Sweet and Simple Cherry Pie Bars: A Deliciously Buttery, Crumbly Treat with a Sweet Almond Glaze

Introduction: The Sweet and Simple Cherry Pie Bars

When you think of a delicious dessert that’s easy to make, yet incredibly tasty, Cherry Pie Bars are a perfect choice. Imagine a buttery, crumbly crust, topped with a luscious cherry filling and a sweet almond glaze that will leave everyone asking for more. This Sweet and Simple Cherry Pie Bars recipe is sure to become your go-to for family gatherings, potlucks, or just a special treat to enjoy at home. The beauty of these bars lies in their simplicity, offering a comforting taste with every bite. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice, this recipe is foolproof, and the results are absolutely mouthwatering.

In this article, we’ll dive into the detailed recipe for Sweet and Simple Cherry Pie Bars, explore their origins, and offer helpful tips for making the most of this recipe. From the ingredients and step-by-step directions to variations and frequently asked questions (FAQs), everything you need to know is right here.

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What Are Sweet and Simple Cherry Pie Bars?

Sweet and Simple Cherry Pie Bars are an irresistible dessert made from a buttery, crumbly crust with a smooth and tart cherry filling. The topping is finished off with a delightful almond glaze, creating a balanced combination of textures and flavors. The best part? They are incredibly simple to make and require no fancy techniques, which is why they’re a favorite for casual baking and special occasions alike.

What sets these bars apart from a traditional cherry pie is the easy-to-handle crust that is spread over the pan, topped with canned cherry pie filling, and drizzled with a sweet glaze. These bars are perfect for serving at parties, holiday gatherings, or as an everyday dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth.

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The Origin of Cherry Pie Bars

While the exact origins of Cherry Pie Bars are not well-documented, it’s believed that they evolved as a simplified version of the classic cherry pie—one of the most beloved American desserts. Cherry pie itself dates back to colonial times, where it was a staple in American kitchens, with fresh cherries often used in the filling. Over time, as cooking techniques became simpler and people began looking for easier ways to enjoy their favorite flavors, pie bars became popular. The bar format allowed for a more portable, easy-to-serve dessert, making it a hit at potlucks, bake sales, and family events.

The addition of an almond glaze in these bars is a nod to the growing trend of incorporating almond extract into baked goods, which gives a nutty, sweet aroma that pairs beautifully with the tartness of the cherries.

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Ingredients for Sweet and Simple Cherry Pie Bars

Before we dive into the instructions, here’s everything you need to gather to make these scrumptious bars. These ingredients are simple and straightforward, yet the final result is nothing short of spectacular.

For the Crust:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon almond extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt

For the Filling:

• 2 cans (21 oz each) cherry pie filling

And for the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon almond extract
• 2 tablespoons milk

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Step-by-Step Directions for Cherry Pie Bars

Now that you have your ingredients, it’s time to get baking! Follow these simple instructions, and you’ll have delicious cherry pie bars in no time.

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

• Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease a 15x10x1-inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray to ensure your bars don’t stick.

2. Cream the Butter and Sugar

• In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This will take about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.

3. Add Eggs and Extracts

• Add the eggs, one at a time, to the butter and sugar mixture. Beat well after each addition.
• Then, add the vanilla extract and almond extract, and continue to mix until everything is fully incorporated.

4. Mix the Dry Ingredients

• In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
• Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, combining until a dough-like batter forms.

5. Assemble the Bars

• Spread about 3 cups of the batter evenly over the bottom of the greased pan.
• Spoon the cherry pie filling evenly over the batter, covering the surface.
• Drop spoonfuls of the remaining batter on top of the cherry filling. Don’t worry about covering every spot; it’s fine if some of the cherry filling peeks through.

6. Bake

• Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Once done, remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely on a wire rack.

7. Prepare the Glaze

• While the bars are cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, almond extract, and milk in a small bowl until smooth and lump-free.

8. Drizzle the Glaze

• Once the bars have cooled completely, drizzle the sweet almond glaze generously over the top of the bars.
• Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before cutting the bars into squares.

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Variations of Cherry Pie Bars

Although the classic recipe is absolutely delicious, there are plenty of fun variations you can try. Here are a few ideas to change things up:

1. Berry Pie Bars: Substitute the cherry pie filling with blueberry or raspberry pie filling for a different fruity twist.
2. Cream Cheese Filling: Spread a cream cheese layer on top of the crust before adding the cherry filling for a rich, creamy texture.
3. Nutty Topping: Add a handful of chopped almonds or walnuts to the top of the batter before baking to give these bars a crunchy texture.
4. Lemon Glaze: Instead of the almond glaze, try a tangy lemon glaze by swapping the almond extract for lemon juice and zest.
5. Chocolate Drizzle: If you’re a chocolate lover, drizzle a bit of melted chocolate over the top of the cooled bars for a decadent finish.

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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Can I make these Cherry Pie Bars ahead of time?

Yes! These bars can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature, or up to 1 week in the refrigerator. The glaze may soften a bit, but the flavor will remain just as delicious.

Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned pie filling?

While fresh cherries are certainly delicious, they require a bit more work. You’ll need to cook them down with sugar and thickening agents to create a proper filling. The canned cherry pie filling is a great shortcut and ensures the bars have a consistent texture.

Can I freeze Cherry Pie Bars?

Yes! These bars freeze beautifully. Once completely cooled, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. To serve, thaw at room temperature or warm them up in the oven.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

If you only have salted butter on hand, you can use it. Just reduce the amount of added salt in the crust to ½ teaspoon to prevent the bars from being too salty.

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Conclusion: The Ultimate Dessert for Any Occasion

These Sweet and Simple Cherry Pie Bars are the epitome of comfort food, combining a buttery crust, sweet cherry filling, and an almond glaze that elevates the entire dessert. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, a family gathering, or simply indulging in a homemade treat, these bars are sure to impress everyone with their simplicity and flavor.

The recipe is easy to follow and customizable, allowing you to experiment with different fillings or toppings based on your preferences. With a minimal amount of effort, you’ll be able to create a dessert that looks and tastes like it came from a professional bakery.

So go ahead and treat yourself, your family, and your friends to these delightful cherry pie bars. You’ll be glad you did!

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