Cherry Pie Bars combine the beloved flavors of a traditional cherry pie with the convenience of a bar cookie. With a buttery crust, sweet cherry filling, and a crumbly topping, they’re a perfect dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, a family reunion, or a casual picnic, Cherry Pie Bars are sure to be a hit. In this article, we’ll dive into the recipe, variations, storage tips, and more.

What Are Cherry Pie Bars?

Cherry Pie Bars are essentially a cherry pie in bar form. They feature a buttery, slightly sweet crust topped with cherry pie filling and a crunchy, crumbled topping. The beauty of these bars is that they maintain the delicious flavors of a traditional cherry pie but are more portable and easier to serve in small, individual portions.

The popularity of pie bars has grown over the years, especially for people looking for dessert options that are easy to cut and serve. These cherry pie bars have the perfect balance of sweet and tart, making them a beloved treat.

For a step-by-step guide on creating the best cherry pie filling, visit this detailed recipe and elevate your bars with fresh, homemade filling.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Cherry Pie Bars

To create these delicious cherry pie bars, you don’t need many ingredients, and most of them are pantry staples. Here’s a detailed list of what you’ll need:

Butter: Provides the rich, flaky texture for both the crust and topping.
Sugar: Adds sweetness to the crust and crumble topping.
Eggs: Essential for binding the crust and topping together.
Flour: Used for both the crust and crumble topping.
Cherry Pie Filling: You can use canned cherry pie filling or opt for a homemade version. For a homemade option, you can follow a detailed recipe here to make sure your filling is fresh and perfectly sweetened.
Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and richness to the flavor.
Optional Add-ins: To customize your cherry pie bars, you can add a touch of almond extract or cinnamon to the topping. Nuts like walnuts or pecans can add texture and crunch to the crumble topping.

Tools Needed:

9×13-inch baking dish
Hand mixer or stand mixer
Mixing bowls
Measuring cups and spoons
Cooling rack

This basic ingredient list is versatile, so feel free to tweak the recipe based on dietary preferences or personal taste.

How to Make Cherry Pie Bars

Making these cherry pie bars is simpler than it sounds. The recipe involves three main components: the crust, the cherry filling, and the crumble topping. Here’s how you can assemble them:

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Mix the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and butter. Use a hand mixer or pastry cutter to blend the ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Add the eggs: Incorporate one egg into the dough mixture to help bind the crust together.
Press into the pan: Press the dough mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan, spreading it evenly across the bottom. Use your fingers to press it down firmly.
Pre-bake the crust: Bake the crust at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This pre-baking ensures the crust stays firm when the cherry filling is added.

Step 2: Add the Cherry Pie Filling

Once the crust is pre-baked, it’s time to add the filling. If you’re using canned cherry pie filling, simply open the can and spread the filling evenly over the baked crust. If you want to make your own cherry pie filling from scratch, follow this recipe for a fresh, homemade touch.

Tip: If using fresh cherries, make sure to cook them down with sugar and cornstarch to form a thick syrup before adding them to your bars.

Step 3: Make the Crumble Topping

Mix the topping ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the remaining butter, flour, sugar, and a pinch of salt to create a crumble mixture.
Top the bars: Evenly scatter the crumble mixture over the cherry filling. Make sure the crumble is spread across the surface to create a crispy, golden topping.
Bake the bars: Return the pan to the oven and bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes. The topping should be golden brown and the cherry filling bubbly.
Cool and slice: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing them into squares. This ensures the bars hold together and are easier to serve.

Flavor Variations and Enhancements

While the classic cherry pie bars are delicious on their own, there are many ways to customize them to suit your taste. Here are a few flavor variations to try:

Mixed Berry Pie Bars

Ingredients: Use a combination of blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries to replace the cherry filling. These mixed berries offer a refreshing twist while still keeping the flavor profile sweet and tangy.

Spiced Cherry Pie Bars

Add-ins: Stir in a teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of cardamom to the crumble topping. These spices add warmth and depth to the flavor, making the bars perfect for fall or winter.

Coconut Cherry Pie Bars

Variation: Add shredded coconut to the topping or the crust for a tropical flair. The coconut’s slight sweetness pairs wonderfully with the tart cherries.

Nutty Cherry Pie Bars

Enhancement: Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans into the crumble topping for added texture and crunch. These nuts also bring a rich, slightly savory flavor that balances out the sweetness of the cherries.

