The Dreamy Cherry Pie Bars Recipe Everyone Adores

Sweet summer memories dance through this cherry pie bars creation that promises pure deliciousness.

Memories of grandma’s kitchen might spark when you slice into these heavenly treats.

Juicy cherries nestled between buttery layers create a dessert that feels like a warm embrace.

Crisp pastry crumbles perfectly against soft fruit filling, making each bite a delightful experience.

Simple ingredients come together in a magical way to craft something truly special.

Local cherries shine brightest in this straightforward yet elegant recipe.

Pie Bars That Taste Just Like Homemade Cherry Pie

• Unbelievably Easy Prep: Whip up these cherry pie bars with minimal kitchen skills, perfect for baking beginners who want delicious results without complicated techniques.
• Versatile Dessert Delight: Serve these bars at family gatherings, potlucks, or casual get-togethers, making them a crowd-pleasing option for any social occasion.
• Wholesome Ingredient Twist: Packed with whole-wheat flour and vegan butter, these bars offer a healthier spin on traditional pie, giving you a guilt-free treat that doesn't compromise on taste.
• Quick and Convenient Baking: Create a delectable dessert in just a few simple steps, with minimal ingredients and straightforward mixing method that saves time and reduces kitchen stress.

Cherry Pie Bars Pantry Breakdown

• Whole-Wheat Flour: Adds nutty depth and whole grain nutrition.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides classic baking structure.
• Granulated Sugar: Offers sweetness to the base.
• Vegan Butter: Creates rich, flaky texture for the crust.
• Ice Water: Helps bind the dough together.

• Fresh Cherries: Bright and juicy summer fruit centerpiece.
• Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and prevents browning.
• Cornstarch: Thickens the cherry filling.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances cherry flavor.

• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Provide sweetness and caramel notes.
• Ground Cinnamon: Adds warm, complementary spice.
• Salt: Balances overall sweetness.

Cherry Pie Bars Baking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Crank up the oven to a toasty 350°F. Grab your 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray of cooking oil or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Create Crumbly Dough Base

• Whole-wheat flour
• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar

Blend these dry ingredients until they’re looking friendly together.

Step 3: Work in Butter Magic

Drop in cold vegan butter cubes. Use your fingertips or a pastry cutter to massage the butter into the flour mixture. Keep working until the texture looks like chunky sand or rough breadcrumbs.

Step 4: Bind the Dough

Slowly drizzle in ice-cold water, one tablespoon at a time. Gently mix until the dough starts to hold together but doesn’t look wet or sticky.

Step 5: Create Crust and Topping

Split the dough into two equal portions. Take the first half and press it evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. This becomes your delicious pie bar foundation. Set the remaining dough aside for the crumbly topping.

Step 6: Prepare Cherry Filling

• Fresh or frozen cherries
• Lemon juice
• Cornstarch
• Sugar

Stir until cherries are well-coated and glossy.

Step 7: Assemble and Bake

Spread the cherry mixture over the pressed dough base. Crumble the remaining dough on top to create a rustic, golden topping. Slide into the preheated oven.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Bake for about 45-50 minutes. Look for a golden-brown top and bubbling cherry filling. The edges should be crisp and enticing.

Step 9: Cool and Slice

Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan. This helps the bars set perfectly. Once cooled, slice into square or rectangular pieces.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Plate up these cherry pie bars and watch everyone’s eyes light up. Optional: Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dusting of powdered sugar for extra wow factor.

What Works for Cherry Pie Bars

• Seal Moisture Perfectly: Press the crust firmly and evenly into the baking dish to create a compact base that prevents crumbling and ensures a smooth texture.
• Mix Butter Strategically: Use cold vegan butter and work quickly when incorporating it into the flour mixture to maintain a flaky, tender crust that won't become tough.
• Balance Fruit Distribution: Spread cherries evenly across the crust to guarantee each bite has a consistent fruit-to-crust ratio and maximum flavor in every square.
• Create Gluten-Free Option: Swap whole-wheat and all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make the bars accessible for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Control Water Carefully: Add ice water gradually and stop mixing as soon as the dough comes together to prevent overworking, which can make the crust dense and chewy.

