Introduction
Welcome to this delicious recipe for Cherry Pie Bars! If you’re a fan of cherry pie but don’t want to go through the hassle of making a traditional pie crust, these bars are the perfect solution. With a buttery crust, a sweet and tangy cherry filling, and a crumbly streusel topping, these bars are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving a sweet treat, these Cherry Pie Bars are the way to go.
Ingredients
For the crust:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the filling:
– 4 cups cherries, pitted and halved
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons cornstarch
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the streusel topping:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Steps
Step 1: Prepare the crust
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt for the crust. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the vanilla extract and mix until the dough comes together. Press the dough into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Make the cherry filling
In a medium saucepan, combine the cherries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice for the filling. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and the cherries soften, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Step 3: Assemble the bars
Spread the cherry filling evenly over the crust in the baking dish.
In a separate bowl, combine the flour, sugar, butter, and salt for the streusel topping. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the cherry filling.
Step 4: Bake and serve
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the Cherry Pie Bars for 35-40 minutes, or until the crust and streusel topping are golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool completely before cutting into bars. Serve at room temperature and enjoy!
Variations
There are endless variations you can try with these Cherry Pie Bars to customize them to your liking. Here are a few ideas:
– Add a sprinkle of cinnamon to the crust for a warm and cozy flavor.
– Mix in some chopped almonds or pecans to the streusel topping for added crunch.
– Drizzle a simple vanilla glaze over the cooled bars for an extra touch of sweetness.
– Substitute the cherries with your favorite fruit, such as blueberries or raspberries, for a different twist.
Tips
Here are a few tips to ensure your Cherry Pie Bars turn out perfectly:
– Make sure to use cold butter when preparing the crust and streusel topping. This will help create a flaky texture.
– If you don’t have fresh cherries, you can use frozen cherries. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before using.
– Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into them. This will help them set and hold their shape.
– Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Conclusion
These Cherry Pie Bars are a delightful twist on the classic cherry pie. With their buttery crust, sweet cherry filling, and crumbly streusel topping, they are a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them as a special treat, these bars are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Give this recipe a try and indulge in the deliciousness of Cherry Pie Bars!
FAQs
Can I use canned cherries for this recipe?
Yes, you can use canned cherries if fresh or frozen cherries are not available. Just make sure to drain the cherries before using them in the filling.
Can I freeze these Cherry Pie Bars?
Yes, you can freeze these bars for up to 1 month. Make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container before freezing. Thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.
Can I use a different type of fruit for the filling?
Absolutely! This recipe works well with a variety of fruits. Feel free to experiment with your favorite berries or even peaches.
Cherry Pie Bars
Delicious Cherry Pie Bars with a buttery crust, sweet cherry filling, and crumbly streusel topping. Perfect for those who love cherry pie but prefer a simpler baking process.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups cherries, pitted and halved
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Directions
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt for the crust. Cut in the cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add vanilla extract and mix until dough comes together. Press into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
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In a saucepan, combine cherries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice for the filling. Cook until thickened. Spread over crust.
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Combine flour, sugar, butter, and salt for streusel topping. Sprinkle over cherry filling.
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Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35-40 minutes until golden brown. Let cool before cutting into bars. Serve at room temperature.
