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Friends, let me take you back to the warm afternoons of my childhood, where the air was sweet with the blooming cherry blossoms, and the kitchen was filled with the rich, buttery scent of freshly baked treats. It was during one such lovely afternoon that I stumbled upon this delightful recipe for Easy Cherry Pie Bars. I remember the golden crust hugging those luscious cherry filling layers, and oh, the way the almond and vanilla danced together—heavenly! I often made these with my grandmother, who had a knack for turning simple ingredients into mouth-watering desserts. After one taste, you’ll be saying, “Where have you been all my life?” I promise, your kitchen will soon be bathed in that warm, cozy nostalgia, bringing smiles with every sweet bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy bakers, you can whip these up in no time at all!
- Flavorful Comfort: The combination of cherries, almond, and vanilla creates a mouthwatering symphony.
- Crowd-Pleasing: They’re perfect for parties or family gatherings; everyone will ask for seconds!
- Nostalgic Vibes: Each bite takes you back to simpler times, evoking memories of family and fun.
- Delightfully Versatile: You can easily customize them to suit your taste.
Ingredients
- 1 cup softened butter: Adds richness and a tender crumb to your bars. Don’t forget to let it sit at room temperature for that dreamy texture!
- 1 cup sugar: Sweetness is key! This balances the tartness of the cherries beautifully.
- 2 large eggs, room temp: Eggs help bind everything together. Bring them to room temperature for fluffiness!
- 1 tsp almond extract: Ah, that lovely aroma! It brings a delightful warmth to the dessert.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Because what’s a dessert without that heavenly vanilla note?
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The body of your bars—ensure it’s properly measured for the perfect thickness.
- ½ tsp salt: A pinch to enhance all the scrumptious flavors.
- 1 (21 oz) can premium cherry pie filling: This makes it easy and delicious. Look for quality to enjoy every juicy bite!
- For glaze:
- 1 cup confectioners’ sugar: Makes everything sweet and lovely on top.
- 1 tsp almond extract: Ties back to that joyful flavor throughout!
- ½ tsp vanilla: Complementing the almond, because why not?
- Milk, as needed: Just the right amount for a drizzle-worthy consistency.
Full recipe card is below.
How to Make It
Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Imagine that gentle warmth filling your kitchen, ready to envelop your cherry bars in a cozy hug.
Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s pale in color and absolutely dreamy to the touch.
Add Eggs and Extracts
Add in the eggs, almond extract, and vanilla extract, mixing well until everything is harmoniously combined. Oh, the delightful scent wafting from your bowl already!
Mix in Flour and Salt
Next, gently stir in the flour and salt. This dough will become your canvas, perfectly crumbly and easy to work with.
Press Half the Dough in Pan
Take half of your dough and press it evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch pan. With your fingers, you’re crafting a sturdy base that will cradle the cherries.
Spread Cherry Filling
Now, spread the luscious cherry pie filling evenly over the dough. Take a moment to savor the vibrant color and sweet aroma—your dessert is coming to life!
Dollop Remaining Dough on Top
Using your fingers or a spoon, dollop the remaining dough over the cherry filling. It doesn’t have to look perfect; a little rustic charm goes a long way!
Bake
Bake for 35–40 minutes or until golden brown. As it bakes, your kitchen will fill with that comforting aroma, and you may find it hard not to sneak a taste!
Cool
Once baked, let the pan cool on a wire rack. This is the hardest part—waiting for that first bite!
Drizzle Glaze and Serve
Finally, combine your confectioners’ sugar, almond extract, vanilla, and milk for your glaze, adjusting with milk for your desired consistency. Drizzle it over the cooled cherry bars and slice into squares. Serve and watch smiles bloom!
Pro Tips for Success
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Always use room temp eggs and butter for a smoother batter.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix until just combined to keep your bars tender.
- Quality Cherries: Invest in a good cherry pie filling; it makes all the difference!
- Perfectly Cool: Let your bars cool completely before slicing for cleaner cuts.
Flavor Variations
- Mixed Berry Filling: Swap cherries for a mix of blueberries and raspberries for a summer twist.
- Cinnamon Spice: Add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the dough for a warm, cozy flavor.
- Nutty Delight: Stir in some chopped nuts for a little crunchy surprise.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these delightful cherry pie bars warm or at room temperature. Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for that extra indulgence! Perhaps an almond latte or a refreshing lemonade will complement the flavors beautifully. On a lovely plate, they look so inviting!
Make-Ahead & Storage
These bars are perfect for making ahead of time. Just prepare them the night before and let them cool, covered, on your counter. They’ll stay delicious for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container.
Leftovers
Turn any leftover bars into a delightful breakfast treat! Crumble them over yogurt or serve them with a morning cup of coffee for a sweet pick-me-up.
Freezing
Yes, these bars can absolutely be frozen! Wrap them tightly in plastic and then in foil. Thaw them in the fridge for a day before enjoying—like welcoming back an old friend!
Reheating
To reheat, simply pop a bar in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. They’ll taste just as delightful as fresh-baked!
FAQs
What can I substitute for cherry pie filling?
You can use any fruit filling, like blueberry or apple, or even homemade fruit compote!
Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap out the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
How can I make these bars vegan?
Replace the butter with vegan butter or coconut oil, and use flax eggs for a dairy-free alternative.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the bars a day in advance. They stay delightful in an airtight container!
Final Thoughts
As we wrap up this sweet adventure, I hope you feel inspired to bring a bit of joy and nostalgia into your kitchen with these Easy Cherry Pie Bars. There’s nothing quite like sharing a homemade treat with loved ones or enjoying a piece all to yourself with a cozy cup of tea. Remember, it’s not just about the food—it’s about the moments, the laughter, and the memories we create together. Happy baking, my friends! ✨
Easy Cherry Pie Bars
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add in the eggs, almond extract, and vanilla extract, mixing well until combined.
- Gently stir in the flour and salt to create the dough.
- Press half of the dough evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch pan.
- Spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the dough.
- Dollop the remaining dough over the cherry filling.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes or until golden brown.
- Allow to cool on a wire rack before adding glaze.
- For the glaze, combine confectioners’ sugar, almond extract, vanilla, and milk to desired consistency. Drizzle over the cooled bars and slice into squares.
