Heavenly Cherry Pie Bars Recipe: A Sweet Summer Treat

Sweet memories of summer afternoons swirl around these delectable cherry pie bars that promise pure comfort.

Grandma’s cherished recipe sparked my love for baking decades ago.

Bursting with juicy fruit and buttery crust, these bars deliver nostalgia in every delightful bite.

Soft, crumbly pastry embraces bright red cherries with unexpected elegance.

Golden edges hint at the deliciousness waiting inside each square.

Seasonal ingredients dance together, creating a dessert that feels both rustic and sophisticated.

Tips For Perfect Cherry Pie Bar Layers

• Ensure butter is cold and cut into small cubes for a flaky, crisp base that holds up against the cherry filling.
• Mix a splash of almond extract with the cherry pie filling to enhance the natural fruit taste and add depth.
• Let bars cool slightly before adding glaze so it sets beautifully without melting completely into the dessert.
• Use quick-cooking oats for a finer crumb or old-fashioned oats for a more rustic, chunky crust texture.
• Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days, or refrigerate for up to a week to maintain freshness.

Fun Cherry Pie Bar Swaps And Additions

• Gluten-Free Cherry Delight: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version. Maintain same measurements and baking instructions.
• Vegan Cherry Crumble: Swap butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine. Use plant-based milk for the glaze and ensure cherry filling is vegan-friendly.
• Low-Sugar Cherry Bar: Substitute regular sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia. Use reduced-sugar cherry pie filling to create a diabetic-friendly dessert.
• Nutty Cherry Bar: Add chopped almonds or pecans to the crust mixture for extra crunch and nutty flavor profile. Sprinkle nuts between layers for enhanced texture.

Cherry Pie Bars Served At Every Party

• Sweet Summer Picnic Delight: Pack these cherry pie bars in a cute basket for outdoor gatherings with friends and family, perfect for casual potlucks and backyard parties.
• Elegant Dessert Plating: Serve on white porcelain plates with a small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, garnished with fresh mint leaves for a sophisticated presentation.
• Coffee Break Companion: Pair with a steaming cappuccino or cold brew coffee, creating a delightful afternoon treat that complements the rich cherry flavors and buttery crust.
• Gifting Gourmet Style: Wrap individual bars in parchment paper, tie with a rustic twine ribbon for a homemade gift that shows personal care and culinary creativity.

Cherry Pie Bars Stored For Sweet Leftovers

• Place cooled cherry pie bars in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
• Store completely cooled bars in a sealed container at room temperature for 2-3 days, away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed bars in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or in a preheated oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes until heated through. Avoid overheating to maintain texture.

FAQs

• Can I use fresh cherries instead of pie filling?

Yes, you can use fresh pitted cherries. Just mix them with a bit of sugar and cornstarch before spreading over the crust to help them set properly.

• Is it okay to substitute butter with margarine?

While you can use margarine, butter provides better flavor and texture. If substituting, use a stick margarine with high fat content for best results.

• How do I know when the bars are fully baked?

Look for a golden brown top and slightly firm edges. The crust should look set and not wet or doughy. A light golden color indicates the bars are done.

• Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure your oats are also certified gluten-free to make the entire recipe safe for gluten-sensitive individuals.

Cherry Pie Bars For Sweet Snack Moments

• Breeze Through Baking: This recipe offers a simple, straightforward process that even novice bakers can master without stress.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or casual get-togethers, these cherry pie bars will wow everyone with their delicious flavor and attractive presentation.
• Versatile Sweet Treat: Enjoy these bars as a delightful dessert, afternoon snack, or sweet breakfast companion that satisfies any fruity craving.
• Quick Comfort Creation: Minimal ingredients and easy preparation make this recipe a go-to option for when you want a homemade dessert without spending hours in the kitchen.

Cherry Pie Bars Must-Have Ingredient Checklist

• All-Purpose Flour: A key ingredient that provides structure for the delicious crust.
• Rolled Oats: Adds a hearty texture and nutty flavor to the bar base.
• Granulated Sugar: Brings sweetness and helps create a golden brown crust.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the pie bar base.

• Unsalted Butter: Creates a rich, flaky texture in the crust and adds wonderful flavor.

• Cherry Pie Filling: Provides a sweet and tangy fruit layer that makes these bars irresistible.

• Powdered Sugar, Milk, Vanilla Extract: Creates a smooth, sweet drizzle that adds a delightful finishing touch to the bars.

Baking Cherry Pie Bars With Simple Steps

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Warm up the oven to 350°F.

Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and generously coat it with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Crumbly Crust Base

• All-purpose flour
• Rolled oats
• Granulated sugar
• Pinch of salt

Drop in cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to break down the butter until the mixture looks like rough sandy crumbs.

Step 3: Form Bottom Crust Layer

Press about two-thirds of the crumbly mixture firmly into the prepared baking dish, creating an even, compact foundation.

Step 4: Add Fruity Filling

Gently spread a generous layer of cherry pie filling across the entire crust surface, ensuring complete and uniform coverage.

Step 5: Sprinkle Remaining Crumbs

Scatter the leftover crumb mixture over the cherry filling, creating a rustic, textured topping.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes.

Watch for a beautiful golden-brown color developing on top.

Step 7: Create Sweet Glaze

Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until silky smooth.

Step 8: Finish and Serve

Once baked, remove from oven and immediately drizzle the glaze over the warm bars.

Allow to cool completely before slicing into delectable squares.

Cherry Pie Bars Recipe

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4.8 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Sweet summer memories shine through these cherry pie bars, blending nostalgic homestyle baking with elegant dessert simplicity. Rich buttery crust and tangy cherry filling create a perfect balance that invites you to savor each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 42 ounces (1.19 kg) cherry pie filling
• 1 cup (226 grams) unsalted butter
• 1.5 cups (180 grams) all-purpose flour

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 0.5 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
• 0.5 teaspoon salt

Glaze Ingredients:

• 1 cup (120 grams) powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) milk
• 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350F and prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish with a light coating of grease to prevent sticking.
2. Blend dry ingredients including flour, oats, sugar, and salt in a spacious mixing bowl, creating a uniform base mixture.
3. Incorporate cold butter chunks into the dry ingredients, using a pastry cutter or fingertips to create a crumbly texture resembling coarse sand.
4. Transfer approximately two-thirds of the crumbly mixture into the greased baking dish, firmly pressing to establish an even, compact crust layer.
5. Distribute cherry pie filling uniformly across the prepared crust, ensuring complete and consistent coverage.
6. Scatter the remaining crumb mixture over the cherry filling, creating a rustic, textured topping.
7. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes until the surface transforms into a rich, golden-brown color.
8. While the bars cool slightly, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until achieving a smooth, glossy glaze.
9. Delicately drizzle the prepared glaze across the warm bars, allowing it to settle into the crumbly surface.
10. Let the bars cool completely at room temperature before slicing into neat, square servings.

Notes

• Swap out cherry pie filling for fresh or frozen cherries to control sugar and add natural fruit flavor.
• Enhance the crust’s texture by toasting oats briefly in a skillet before mixing for a nuttier, richer taste.
• Make gluten-free by substituting regular flour with almond or oat flour, ensuring the same crumbly consistency.
• Reduce sweetness by using less sugar in the crust and choosing a low-sugar cherry pie filling or homemade fruit compote.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 270
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 120 mg
• Fat: 13 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg