There’s something magical about the aroma of cherry pie wafting through the kitchen; it instantly brings back memories of family gatherings and warm summer days. I remember one particular afternoon spent at my grandma’s house, laughing and sharing stories while she pulled her famous cherry pie from the oven. This Cherry Pie Bars recipe captures that same spirit, turning a traditional pie into a convenient, hand-held treat. It matters to me because it represents love, comfort, and a connection to those treasured moments. The best part? These bars are incredibly easy to make, bringing the joy of cherry pie to you and your loved ones without the fuss of rolling dough.
why make this recipe
You should make Cherry Pie Bars because they are not only simple, but they’re also a delightful way to enjoy the sweet and tart flavor of cherries. These bars combine a buttery crust, a cherry filling, and an oat topping, making them a perfect dessert for any occasion—whether it’s a picnic, potluck, or just a cozy night in. They are an excellent choice for bringing people together, and with each bite, you get to savor the nostalgia of a homemade cherry pie.
how to make Cherry Pie Bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 can cherry pie filling
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk or water
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Gradually add in the flour and salt until well combined.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan to form a crust.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the crust.
- In another bowl, combine the oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture over the cherry filling.
- Bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown.
- Allow to cool, then drizzle with a glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.
- Cut into squares and serve.
how to serve Cherry Pie Bars
Cherry Pie Bars are best served fresh and warm, but they can also be enjoyed at room temperature. You can serve them plain or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for an extra touch. They also make a lovely addition to any dessert platter at gatherings.
how to store Cherry Pie Bars
To store Cherry Pie Bars, let them cool completely first. Then, place the bars in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for up to three days or in the fridge for about a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the bars for up to three months.
tips to make Cherry Pie Bars
- Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for better mixing.
- Press the crust mixture firmly into the pan for a sturdy base.
- Feel free to add a bit of lemon juice to the cherry filling for an extra zing.
- Keep an eye on the baking time; ovens may vary, and you don’t want them to overbake.
variation
You can easily switch things up by using different fruit fillings like blueberry or peach. For a nutty flavor, consider adding chopped nuts to the oat topping or replacing some oats with crushed graham crackers.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned filling?
Yes, you can use fresh cherries! Just make sure to pit and slice them, and you might need to add some sugar to sweeten them.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
How long do these bars last?
When stored properly, Cherry Pie Bars can last up to a week in the refrigerator or three days at room temperature. They can be frozen for up to three months as well.
Cherry Pie Bars
Ingredients
Crust and Topping
- 1 cup butter, softened Make sure butter is at room temperature for better mixing.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour Can substitute with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Filling
- 1 can cherry pie filling Fresh cherries can be used instead; pit and slice them.
Drizzle
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk or water
Method
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Gradually add in the flour and salt until well combined.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan to form a crust.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the crust.
- In another bowl, combine the oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture over the cherry filling.
- Bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown.
- Allow to cool, then drizzle with a glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.
- Cut into squares and serve.