Cherry Pie Bars: Easy & Magical Dessert Recipe 🍒✨🥧

1. Introduction

If you’re searching for an irresistibly delicious and effortless dessert, look no further than these cherry pie bars. This easy cherry pie bars recipe combines the sweetness of fresh cherries with a flaky crust to create a magical dessert recipe suitable for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer picnic or craving a comforting treat, these simple cherry bars are guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth. Not only are they quick to make, but their vibrant cherry filling and buttery crust make for a visually stunning dessert that everyone will love.

2. Ingredients for Perfect Cherry Pie Bars

2 ½ cups (310g) all-purpose flour
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling

For an extra touch, consider adding a sprinkle of almond extract or crushed graham crackers for texture. These ingredients come together to form the perfect base for your easy cherry pie bars.

3. Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Stunning Cherry Pie Bars

Preparing the crust

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Reserve about 1 cup of this mixture for topping.

Creating the base

Press the remaining crust mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 15 minutes or until lightly golden. This forms the sturdy base for your magical dessert recipe.

Adding cherry filling

Spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the baked crust. For a richer flavor, you can mix in fresh cherries or a hint of almond extract.

Adding the crumble topping

Sprinkle the reserved flour mixture over the cherry filling. Gently press down to ensure it adheres well. This classic topping gives the easy cherry pie bars that irresistible crunch.

Baking the cherry bars

Bake in the preheated oven for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown. Let the bars cool completely before slicing for clean cuts.

4. Storage Tips for Maximum Freshness

Store your simple cherry bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you’d like to keep them longer, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. For best results, thaw at room temperature or gently reheat in the microwave to enjoy that fresh-baked taste.

5. Serving Suggestions for Cherry Pie Bars

These magical dessert recipes are perfect as a stand-alone treat or paired with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For an extra touch, sprinkle some powdered sugar on top before serving. They also make a great addition to brunch tables or holiday dessert spreads. Try serving with a hot cup of coffee or a refreshing glass of milk for a delightful experience.

6. Why Choose These Easy Cherry Pie Bars?

Quick and straightforward to prepare
Uses simple pantry ingredients
Versatile for various occasions
Visually appealing and deliciously satisfying

Explore more sweet snack ideas and cookie recipes that can complement your dessert menu. These easy cherry pie bars are truly a dessert favorite for all ages.

7. Frequently Asked Questions about Cherry Pie Bars

Q: Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned pie filling?

A: Yes, you can substitute fresh cherries, but you’ll need to cook and sweeten them beforehand to achieve that luscious filling consistency.

Q: Can I make these bars vegan?

A: Absolutely! Swap the butter with a dairy-free alternative and use flaxseed or chia seeds mixed with water as an egg replacement.

Q: How do I prevent the bars from sticking?

A: Greasing your baking dish well and allowing the bars to cool completely before slicing will help maintain clean cuts and ease of serving.

8. Discover More Delicious Recipes

Love this magical dessert recipe? Be sure to check out some other favorite treats like the quick creamy chicken Alfredo or the cinnamon roll French toast bites for savory and sweet options. For inspiration on baking, explore the Harry Potter cookbook with magical recipes to delight the whole family.

9. Conclusion

In summary, these cherry pie bars offer an unforgettable combination of flavors with minimal effort. Perfect for gatherings, family desserts, or simple indulgence, this easy cherry pie bars recipe is sure to become a regular in your baking repertoire. With their vibrant cherry filling and crumbly topping, they deliver a truly magical dessert experience that everyone will love. Happy baking!