Cherry Pie Bars Save Them Soft And Sweet

• Store leftover cherry pie bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover with plastic wrap or place in a sealed container to maintain freshness and prevent drying out.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date to track storage time.
• Remove frozen bars from the freezer and let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight. For quicker thawing, leave at room temperature for 1-2 hours.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed bars in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes until slightly warm and crisp.

Cherry Pie Bars Great Matches

• Savor Complementary Cherry Pie Bar Pairings
• Brew Aromatic Chai Tea: The warm, spicy notes of chai perfectly balance the sweet cherry filling, creating a harmonious flavor experience that enhances the dessert's richness.
• Pair with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Creamy, cold vanilla ice cream provides a delightful contrast to the warm, crumbly cherry pie bars, melting softly and adding luxurious texture.
• Serve Alongside Almond Whipped Cream: Light, nutty almond-infused whipped cream complements the cherry's tartness and adds an elegant, sophisticated touch to the dessert.
• Enjoy with Cold Milk: Crisp, cool milk cuts through the sweetness and helps cleanse the palate between bites of the rich, fruity bars.

Cherry Pie Bars: Topping Swap Ideas

• Gluten-Free Delight: Replace whole-wheat and all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring a safe option for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Nut-Based Crust Alternative: Swap traditional flour with almond or coconut flour for a protein-rich, lower-carb variation that adds a nutty flavor profile.
• Low-Sugar Version: Use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener to reduce overall sugar content while maintaining the pie bars' delicious taste.
• Berry Medley Variation: Substitute cherries with a mixed berry combination like raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries for a colorful and diverse fruit experience.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh ones?

Absolutely! Thaw and drain frozen cherries completely before using to prevent excess moisture in your bars.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

No, the recipe contains whole-wheat and all-purpose flour. To make it gluten-free, you’ll need to substitute with gluten-free flour blends.

• How do I know when the cherry pie bars are done baking?

Look for golden brown edges and a set center. The top should look slightly firm and not jiggly when gently shaken.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and filling a day in advance and assemble just before baking. Assembled unbaked bars can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking.

Cherry Pie Bars Recipe

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4.5 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Homemade cherry pie bars bring classic American dessert comfort right to your kitchen. Sweet, buttery pastry layers packed with rich cherry filling create a delightful treat that connects generations of bakers with pure, simple pleasure.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients (Crust):

• 1 cup whole-wheat flour
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 6 tablespoons cold salted vegan butter, cubed

Sweeteners:

• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

Liquid:

• 78 tablespoons ice water

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking vessel by coating a 9×13-inch pan with non-stick spray or parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage for easy removal.
2. Create the foundational pastry mixture by blending whole-wheat and all-purpose flours with granulated sugar in a spacious mixing bowl.
3. Incorporate cold vegan butter into the flour mixture, using fingertips or a pastry cutter to transform the ingredients into a texture resembling rough, uneven crumbs.
4. Introduce ice water gradually, one tablespoon at a time, gently combining until the dough coheres without becoming overly saturated.
5. Strategically divide the dough into two equal portions, with one half destined to form the bottom crust layer within the prepared pan.
6. Methodically press the first dough portion across the pan’s surface, establishing an even, uniform base that covers the entire bottom.
7. Set aside the remaining dough portion for constructing the delicate top layer that will crown the cherry filling.
8. Layer the cherries across the pressed crust, distributing them evenly to guarantee a consistent fruit presence in each bar.
9. Crumble the reserved dough over the cherry layer, creating a rustic, textured topping that will transform during baking.
10. Transfer the assembled bars to the preheated oven, baking until the edges turn golden and the top achieves a delicate, crisp appearance.
11. Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely, enabling the filling to set and the flavors to harmonize.

Notes

• Experiment with gluten-free flour blends like almond or coconut flour for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Use coconut oil or plant-based margarine as a substitute for vegan butter to adjust the texture and flavor profile.
• Refrigerate the dough for 15-20 minutes before pressing into the pan to prevent crumbling and enhance the crust’s structure.
• Swap fresh cherries with other seasonal berries like raspberries or blueberries for a delightful twist on the classic recipe.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 100 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg