Introduction
Cherry pie bars are a delicious and easy-to-make dessert that combines the sweet and tart flavors of cherries with a buttery crust. These bars are the perfect treat for any occasion, from picnics to potlucks. With their vibrant color and irresistible taste, cherry pie bars are sure to be a hit with family and friends.
Ingredients
To make cherry pie bars, you will need the following ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
– 1 can (21 ounces) cherry pie filling
– 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
– Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Steps
Follow these simple steps to make delicious cherry pie bars:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Reserve 1 1/2 cups of the crumb mixture for the topping. Press the remaining mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust.
4. In a separate bowl, mix together the cherry pie filling and almond extract. Spread the filling evenly over the crust in the baking dish.
5. Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture over the cherry filling, covering it completely.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. Allow the cherry pie bars to cool completely before cutting into squares.
7. If desired, dust the bars with powdered sugar before serving.
Variations
There are endless possibilities for customizing your cherry pie bars. Here are a few variations you can try:
– Add a handful of chopped nuts, such as almonds or walnuts, to the crumb mixture for extra crunch.
– Substitute the almond extract with vanilla extract or lemon zest for a different flavor profile.
– Use a different pie filling, such as blueberry or apple, for a twist on the classic cherry pie bars.
– Drizzle a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk over the cooled bars for a touch of sweetness.
Tips
Follow these tips to ensure your cherry pie bars turn out perfect every time:
– Make sure the butter for the crust is cold. This will help create a flaky and tender crust.
– Press the crust mixture firmly into the baking dish to ensure it holds together when cut into bars.
– Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting. This will make it easier to remove them from the baking dish and prevent them from crumbling.
– If you prefer a sweeter filling, you can add a tablespoon or two of granulated sugar to the cherry pie filling.
Conclusion
Cherry pie bars are a delightful dessert that brings together the flavors of cherries and a buttery crust. Whether you’re enjoying them at a family gathering or treating yourself to a sweet indulgence, these bars are sure to satisfy your cravings. With their simple preparation and delicious taste, cherry pie bars are a must-try recipe for any dessert lover.
FAQs
Q: Can I use homemade cherry pie filling for this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Homemade cherry pie filling will work just as well and can add an extra layer of flavor to your bars.
Q: Can I freeze cherry pie bars?
A: Yes, you can freeze cherry pie bars. Simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container before freezing. Thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.
Q: How long will cherry pie bars stay fresh?
A: When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, cherry pie bars will stay fresh for up to 3 days. If refrigerated, they can last up to 5 days.
Q: Can I use a different type of fruit filling?
A: Absolutely! While cherry pie filling is traditional, you can use any fruit filling you prefer, such as blueberry, apple, or raspberry.
