Sweet Cherry Pie Bars

If you’re a fan of cherry pie but don’t want the hassle of making a traditional pie, these Sweet Cherry Pie Bars are here to save the day! With a buttery, flaky crust, sweet-tart cherry filling, and a crumbly topping, these bars are everything you love about cherry pie, but in the easiest and most portable form. Trust me—once you take a bite, you’ll be hooked! Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or just a little sweet treat on a lazy afternoon, these bars are a must-try.

Why You’ll Love Sweet Cherry Pie Bars

Simple & Easy:

No need to deal with rolling out pie dough—these bars are made with a simple crust that comes together quickly and is super easy to work with. Plus, they bake up in just about 30 minutes, so you’ll be enjoying them in no time!

Sweet & Tart Cherry Filling:

The star of these bars is the cherry filling. It’s sweet, tart, and bursting with flavor, with the perfect balance that’s not too sweet and not too sour. The fruitiness pairs wonderfully with the buttery crust and crumble.

Perfect for Sharing:

Whether you’re bringing them to a party or just sharing with friends and family at home, these cherry pie bars are the perfect treat to serve to a crowd. Everyone will be asking for the recipe!

Versatile:

While cherry is the classic flavor here, you can easily swap out the fruit for whatever you prefer. Blueberries, peaches, or even mixed berries would work just as well if you’re craving something different.

Ingredients in Sweet Cherry Pie Bars

Here’s what you’ll need for these sweet, tart, and oh-so-delicious bars:

For the Crust and Topping:

• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base for both the crust and crumble topping, giving it structure and texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens both the crust and topping, providing a touch of sweetness to balance the tart cherries.
• Butter: Adds richness and creates a wonderfully tender texture in both the crust and crumble topping.
• Egg: Binds everything together while adding a little richness.
• Baking Powder: Helps the crust and topping rise slightly to create the perfect texture.

For the Cherry Filling:

• Canned Cherry Pie Filling: The quick and easy way to get that sweet, tart filling without the hassle of pitting fresh cherries.
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken the filling, giving it that perfect pie-like consistency.
• Lemon Juice: Adds a bright, tangy flavor to balance the sweetness of the cherries.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Make the Crust

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and baking powder. Add the cold butter and cut it into the dry ingredients using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the egg and stir until the dough begins to come together. Press about 2/3 of the dough into the prepared baking dish to form the crust, and reserve the remaining dough for the topping.

Step 3: Prepare the Cherry Filling

In a separate bowl, combine the cherry pie filling with the cornstarch and lemon juice. Stir until everything is well incorporated. Spread the cherry filling evenly over the crust in the baking dish.

Step 4: Add the Crumble Topping

Take the reserved dough and crumble it evenly over the cherry filling. This will form the topping for the bars, giving them that delicious, buttery crumble.

Step 5: Bake the Bars

Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cherry filling is bubbly. Keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t overbake.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Once baked, remove the bars from the oven and let them cool in the baking dish for about 15 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cut into squares and serve!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 250
Total Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 45mg
Sodium: 150mg
Total Carbohydrate: 35g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 20g
Protein: 2g
Vitamin A: 8%
Vitamin C: 4%
Calcium: 2%
Iron: 4%

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes

How to Serve Sweet Cherry Pie Bars

With a Dusting of Powdered Sugar:

For an extra touch of sweetness, dust the bars with powdered sugar just before serving. This adds a little something special to the presentation!

Serve with Ice Cream:

These cherry pie bars pair perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The warm bars and cold ice cream create the perfect dessert combo!

On Their Own:

They’re sweet and buttery enough to be enjoyed on their own, making them the perfect grab-and-go treat when you’re craving something simple and satisfying.

Additional Tips

• Storage: Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week.
• Freezing: These bars freeze wonderfully. After they’ve cooled completely, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven for a fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.
• Fresh Cherries: If you have fresh cherries on hand, you can make your own cherry filling by simmering pitted cherries with sugar and cornstarch until thickened, just like a traditional pie filling.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen cherries instead of canned pie filling?
A1: Yes, you can use frozen cherries! Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before using, and cook them with sugar and cornstarch to create your own cherry filling.

Q2: Can I substitute the cornstarch with flour?
A2: Yes, you can use flour as a substitute, but the cornstarch will give a smoother, thicker consistency for the filling. If using flour, you might need to use a little more.

Q3: Can I make these bars ahead of time?
A3: Absolutely! These bars are great for making ahead of time. Just bake, let them cool completely, and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Q4: Can I add other fruits to the filling?
A4: Yes, you can swap out the cherries for other fruits like blueberries, strawberries, or raspberries, or even mix multiple fruits together!

Q5: How do I know when the bars are done baking?
A5: The top should be golden brown, and the cherry filling should be bubbling. You can also check the sides for any liquid to see if it’s fully set.

Q6: Can I make these bars gluten-free?
A6: Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour for a gluten-free version of these bars.

Q7: How can I make these bars less sweet?
A7: If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the amount of sugar in the crust and filling by 1-2 tablespoons. You can also use a sugar substitute for a lower-sugar option.

Q8: Can I use a different type of topping?
A8: If you want a more biscuit-like topping, you could try using a biscuit dough instead of the crumble topping for a different texture.

Q9: Can I make these bars in a larger baking dish?
A9: Yes, you can double the recipe and use a 9×13-inch baking dish, but you may need to adjust the baking time slightly. Keep an eye on them as they bake.

Q10: How do I store leftover bars?
A10: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They can also be refrigerated for up to a week.

Conclusion

These Sweet Cherry Pie Bars are a perfect dessert for any occasion. They combine the rich flavors of cherry pie with the ease of a bar, making them a crowd-pleasing treat that’s perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a cozy evening at home. They’re sweet, tart, buttery, and absolutely irresistible! Bake up a batch, and you’ll have a dessert that everyone will adore!

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