Cherry Pie Bars are a simple yet delicious dessert featuring a buttery, crumbly crust and a homemade cherry pie filling. These bars offer the perfect way to enjoy the taste of cherry pie without the hassle of rolling out pie dough. Whether you use homemade or store-bought cherry pie filling, these bars will satisfy any cherry lover’s cravings!
Ingredients
- Butter: Use unsalted butter that has been melted and cooled slightly before mixing it with the sugar. This ensures a smooth blend.
- Cherry Pie Filling: While homemade cherry pie filling gives these bars a rich, fresh flavor, you can also use a 21-ounce can of store-bought pie filling if needed. Store-bought will make the bars a bit sweeter and will have a brighter red color.
Can I Use a Different Kind of Pie Filling?
Absolutely! If cherry isn’t your favorite, you can easily swap it for another pie filling such as apple, peach, blueberry, or any fruit you prefer. The base recipe remains the same, so feel free to experiment with flavors.
Can I Use a Different Pan Size?
Yes, you can adjust the pan size. While the recipe is designed for an 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) baking dish, you can also use a 9×9-inch (23×23 cm) pan for slightly thinner bars. A 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) pan will yield even thinner bars.
How to Store Cherry Pie Bars
Once baked, allow the bars to cool completely before storing them. Place them in an airtight container at room temperature, where they will last for 3-4 days.
Can I Freeze Cherry Pie Bars?
Yes, these bars freeze well! After they have cooled, cut them into portions and layer them between parchment or wax paper in a freezer-safe container. Store them for up to three months. Note that the crumbly texture may soften slightly after thawing.
Ingredients
- ½ cup (1 stick / 115 g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled to room temperature
- ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 1½ cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 cups (510 g) cherry pie filling
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line an 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, making sure it comes up the sides of the dish for easy removal.
- Prepare the Crumb Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and sugar, stirring to mix thoroughly.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Add the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and kosher salt. Use a fork to stir the mixture together until it forms a crumbly texture.
- Set Aside Topping: Remove about ¾ cup of the crumb mixture to use as the topping later. Set this aside.
- Form the Crust: Firmly press the remaining crumb mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust.
- Add the Filling: Spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the crust layer.
- Add the Topping: Using your hands, crumble the reserved topping mixture evenly over the cherry pie filling.
- Bake: Bake the bars in the preheated oven for 23-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
- Cool and Serve: Let the bars cool completely before cutting into squares. Serve and enjoy!
These Cherry Pie Bars are a delightful, easy-to-make dessert that will satisfy any sweet tooth.
