Cherry Pie Bars

introduction

Cherry Pie Bars are a delightful treat that combines the sweet and tart flavors of cherries with a buttery crust. They are easy to make and perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a gathering or just treating yourself.

why make this recipe

These Cherry Pie Bars are not only delicious but also simple to prepare. They are a great way to enjoy the taste of cherry pie without the fuss of making a traditional pie. Plus, they are portable, making them great for picnics, potlucks, or lunch boxes!

how to make Cherry Pie Bars

Ingredients :

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups fresh or canned cherries, pitted and chopped
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Directions :

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then mix in the vanilla extract.
  4. In another bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients until combined.
  5. Reserve 1 cup of the dough for the topping, and press the remaining dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
  6. In a small bowl, mix the chopped cherries with cornstarch and lemon juice, then spread the cherry mixture evenly over the crust.
  7. Crumble the reserved dough over the cherry layer.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
  9. Allow to cool in the pan before cutting into bars and serving.

how to serve Cherry Pie Bars

Serve Cherry Pie Bars at room temperature or slightly warm. They go wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top!

how to store Cherry Pie Bars

Store Cherry Pie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, place them in the refrigerator for up to a week.

tips to make Cherry Pie Bars

  • Make sure your butter is softened for easier mixing.
  • Don’t skip the step of reserving some dough for the topping; it adds a nice texture.
  • Feel free to adjust the sugar based on how sweet your cherries are.

variation

You can try adding a sprinkle of cinnamon to the cherry filling for a warm flavor, or swap the cherries for blueberries or peaches for a different fruity treat.

FAQs

  1. Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?
    Yes, you can use frozen cherries. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before mixing with the other ingredients.

  2. Can I make these bars ahead of time?
    Absolutely! You can make Cherry Pie Bars a day or two in advance. Just store them properly.

  3. What can I substitute for eggs in this recipe?
    For each egg, you can use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) as a substitute.

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