If you love the sweet, tart flavor of cherry pie but want something easier to serve and enjoy, cherry pie bars are the perfect solution. These delicious bars combine all the best parts of a traditional cherry pie—crispy, buttery crust and a luscious cherry filling—into a fun, easy-to-make dessert. Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ, bringing a dish to a party, or just craving a sweet treat for yourself, cherry pie squares are an ideal choice.
But here’s the best part: these cherry bars are simple to make! No pie crust rolling, no pie pan required. Just a few ingredients, some mixing, and voilà—a dessert that will delight everyone who tastes it. Ready to get baking? Let’s dive into the details of how to make these yummy cherry pie bars from scratch!
Introduction to Cherry Pie Bars
What Are Cherry Pie Bars?
When you think of cherry pie, you likely imagine a beautiful, golden-brown crust encasing a sweet, tart filling. Cherry pie bars take this same irresistible flavor and put it into a simpler, bar-like format. Imagine a cookie base layered with tart cherry filling, then topped off with more buttery crust before being baked to perfection. It’s like the best of both worlds—the comfort of cherry pie in a format that’s easy to serve and enjoy.
These cherry dessert bars are perfect for almost any occasion. Whether you’re having a casual afternoon snack, serving them at a gathering, or bringing them to a holiday celebration, they’ll be a hit.
Why You Should Try Cherry Pie Bars
So, what makes cherry pie bars stand out? Well, besides being super tasty, they come together quickly without the hassle of making a traditional pie. You can skip the fiddling with a pie crust and just focus on layering. Plus, they’re easy to portion out, so sharing with friends and family is a breeze.
Another benefit? You can customize them to fit your preferences or dietary restrictions. There are plenty of ways to make these bars healthier, gluten-free, or even vegan. So, whether you’re craving a rich, indulgent dessert or a lighter option, cherry pie bars can be adapted for you.
Ingredients and Preparation
Essential Ingredients for Cherry Pie Bars
To make cherry pie bars, you don’t need a long list of complicated ingredients. In fact, you’ll probably have most of the items already in your kitchen! Here’s a breakdown of the key ingredients you’ll need:
- Cherry Filling: Fresh cherries are ideal for the filling, but if you don’t have them available, canned cherry pie filling works just as well. Using fresh cherries will give the bars a more natural, fruity flavor.
- Butter: This adds that rich, indulgent taste to the crust and helps make it crisp.
- Flour: You’ll need all-purpose flour to create the base and topping of the bars.
- Sugar: Both white and brown sugar help balance out the tartness of the cherries and give the crust a sweet flavor.
- Eggs: Eggs hold everything together, helping the crust form a beautiful golden layer.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla extract will elevate the flavors, especially in the crust.
- Baking Powder: A pinch of baking powder will ensure the crust rises and is perfectly flaky.
- Optional Ingredients: You might want to add a teaspoon of almond extract for a nutty kick or cinnamon to give the bars a warm, cozy vibe.
How to Prepare Cherry Pie Bars
Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients, it’s time to start baking! Don’t worry, this is a simple process, and we’ll guide you every step of the way. Here’s how to make cherry pie squares from scratch:
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it nice and warm. Then, in a medium bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Add the cold butter and, using a pastry cutter or your hands, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the egg and vanilla extract, creating a dough.
Press about two-thirds of the dough into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking pan. This will form the base for your bars. Save the remaining dough for the topping.
Step 2: Prepare the Cherry Filling
If you’re using fresh cherries, wash and pit them before chopping them into smaller pieces. Toss the cherries with a bit of sugar and cornstarch, which will help thicken the filling as it bakes. If you’re using canned pie filling, you can skip this step.
Spread the cherry filling evenly over the dough in the pan. Be generous with the filling, ensuring each square will have plenty of that delicious cherry flavor.
Step 3: Add the Topping
Now, take the remaining dough and crumble it over the cherry filling. You want to have a nice, even layer that covers the cherries but still allows some of the red to peek through.
Step 4: Bake the Bars
Place the pan in the oven and bake for about 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. You’ll know they’re done when your kitchen starts smelling like a cherry pie, and the crust is crispy.
Step 5: Let Them Cool
Once out of the oven, let your cherry pie bars cool completely before cutting them into squares. If you’re in a rush, you can place the pan in the fridge to speed up the cooling process.
