Overview of Cherry Pie Bars
Cherry Pie Bars are a delightful dessert that combines the flavors of a traditional cherry pie with the convenience of a handheld bar. These bars feature a buttery shortbread crust, a sweet and tart cherry pie filling, and an almond glaze drizzled on top. They are perfect for gatherings like backyard barbecues, picnics, or bake sales. The recipe is versatile and can be adapted to include other fruit fillings if desired.
Ingredients Needed
For the Bars:
- Granulated Sugar (1 ½ cups / 300g): Adds sweetness to the shortbread crust.
- Salted Butter (1 cup / 227g): Provides richness and helps create the soft texture of the crust.
- Eggs (2 large): Acts as a binder and contributes to the chewy texture.
- Vanilla Extract (2 teaspoons): Enhances flavor in the cookie base.
- All-Purpose Flour (3 cups / 423g): Forms the structure of the dough.
- Baking Powder (1 teaspoon): Helps with slight leavening for a tender crust.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
- Cherry Pie Filling (2 cans, 21 ounces each or 4 ½–5 cups homemade): The star ingredient providing tartness and sweetness.
For the Glaze:
- Powdered Sugar (1 cup): Creates a smooth, sweet drizzle.
- Milk (1 tablespoon): Thins out the glaze for easy drizzling.
- Almond Extract (½ teaspoon): Complements cherries with its nutty aroma.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal later.
Step 2: Prepare Dough
- Cream together softened butter and granulated sugar using a stand mixer or hand mixer until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
- Add eggs one at a time along with vanilla extract, scraping down sides of the bowl as needed.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients until just combined to form a soft dough.
Step 4: Form Crust
- Press about two-thirds of the dough evenly into your prepared baking dish to form the bottom crust.
- Par-bake this layer in your preheated oven for about 10–12 minutes until slightly set but not fully cooked.
Step 5: Add Cherry Filling
- Spread cherry pie filling evenly over the par-baked crust layer.
Step 6: Top with Remaining Dough
- Drop spoonfuls of remaining dough over the cherry filling layer, leaving some gaps so that cherries peek through.
Step 7: Bake
- Return to oven and bake for an additional 35–45 minutes until golden brown on top and set in the center.
Glazing & Serving
Step 8: Cool Completely
- Allow bars to cool completely in their pan before attempting to cut them into squares or rectangles; this ensures they hold their shape.
Step 9: Prepare Glaze
- Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract in a medium bowl until smooth.
Step 10: Drizzle & Serve
- Drizzle glaze over cooled bars in zigzag patterns or any design you prefer.
- Cut into squares or rectangles for serving.
Tips & Tricks
- If using fresh cherries instead of canned filling:
- Adjust sugar levels if using sweet cherries instead of tart ones by halving sugar in your homemade filling recipe.
- Ensure cherries are pitted before use!
- For gluten-free options:
- Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that has xanthan gum included for structure.
- Storage:
- Store at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate for up to one week in an airtight container.
- Freeze individual bars wrapped tightly in plastic wrap inside an airtight container for up to two months; thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Experimentation:
- Try swapping out cherry pie filling with blueberry, apple, or peach fillings for variety!
Top Three Authoritative Sources Used
- House of Nash Eats: A trusted food blog specializing in family-friendly recipes with detailed instructions and tips based on real-life testing by home cooks.
- King Arthur Baking Company: Renowned authority on baking techniques offering reliable advice on ingredient substitutions like gluten-free flours or alternative sugars.
- USDA National Nutrient Database: Provides accurate nutritional information about ingredients such as cherries, butter, sugar, etc., ensuring precise measurements when adapting recipes scientifically.
