Introduction
Cherry pie bars are a delightful and easy-to-make dessert that will satisfy any sweet tooth. With a buttery crust and a tangy cherry filling, these bars are the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply craving something sweet, cherry pie bars are sure to be a hit. In this article, we will explore the ingredients, steps, variations, tips, and FAQs for making these delicious bars.
Ingredients
To make cherry pie bars, you will need the following ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
– 1 can (21 ounces) cherry pie filling
– 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
– 1/2 cup powdered sugar
– 1 tablespoon milk
Steps
Follow these simple steps to make delicious cherry pie bars:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Reserve 1 1/2 cups of the crumb mixture and set it aside for the topping later.
4. Press the remaining crumb mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating an even layer.
5. In a separate bowl, mix together the cherry pie filling and almond extract. Spread the filling evenly over the crust.
6. Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture over the cherry filling, creating a crumbly topping.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
8. Allow the cherry pie bars to cool completely in the baking dish before cutting them into squares.
Variations
While the classic cherry pie bars are delicious on their own, you can also try some variations to add a unique twist to this dessert:
– Add a handful of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or almonds, to the crumb mixture for an added crunch.
– Drizzle a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk over the cooled bars for an extra touch of sweetness.
– Substitute the cherry pie filling with your favorite fruit filling, such as blueberry, raspberry, or apple.
– Experiment with different extracts, such as vanilla or lemon, to enhance the flavor of the bars.
Tips
Here are some tips to ensure your cherry pie bars turn out perfectly:
– Make sure the butter for the crust is cold and cubed. This will help create a flaky and buttery texture.
– If the cherry pie filling seems too thick, stir in a tablespoon or two of water to thin it out slightly.
– Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting them. This will make it easier to achieve clean and neat squares.
– Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Conclusion
Cherry pie bars are a delightful dessert that are both easy to make and incredibly delicious. With their buttery crust and tangy cherry filling, these bars are sure to satisfy your sweet cravings. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, these bars are a great choice for any occasion. So gather your ingredients and give this recipe a try – you won’t be disappointed!
FAQs
Q: Can I use a different type of pie filling?
A: Absolutely! While this recipe calls for cherry pie filling, you can easily substitute it with your favorite fruit filling.
Q: Can I freeze cherry pie bars?
A: Yes, you can freeze these bars for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container before freezing.
Q: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
A: Yes, you can use salted butter if that’s what you have on hand. Just keep in mind that the crust may turn out slightly saltier.
Q: Can I make these bars gluten-free?
A: Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these bars gluten-free. Just make sure to check that all the other ingredients are also gluten-free.