Variations for Cherry Pie Bars
Creative Variations for Cherry Pie Bars
While the classic cherry pie bars recipe is already delicious on its own, there are so many ways to make these bars your own! You can easily customize the flavors and textures by swapping out ingredients or adding your personal touch. Here are some fun variations to try:
Use Different Fruit Fillings
If you’re not a fan of cherries or just want to mix things up, you can use other fruits in place of cherries. Blueberries, raspberries, or even peaches can all work wonderfully. For a more tropical twist, you could even try using pineapple or mango for a refreshing alternative. Fruit bars are so versatile!
Add a Crunchy Topping
For a little extra texture, why not add a crumble topping? Mixing oats, brown sugar, butter, and a pinch of cinnamon will create a lovely crumbly layer that adds a crunchy contrast to the soft filling. If you’re a fan of crumble desserts, this is a perfect addition to your cherry bars.
Make It Gluten-Free
If you or your guests are gluten-sensitive, it’s easy to make a gluten-free version of these cherry pie squares. You can easily replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.There are plenty of great options available at most grocery stores, so you won’t miss out on any flavor!
Vegan Option
Making these cherry pie bars vegan is just as simple. Replace the butter with plant-based butter or coconut oil, and use a flax egg or chia seed egg replacement for the egg. The result? Delicious, plant-based cherry bars that everyone can enjoy!
Tips for Experimenting with Flavors
- Spices and Flavor Enhancements: For a unique flavor profile, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the crust for a warm, comforting touch. You can also try adding a dash of almond extract, which complements the cherries beautifully.
- Top it with Whipped Cream or Ice Cream: Don’t forget the finishing touch! Serving your cherry pie bars with a dollop of fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can make them even more indulgent. It’s the perfect way to treat yourself!
Healthy Alternatives
Making Cherry Pie Bars Healthier
If you’re looking to enjoy cherry pie bars while making them a bit healthier, there are some easy swaps you can try.
Lower Sugar Options
You can reduce the sugar in your bars by using alternatives like honey, maple syrup, or stevia. These natural sweeteners are lower on the glycemic index and provide a more wholesome sweetness. For an even healthier option, you can reduce the sugar by about 25% and let the fresh cherries add their natural sweetness.
Whole Wheat Flour
Swap all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour to add more fiber to your dessert. It provides a nuttier taste and a more nutritious option while still keeping the bars delicious.
Healthier Fillings
Use fresh cherries for the filling, as they are packed with vitamin C and antioxidants. If you prefer, you can also mix in other berries like blueberries for added flavor and nutrition.
Calorie Cutting Strategies
Reduce Fat Content
You can replace some or all of the butter with alternatives like Greek yogurt, applesauce, or coconut oil. These options cut down on fat while still keeping the bars moist and flavorful.
Portion Control
If you’re looking to keep the calories in check, consider cutting the bars into smaller portions. This allows you to enjoy the treat without overindulging.
FAQs:
Why Did McDonald’s Discontinue the Cherry Pie?
McDonald’s cherry pie was a fan favorite for many years, but the fast food giant discontinued it in some locations to make room for healthier options and to streamline their menu. While the cherry pie was loved for its sweet, fruity filling and crispy crust, McDonald’s shifted its focus to offering items that aligned with current trends in healthier eating. Another factor could have been changes in consumer preferences and an increase in demand for other dessert items, such as apple pies and McFlurries.
What distinguishes Comstock from Wilderness cherry pie filling?
Both Comstock and Wilderness cherry pie fillings are popular choices for making cherry desserts like cherry pie bars, but there are some key differences. Comstock is often known for its sweeter flavor and thicker consistency, which some bakers prefer when making pies and bars that require a firm filling. Wilderness, on the other hand, is a bit more tart, which could be ideal for those who prefer a more natural cherry taste. Both brands use quality ingredients, but the choice largely depends on whether you prefer a sweeter or more tart cherry filling.
What Cherry Is Best for Pies?
The best cherries for pies are typically tart varieties, such as Montmorency cherries, which are commonly used in traditional cherry pies. These cherries provide a nice balance of sweetness and tartness, making them perfect for baking. While sweet cherries like Bing cherries can be used, they tend to be too sweet for a traditional pie filling. Tart cherries, often found in canned pie fillings, hold their shape well when baked and provide that iconic tangy contrast to the buttery crust.
What Country Is Cherry Pie From?
Although cherry pie is often associated with American culture, the origins of the dessert can be traced back to Europe. The first cherry pies were likely made in England, where the fruit was plentiful and often used in pies. Over time, cherry pie became an iconic dessert in the United States, especially during the colonial era, when settlers began to bake with cherries that were native to North America. Today, cherry pie is considered a quintessential American dessert, often served during holidays like Thanksgiving and the Fourth of July.