ease, consider using a cherry pitter to remove pits efficiently. A pastry blender can help in cutting butter into the flour mixture for the crust. Once out of the oven, a cooling rack will allow the bars to cool evenly. A food processor can be used to quickly prepare the crust dough. When ready to serve, a knife will assist in cleanly cutting the bars. Keep an eye on the baking temperature by using an oven thermometer for precise results.
Ingredients with Detailed Measurements
For the Crust:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
To prepare the crust, you will need unsalted butter, granulated sugar, salt, eggs, vanilla extract, and all-purpose flour. These ingredients will come together to create a sturdy and delicious base for your cherry pie bars.
For the Cherry Filling:
– 2 (21-ounce) cans cherry pie filling
– 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
The cherry pie bars will feature a luscious cherry filling made with canned cherry pie filling and a hint of almond extract. These ingredients will give your bars a burst of fruity flavor with a touch of nuttiness that complements the sweetness of the cherries.
Instructions
To make delicious Cherry Pie Bars, follow these simple instructions:
Preparing the Crust:
– Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
– In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of softened butter, 2 cups of granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
– Gradually mix in 3 cups of all-purpose flour until a crumbly dough forms.
– Press two-thirds of the dough into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust.
Assembling the Cherry Filling:
– In a separate bowl, mix together 2 cans of cherry pie filling and ½ teaspoon of almond extract.
– Spread the cherry filling evenly over the crust in the baking dish.
– Crumble the remaining dough over the cherry layer.
– Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes until the top is lightly golden.
– Allow it to cool completely before cutting into bars and serving. Enjoy your homemade Cherry Pie Bars!
Nutrition Score
Nutritional Information
– Cherry Pie Bars are a delectable treat that can be enjoyed as a dessert or snack. Understanding the nutritional value of these bars can help you make informed decisions about incorporating them into your diet.
– A serving of Cherry Pie Bars typically contains around 250 calories. This calorie count may vary based on the specific recipe and portion size.
– These bars are moderate in fat content, with each serving offering approximately 12 grams of fat. The fat content mainly comes from ingredients like butter and nuts used in the crust and filling.
– In terms of carbohydrates, Cherry Pie Bars are relatively high, providing around 30 grams of carbs per serving. These carbs primarily come from the flour, sugar, and cherries used in the recipe.
– While Cherry Pie Bars contain some protein from ingredients like nuts, the overall protein content is moderate, with each serving supplying about 3-5 grams of protein.
Key Nutrients
– Cherry Pie Bars offer essential nutrients such as dietary fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants from the cherries used in the recipe.
– The dietary fiber content in these bars contributes to digestive health and helps you feel full and satisfied after indulging in this sweet treat.
– The cherries in Cherry Pie Bars are a rich source of vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports immune function and skin health.
– Antioxidants found in cherries may also help fight inflammation in the body, offering potential health benefits beyond just satisfying your sweet cravings.
Serving & Storage
Enjoy the delightful flavors of Cherry Pie Bars by following these serving and storage tips to ensure they remain fresh and delicious for longer periods.
Serving:
• Allow the Cherry Pie Bars to cool completely before cutting them into neat squares for serving.
• For a decorative touch, dust the bars with powdered sugar just before serving.
• Pair these bars with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence.
• Serve the Cherry Pie Bars on a platter at room temperature to enhance their flavors.
Storage:
• To maintain freshness, store the Cherry Pie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• If you plan to keep them longer, refrigerate the bars for up to 5 days, but ensure they are tightly covered.
• For long-term storage, wrap the bars individually in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.
• When ready to enjoy, thaw the frozen bars in the refrigerator overnight and allow them to come to room temperature before serving.
Variations
Fruit Swirl Bars
– Instead of cherry pie filling, experiment with other fruit fillings like blueberry, apple, or peach to create a variety of fruit swirl bars.
– Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the batter for a citrusy kick that complements the fruit filling.
– Sprinkle a streusel topping made of flour, sugar, and butter over the fruit filling before baking for an extra crunchy texture.
Chocolate Drizzled Bars
– Enhance the flavor profile by drizzling melted chocolate over the cooled cherry pie bars.
– Mix chopped nuts like almonds or pecans into the crust for added crunch.
– Swap the vanilla extract in the recipe with almond extract for a unique flavor twist that pairs well with the cherries.
With these versatile variations, you can customize your cherry pie bars to suit different tastes and occasions. Whether you prefer a fruity twist or a chocolatey indulgence, these adaptations offer a delicious twist on the classic cherry pie bars recipe.
FAQs with Most Commonly Asked Questions
How to Store Cherry Pie Bars?
– To store cherry pie bars, allow them to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container.
– You can keep them at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate them for longer shelf life, up to a week.
– For longer storage, you can freeze cherry pie bars by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container.
Can I Use Frozen Cherries to Make Cherry Pie Bars?
To use frozen cherries in cherry pie bars, thaw and drain them well to remove excess liquid before incorporating them into the recipe. You may need to adjust the amount of sugar to account for any added sweetness in frozen cherries. Remember that using fresh cherries will yield the best results.
Overall, storage and ingredient choices are essential considerations when making and enjoying delicious cherry pie bars.
Conclusion
Enjoy the Burst of Cherry Flavor
Embrace the delightful combination of buttery crust, sweet cherry filling, and crumbly topping in these Cherry Pie Bars. This treat offers a portable way to enjoy the classic flavors of cherry pie without the need for utensils. The simplicity of this recipe makes it perfect for both beginner and experienced bakers looking for a quick and tasty dessert option.
Indulge in each bite that balances the tartness of the cherries with the sweetness of the crumbly topping. The marriage of textures and flavors in these Cherry Pie Bars will leave you reaching for seconds every time you bake them. Whether serving them at a potluck, picnic, or simply as a sweet treat after dinner, these bars are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Experiment with Different Fruits and Toppings
While cherries create a classic and delicious filling, feel free to explore other fruit options such as blueberries, apples, or peaches. Additionally, you can customize the toppings by adding nuts, oats, or spices like cinnamon for a unique twist on these bars. Let your creativity shine through as you adapt this versatile recipe to suit your taste preferences and occasion. Elevate your baking skills and treat yourself to the wonderful flavors of homemade Cherry Pie Bars.