FAQs About Cherry Pie Bars

Can I use fresh cherries instead of pie filling?

Yes, fresh cherries can be substituted for pie filling. However, fresh cherries contain more water, so you’ll need to cook them down with sugar and cornstarch until they form a thick, syrupy consistency. This will help prevent the bars from becoming too runny.

How do I store leftover cherry pie bars?

After enjoying your cherry pie bars, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week.

Can I freeze cherry pie bars?

Yes! To freeze, allow the bars to cool completely and slice them into squares. Wrap each square in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container. They will keep well in the freezer for up to two months.

What can I substitute for butter in the recipe?

If you’re looking for a dairy-free or vegan alternative, you can substitute butter with coconut oil or a plant-based butter substitute. This will maintain the richness of the crust and topping while keeping the recipe dairy-free.

How do I prevent the crust from becoming soggy?

To prevent a soggy crust, make sure to pre-bake it for 10-12 minutes before adding the cherry filling. The crust will set and firm up, creating a barrier that keeps the filling from soaking into the crust.

Nutritional Information for Cherry Pie Bars

Cherry Pie Bars are a delightful treat, but like most desserts, they can be a bit indulgent. Here’s a general breakdown of the nutritional content for one serving, assuming you cut the bars into 12 pieces from a 9×13-inch pan.

Per Serving (1 Bar):

Calories: 250–300 kcal
Total Fat: 12–15 grams
- Saturated Fat: 7–9 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
Cholesterol: 30–40 milligrams
Sodium: 90–120 milligrams
Total Carbohydrates: 35–40 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 1–2 grams
- Sugars: 20–25 grams
Protein: 2–3 grams
Vitamins and Minerals:
- Vitamin A: 5–8% of the Daily Value (DV)
- Calcium: 2–4% of the DV
- Iron: 4–6% of the DV

Key Nutritional Considerations:

High in Sugar: Due to the sweet cherry pie filling and added sugar in the crust, these bars are relatively high in sugar. Consider using a lower-sugar cherry pie filling or sugar substitutes to reduce the sugar content if desired.
High in Fat: These bars contain a decent amount of fat, primarily from butter. You can opt for unsalted butter or substitute with coconut oil or a plant-based butter if you’re aiming for a dairy-free version.
Moderate Protein: While not a significant source of protein, the small amount of eggs and flour in the crust and topping provides a modest amount of protein.

Modifications for Healthier Options:

If you want to reduce the calorie count or make a healthier version, consider these substitutions:

Whole Wheat Flour: Swap out white flour for whole wheat flour for a higher fiber option.
Reduce Sugar: Use a sugar substitute or reduce the sugar in the crust and topping to make it less sweet.
Plant-Based Butter: Use vegan butter or coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
Lower Sugar Pie Filling: Choose sugar-free or reduced-sugar cherry pie filling for fewer calories and sugar.

Conclusion

Cherry Pie Bars are the perfect dessert for anyone who loves the classic flavors of cherry pie but prefers a more convenient and portable option. With a buttery, slightly sweet crust, a thick layer of tart cherry filling, and a crumbly topping, these bars offer all the goodness of a traditional pie but in a bar form that’s easy to slice and serve.

Whether you choose to stick with the classic cherry flavor or experiment with variations like mixed berries, coconut, or spices, there are countless ways to make these bars your own. They are versatile enough to serve at family gatherings, picnics, or even as an everyday treat. With their combination of rich flavor and easy preparation, Cherry Pie Bars are sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.

Cherry Pie Bars

Author: iyma hernandes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Cherry Pie Bars combine the flavors of a traditional cherry pie with the convenience of a bar cookie. With a buttery crust, sweet cherry filling, and a crumbly topping, they’re perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup butter, softened
2 cups sugar
4 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
3 cups flour
1 tsp salt
1 can cherry pie filling
1/2 cup powdered sugar
2 tbsp milk

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla, mixing until combined.
In another bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Gradually add to the butter mixture.
Spread 2/3 of the batter into the prepared baking dish.
Evenly spread cherry pie filling over the crust.
Drop spoonfuls of the remaining batter over the filling.
Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool completely.
Whisk powdered sugar and milk together for glaze, then drizzle over bars before serving.

Notes

For a homemade cherry pie filling, cook fresh cherries with sugar and cornstarch until thickened. You can also add a touch of almond extract for extra flavor.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 290
Sugar: 24g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 55mg

Keywords: cherry pie bars, easy dessert, cherry filling, pie bars