Cherry Pie Bars

There’s something incredibly nostalgic about Cherry Pie Bars. Growing up, my family had a tradition of baking together during the summer months, filling our home with sweet scents of fruit and buttery crust. Each time we made these delightful bars, it felt like a celebration, a way to gather around the kitchen and share not just food, but laughter and stories. The joy of biting into a sweet, tart cherry filling enveloped in a crunchy oat crust was unmatched. I remember the satisfaction of cutting them into squares, serving them on warm afternoons, and watching everyone’s eyes light up with delight. The best part? They’re perfect for picnics, barbecues, or just a fun treat at home. So, let’s dive into making these delicious Cherry Pie Bars together!

What’s In This Cherry Pie Bars

The ingredient list for Cherry Pie Bars is simple yet effective. Each component plays a vital role in crafting the perfect blend of flavor and texture. The key players here are the cherry pie filling, which brings that irresistible sweetness and tartness, and the butter that lends a rich, flaky crust. They mix seamlessly to create a dessert that not only tastes fantastic but also looks appealing when served. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need!

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour: This forms the base of the crust, providing structure and texture.
• 1 cup rolled oats: They give the topping a delightful crunch and hearty flavor.
• ½ cup granulated sugar: This adds sweetness to the crust and topping.
• ½ teaspoon salt: A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
• 1 cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed, 2 sticks): The key to a flaky crust; always use cold butter!
• 42 ounces cherry pie filling (2 (21-ounce) cans): The star of the show, bringing that luscious fruit flavor.
• 1 cup powdered sugar: For the delightful drizzle that finishes these bars off perfectly.
• 2 tablespoons milk: This helps thin out the glaze for drizzling.
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: A touch of warmth that enhances the overall flavor.

Putting Together Cherry Pie Bars

Creating Cherry Pie Bars is not only easy but also incredibly satisfying. You’ll enjoy the entire process from start to finish. Let’s get baking!

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the ideal temperature for baking the crust to a perfect golden brown. While the oven is warming up, grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, rolled oats, sugar, and salt. Mix them together until well combined, ensuring the dry ingredients are evenly distributed. This step is vital for a consistent flavor throughout.

3. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers. You want to achieve a texture that resembles coarse crumbs. This step is crucial as it creates that flaky layer for your crust. Don’t rush it; take your time to ensure the butter is well incorporated.

4. Press about two-thirds of the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared dish to form the crust. Make sure it’s evenly distributed and compact to avoid a crumbly base.

5. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes or until it just begins to turn golden. This initial baking allows the crust to set before adding the filling.

6. Once the crust is ready, remove it from the oven and spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the hot base. Make sure to cover it entirely to ensure every bite has that sweet cherry goodness.

7. Crumble the remaining oat mixture over the cherry filling. This topping will create a delicious crunch as it bakes, adding texture to your bars.

8. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 30 minutes, or until the topping is lightly browned and the filling is bubbly. Keep an eye on it—every oven behaves differently!

9. While the bars cool, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. This glaze will add a touch of sweetness and look beautiful drizzled on top.

10. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, use the edges of the parchment paper to lift the bars out of the pan, then cut into squares. This final step reveals the lovely layers of crust and filling!

Ways to Adapt This Recipe

If you’re looking to make some variations on Cherry Pie Bars, you’re in luck! There are so many creative ways to tweak this recipe to suit your taste.

• Storage: To keep your bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
• Freezing: You can freeze these bars! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. They’ll last up to three months in the freezer.
• Pairing: These bars are delicious with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top for extra indulgence.
• Flavor variations: Experiment with different fruit fillings, such as peach or mixed berries, to create new flavor profiles!
• Serving suggestions: Serve warm for a delightful treat or chilled for a refreshing dessert on a hot summer day.

Perfect Matches for Cherry Pie Bars

When it comes to enjoying Cherry Pie Bars, the possibilities for pairing are endless! Here are some great options:

• Enjoy with coffee: These bars make a wonderful afternoon treat alongside a warm cup of coffee or tea.
• Perfect for picnics: They are easy to pack and transport, making them a great dessert for summer outings.
• Pair with ice cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds creaminess and balances the sweetness of the cherries.
• Great for celebrations: These bars are perfect for birthdays, family gatherings, or holiday parties.
• Seasonal treats: Enjoy them at summer barbecues or as a cozy dessert during fall and winter.

FAQ

Conclusion

Cherry Pie Bars are not just a delicious dessert; they’re a sweet reminder of summer traditions and family gatherings. Their perfect combination of flaky crust and sweet cherry filling makes them a delightful treat that everyone will love. So why not give this recipe a try? It’s an easy way to bring a little sunshine to your kitchen!

Cherry Pie Bars

The ultimate comfort food, Cherry Pie Bars are a delightful blend of sweet cherries and buttery crumb topping. Perfect for any occasion, these easy-to-make bars will satisfy your sweet tooth and impress your guests. Don’t wait—try making them tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Servings: 12 servings

Course: Desserts

Cuisine: American

Calories: 220

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 cups All-Purpose Flour
• 1 cup Rolled Oats
• 0.5 cups Granulated Sugar
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 1 cup Unsalted Butter Cold and cubed, 2 sticks
• 42 ounces Cherry Pie Filling (2 (21-ounce) cans)
• 1 cup Powdered Sugar
• 2 tablespoons Milk
• 0.5 teaspoon Vanilla Extract

Equipment

• 9×13-inch Baking Pan

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish, or line it with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, rolled oats, sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Press about two-thirds of the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared dish to form the crust.
4. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until it just begins to turn golden.
5. Remove the crust from the oven and spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the hot crust.
6. Crumble the remaining oat mixture over the cherry filling.
7. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 30 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned and the filling is bubbly.
8. While the bars cool, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth.
9. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, use the edges of the parchment paper to lift the bars out of the pan, then cut into squares.

Notes

• Tip 1: Use cold butter: This helps create a crumbly, delicious crust.
• Tip 2: Line with parchment paper: It makes removing and cutting the bars much easier.
• Tip 3: Cool completely: Let the bars cool fully before glazing and cutting to avoid crumbling.
• Tip 4: Substitute fillings: Try using blueberry or apple pie filling for a different twist.

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Meet Brooke Davis

I’m all about cozy, comforting food made with fresh, local ingredients. I develop most of our weeknight dinners and heartier main dishes. My specialty is taking a classic comfort food and giving it a bright, California twist. We all cook and test together, but I’m usually the one in charge of the main event and making sure every recipe is perfect.