Description
Cherry Pie Bars
Ingredients:
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
Instructions:
1.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2.
In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3.
Add cold butter and cut it into the dry ingredients until crumbly. Reserve 1 cup of the mixture for topping.
4.
Add egg and vanilla extract to the remaining mixture, mixing until combined.
5.
Press the dough into the prepared baking dish to form the bottom crust.
6.
Spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the crust.
7.
Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture over the cherries.
8.
Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until golden brown.
9.
Allow to cool completely before cutting into bars.
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Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed steps for perfect Cherry Pie Bars every time. First, ensure your butter is very cold; this is crucial for a flaky, crumbly texture. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and thoroughly grease your 9×13-inch baking dish. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 2 ½ cups of flour, 1 ¼ cups sugar, baking powder, and salt. Using a pastry cutter, two forks, or your fingertips, cut the cold, cubed butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces. Carefully measure out 1 cup of this crumb mixture and set it aside in a small bowl for the topping.
To the remaining crumbs in the large bowl, add the egg and vanilla extract. Stir with a fork until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Transfer this dough to your prepared pan. Using lightly floured fingers or the bottom of a measuring cup, press the dough firmly and evenly into the bottom of the pan to create a uniform crust layer. Next, spread the entire can of cherry pie filling evenly over the crust, leaving a small border around the edges. Finally, sprinkle the reserved 1 cup of crumb mixture evenly over the cherry layer.
Serving Suggestions
These bars are delightful on their own but can be elevated for any occasion. For a classic dessert, serve a bar slightly warmed with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. For a brunch or picnic, cut them into smaller, bite-sized squares for easy sharing. A dusting of powdered sugar just before serving adds a beautiful, finished look. Pair with a cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk for the ultimate treat.
How-to Summary
To summarize: Make a crumb mixture with flour, sugar, and cold butter. Reserve 1 cup for topping. Mix egg and vanilla into the rest to form a dough. Press dough into a pan as a crust. Top with cherry pie filling and the reserved crumbs. Bake at 350°F for 45-50 minutes until golden. Cool completely before slicing into bars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use homemade cherry pie filling?
Absolutely! Using homemade filling allows you to control the sweetness and thickness. Just ensure it’s cooled before spreading over the crust.
Can I use frozen cherries?
Yes, but thaw and drain them thoroughly to avoid a soggy crust. You may need to cook them with a bit of sugar and cornstarch to create a thickened filling.
How should I store these bars?
Store cooled bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Why is my bottom crust soggy?
This usually happens if the bars are cut before being completely cooled. The filling needs time to set. Ensure they are cooled to room temperature, or even chilled, before slicing.
Can I use a different pie filling?
Yes, this recipe is versatile. Apple, blueberry, or peach pie filling all work wonderfully as substitutes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using softened butter: This will create a greasy, dense base instead of a tender, crumbly one. Butter must be cold.
- Skipping the cooling step: Cutting into warm bars will cause them to fall apart. Patience is key for clean slices.
- Not pressing the crust firmly: An uneven or loosely pressed crust can become crumbly and not hold together well.
- Over-baking: The bars are done when the topping is golden brown. Over-baking can dry out the crust.
Conclusion
These Cherry Pie Bars capture all the beloved flavor of a classic cherry pie in a simple, portable form. With a buttery crust, sweet-tart cherry filling, and a delightful crumb topping, they are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any event. By following the step-by-step guide and heeding the common mistakes, you can bake a perfect batch with ease. Enjoy this delicious, fuss-free dessert that brings the joy of pie without the hassle.