I recently stumbled upon an amazing recipe for Cherry Bars, and let me tell you, they are absolutely delicious! These bars are bursting with sweet and tart flavors, making them the perfect treat for any taste buds. The buttery crust forms a fantastic base, which is then topped with a layer of juicy cherry filling. And the best part?
The crumbly streusel topping adds an irresistible texture that will have you coming back for seconds. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply want to indulge in a tasty treat, this Cherry Bars recipe is a must-try!
Ingredients Needed for This Recipe
For the Bars
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract
- 1 (21-ounce) can of cherry pie filling
For the Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract
- 2–3 tablespoons milk, half n half, or water (adjust based on desired consistency)
Instructions for Cherry Bars
- Before starting the baking process, warm the oven to a temperature of 350 degrees. Apply a coat of cooking spray or grease to a rectangular baking dish measuring 9 by 13 inches.
- Combine the flour, salt, baking soda, and baking powder in a medium-sized bowl by whisking them together. In a large bowl, use a handheld mixer on medium speed to blend the butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
- Lower the speed and gradually add the eggs, blending until well mixed. Incorporate the vanilla and almond extract, blending until the ingredients are fully combined. Combine the dry mixture with the wet mixture, mixing only until fully combined. Occasionally scrape down the bowl and beaters to ensure everything is well incorporated.
- Take all of the batter, except for one cup, and evenly spread it onto the pan using an offset spatula. Follow this step by spreading the cherry pie filling on top of the batter. Then, drop rounded tablespoons of the remaining batter onto the cherry pie filling.
- Cook in the oven for 30-35 minutes or until it turns a nice golden brown. Then, take the pan out of the oven and place it on a wire rack to allow it to cool completely. Let it cool for at least 1 hour, or even overnight.
- Mix the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, almond extract, and milk in a small bowl. Pour the mixture over the completely cooled bars.
Tips for Perfecting the Recipe
Quality Ingredients Matter: The foundation of a great dessert is the quality of its ingredients. Opt for high-quality, unsalted butter for a richer taste. When it comes to the cherry pie filling, if you have access to fresh cherries, making your filling can make a world of difference. However, a premium canned filling is a perfectly acceptable and convenient option.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before you start. This small step makes a big difference in the texture of your bars, ensuring your butter creams perfectly and your eggs incorporate seamlessly into the batter.
Mixing Technique: When combining your ingredients, be careful not to overmix once you’ve added the dry ingredients to the wet. Overmixing can lead to a denser, tougher bar. Mix just until the ingredients are combined for a tender, light texture.
Even Spreading: Achieving an even layer of dough in your pan and a uniform layer of cherry pie filling on top is crucial for consistent baking and texture. Use an offset spatula for spreading the dough and filling evenly across the pan.
Baking Time and Temperature: Oven temperatures can vary, so it’s important to know your oven. The bars should be golden brown on top and set in the middle. Start checking a few minutes before the recipe’s suggested baking time to prevent overbaking.
Cooling is Crucial: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before slicing. This patience pays off by giving you cleaner cuts and a fully set texture that’s just right for eating.
Serving Suggestions
A La Mode: Serve your Cherry Pie Bars warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. The contrast between the warm bars and the cold ice cream is a classic delight.
Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream on top of each bar adds a light, creamy texture that complements the dense, fruity bar.
Dusting of Powdered Sugar: For a simple yet elegant touch, dust a little powdered sugar over the bars right before serving. This works especially well if you’re serving them at room temperature or chilled.
Drizzle with Chocolate: A drizzle of melted chocolate over the top of the bars can add an extra layer of sweetness and make them even more irresistible.
Serve with Coffee or Tea: Cherry Pie Bars pair wonderfully with coffee or tea. Serve them as a mid-morning treat or as part of an afternoon tea spread.
Storage Tips
Cool Completely Before Storing: Ensure the bars are completely cool before you store them. This prevents condensation inside the container, which can make the bars soggy.
Refrigeration: For short-term storage, keep the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days. The cool temperature helps maintain their texture and flavor.
Freezing for Long-Term Storage: Cherry Pie Bars freeze exceptionally well. Place the cooled bars on a baking sheet to flash freeze them individually, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating: If you prefer your bars warm, gently reheat them in the microwave for a few seconds or in a 300°F oven until just warmed through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can dry them out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned cherry pie filling? Yes, you can use fresh cherries to make your filling. You’ll need to pit and cook them down with some sugar and a thickener like cornstarch to create a homemade cherry pie filling.
Can I substitute the cherry pie filling with another fruit? Absolutely! This recipe is versatile, and you can substitute the cherry pie filling with blueberry, apple, peach, or blackberry fillings. Each offers a unique flavor profile that can make this recipe feel new every time you bake it.
How do I know when the bars are done baking? The bars are done when they are golden brown on top and set in the middle. Inserting a toothpick into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Can I make these bars gluten-free? Yes, you can make Cherry Pie Bars gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Be sure to check that your other ingredients, such as the baking powder and pie filling, are also gluten-free.
How can I ensure my bars cut cleanly? For clean cuts, use a sharp knife and dip it in hot water between slices. Wiping the knife clean after each cut also helps. Make sure the bars are completely cooled, as recommended, before slicing.
Cherry Bars
INGREDIENTS
For the Bars
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¾ cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract
- 1 21-ounce can of cherry pie filling
For the Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract
- 2 –3 tablespoons milk half n half, or water (adjust based on desired consistency)
INSTRUCTIONS
- Before starting the baking process, warm the oven to a temperature of 350 degrees. Apply a coat of cooking spray or grease to a rectangular baking dish measuring 9 by 13 inches.
- Combine the flour, salt, baking soda, and baking powder in a medium-sized bowl by whisking them together. In a large bowl, use a handheld mixer on medium speed to blend the butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
- Lower the speed and gradually add the eggs, blending until well mixed. Incorporate the vanilla and almond extract, blending until the ingredients are fully combined. Combine the dry mixture with the wet mixture, mixing only until fully combined. Occasionally scrape down the bowl and beaters to ensure everything is well incorporated.
- Take all of the batter, except for one cup, and evenly spread it onto the pan using an offset spatula. Follow this step by spreading the cherry pie filling on top of the batter. Then, drop rounded tablespoons of the remaining batter onto the cherry pie filling.
- Cook in the oven for 30-35 minutes or until it turns a nice golden brown. Then, take the pan out of the oven and place it on a wire rack to allow it to cool completely. Let it cool for at least 1 hour, or even overnight.
- Mix the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, almond extract, and milk in a small bowl. Pour the mixture over the completely cooled bars.
