There’s nothing quite as satisfying as a bite of sweet cherry pie bar—a perfect balance of buttery crust, juicy cherry filling, and a whisper of nostalgia in every mouthful. Imagine the aroma of fresh cherries and baked goodness filling your kitchen, making your taste buds dance with delight. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be hooked on their irresistible charm!
Why You’ll Love Sweet Cherry Pie Bar
This recipe isn’t just about dessert—it’s about creating a little moment of joy with every bite. Here’s why these pie bars will win you over:
Versatile: Enjoy them as a delightful dessert, a sweet snack, or even for a special brunch treat.
Budget-Friendly: Made with simple pantry staples, these bars deliver gourmet taste without the hefty price tag.
Quick and Easy: With a straightforward process, you’ll have these delectable bars ready in no time.
Customizable: Tweak the sweetness, add your favorite spices, or even mix in a handful of nuts to make it your own.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with family, friends, or anyone with a sweet tooth!
Ingredients
Ingredients in Sweet Cherry Pie Bar
This sweet treat comes together with a handful of essential ingredients that create a beautiful medley of flavors and textures:
Cherries: Juicy and vibrant, these cherries bring a burst of tart-sweet flavor to the filling.
All-Purpose Flour: The foundation for a tender, buttery crust that holds everything together.
Sugar: Just the right amount to enhance the cherries’ natural sweetness.
Butter: Provides richness and that melt-in-your-mouth texture we all crave.
Eggs: Bind the ingredients while adding a lovely golden hue to the crust.
Vanilla Extract: A warm note that elevates the overall flavor profile.
Baking Powder: Ensures the crust rises perfectly, creating a light and airy texture.
A Pinch of Salt: Balances and intensifies all the flavors.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to [temperature]. This step is key to ensuring your crust bakes evenly into a beautiful golden finish.
Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Give it a gentle whisk to ensure everything is well blended.
Incorporate the Butter and Eggs
Cut the butter into the dry mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs, then add the eggs and vanilla extract. Mix until the dough starts to come together.
Press the Dough
Transfer the dough into a greased baking pan, pressing it down evenly to form a smooth base.
Add the Cherry Filling
Evenly distribute the cherries over the dough, letting their vibrant juices mingle with the crust.
Create the Topping
If you prefer a crumbly topping, crumble any remaining dough over the cherries for an extra layer of texture and flavor.
Bake to Perfection
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake until the crust is golden and the cherries are bubbling with delicious aroma.
Cool and Serve
Once baked, allow the pie bars to cool in the pan before cutting them into squares. This cooling step helps the flavors settle for that perfect bite.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: Approximately 12 bars
Calories per serving: Approximately 250 calories
(Note: Nutrition values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
How to Serve Sweet Cherry Pie Bar Recipe
These pie bars are best enjoyed with a little extra love! Serve them slightly warm with a dusting of powdered sugar, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They also pair beautifully with a cup of your favorite tea or coffee for a cozy treat any time of the day.
Additional Tips
- For an extra burst of flavor, add a squeeze of lemon juice to the cherry filling.
- If you prefer a more tart filling, consider using a mix of fresh and frozen cherries.
- Enhance the texture by sprinkling a handful of chopped nuts into the topping.
- Make sure to let the bars cool completely before cutting to prevent crumbling.
- Experiment with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, seasonal twist.
FAQ’s
1. Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh cherries work wonderfully—just pit them and adjust the sweetness to your taste.
2. Can I substitute other berries for cherries?
Yes, feel free to experiment with blueberries, raspberries, or a mix for a different twist.
3. How do I store leftover pie bars?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for longer freshness.
4. Can I freeze these bars?
Definitely! Wrap them tightly and freeze for up to a month. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
5. What type of pan should I use?
A standard square or rectangular baking pan works best for even baking and easy bar cutting.
6. Can I add a streusel topping?
Of course! A crunchy streusel topping can add a delightful texture contrast to the soft filling.
7. How do I know when the bars are done baking?
Look for a golden crust and bubbling cherry filling—these are good indicators that they’re ready.
8. Can I reduce the sugar if I prefer a less sweet dessert?
Yes, adjust the sugar to suit your taste, especially if your cherries are naturally sweet.
9. Can I serve these bars warm or cold?
They’re delicious either way! Warm bars offer a comforting treat, while cold bars are refreshingly delightful.
10. Can I use gluten-free flour in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute with a gluten-free flour blend, though the texture may vary slightly.
Conclusion
These Sweet Cherry Pie Bars are the ultimate dessert for those who appreciate a blend of tart and sweet wrapped in a buttery, tender crust. They’re simple enough for a weekday treat yet impressive enough to serve at your next gathering. Give them a try, and let the burst of cherry goodness brighten your day—enjoy every bite!
Print
Sweet Cherry Pie Bar Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert / Pie Bars / Sweet Bars
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Sweet Cherry Pie Bars feature a buttery shortbread crust, a luscious layer of sweet cherry filling, and a crumbly topping that captures the nostalgic flavors of cherry pie in an easy-to-serve bar form. Perfect for dessert parties or an indulgent treat any time!
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- Pinch of salt
For the Filling:
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling (use homemade if preferred)
- (Optional: 1 tbsp cornstarch if using fresh/frozen cherries)
For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 tsp almond extract (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- Make the Crust: In a bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups flour, 1/2 cup sugar, a pinch of salt, and cold cubed butter. Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to mix until the mixture becomes crumbly. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Bake Crust: Bake the crust for 10 minutes to set.
- Add Filling: Remove the pan from the oven and spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the hot crust.
- Prepare Topping: In a separate bowl, beat together 1/2 cup flour, 1/3 cup sugar, 1/3 cup softened butter, and almond extract (if using) until crumbly. Evenly sprinkle the topping over the cherry layer.
- Final Bake: Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the topping is lightly golden.
- Cool & Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment overhang. Cut into 12 bars and serve.
Notes
- If using homemade cherry filling with fresh or frozen cherries, mix cherries with sugar, a squeeze of lemon juice, and cornstarch; simmer until thickened before using.
- These bars are best served at room temperature or chilled.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: ~250 kcal
- Sugar: ~18 g
- Sodium: ~150 mg
- Fat: ~12 g
- Saturated Fat: ~7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~5 g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: ~30 g
- Fiber: ~1 g
- Protein: ~3 g
- Cholesterol: ~30 mg