Cherry pie bars bring the perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors in a delightful treat. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, celebrating a holiday, or simply treating yourself, these bars are sure to impress! They are easy to make and don’t require any special skills. With juicy cherries nestled between a crumbly, buttery crust, this recipe is a must-try. Plus, you can substitute fresh cherries with frozen ones, so you can enjoy this dessert all year round. Get ready to indulge in a slice of happiness! 🍒✨
why make this recipe
Cherry pie bars are a crowd-pleaser that combines the classic taste of cherry pie with the convenience of a bar. They’re easy to make, and everyone loves them! Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or dessert after dinner, these bars offer a burst of flavor with every bite. Plus, they can be made with ingredients you likely already have at home.
⏱️ Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Servings: 9 bars
how to make Cherry Pie Bars
Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
✨ Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
« This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free. »
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Mixing bowls
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Baking dish (9×9 inch)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your baking pan. 🧈
- In a medium bowl, mix together the cherries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, vanilla, and almond extract. Set aside. 🍒
- In another bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Pour in the melted butter and mix until crumbly.
- Press half of the crumb mixture into the bottom of your greased baking pan.
- Spread the cherry mixture evenly over the crust.
- Crumble the remaining oat mixture on top of the cherries.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown. ⏳
- Allow to cool before cutting into bars. Enjoy! 😋
how to serve Cherry Pie Bars
Serve warm or at room temperature. These bars are perfect on their own, but you can also add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra special treat!
how to store Cherry Pie Bars
Store your cherry pie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze for up to a month. Just make sure to wrap them well!
💡 Pro Tips
- If using frozen cherries, thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture.
- Feel free to swap cherries for other fruits like blueberries or raspberries for a fun twist!
- To make cutting easier, chill the bars in the fridge for about an hour before slicing.
- These bars are delicious cold, too – perfect for a grab-and-go snack!
variation
For added texture, try adding a handful of chopped nuts or some chocolate chips to the crumb mixture. A sprinkle of cinnamon can also elevate the flavor.
FAQs
Can I use canned cherries for this recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to drain them well to avoid excess liquid.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Of course! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute in place of all-purpose flour.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The edges should be golden brown, and the center should look set but slightly soft. They will firm up as they cool.
Can I use other fruits?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite fruits like apples, pears, or peaches. 🍏🍑
