Introduction
Cherry Pie Bars
A delightful twist on classic cherry pie, these Cherry Pie Bars are easy to make and perfect for any occasion. With a buttery crust, sweet cherry filling, and a light glaze, they're irresistible!
Detailed Ingredients with measures
Unsalted butter
250g, softened
Granulated sugar
300g
Large eggs
4
Vanilla extract
1 teaspoon
Almond extract
½ teaspoon
All-purpose flour
375g
Salt
½ teaspoon
Cherry pie filling
600g
For the glaze:
Powdered sugar
120g
Milk
2 tablespoon
Almond extract
½ teaspoon
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time
40 minutes
Total Time
55 minutes
Yield
24 bars
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 175°C. Grease and flour a 23x33 cm baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla and almond extracts.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Gradually add to wet ingredients, mixing until combined.
5. Spread ⅔ of the batter into the prepared pan.
6. Evenly spread cherry pie filling over the batter. Drop spoonfuls of the remaining batter over the top.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the top is golden brown. Let cool completely.
8. For the glaze, mix powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract until smooth. Drizzle over cooled bars.
9. Cut into squares and serve.
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Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Prepare a 23x33 cm baking pan by greasing it and then lightly dusting it with flour to prevent sticking.
Step 2:
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar. Beat the mixture until it becomes light and fluffy, which should take about 3-5 minutes.
Step 3:
Add the eggs to the creamed butter and sugar one at a time. Ensure you mix the batter well after each egg addition. Follow this by stirring in the vanilla extract and almond extract until well incorporated.
Step 4:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 5:
Spread approximately ⅔ of the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan, ensuring it covers the bottom completely.
Step 6:
Take the cherry pie filling and spread it evenly over the batter layer in the pan. Drop spoonfuls of the remaining batter over the top of the cherry filling, attempting to cover as much of the filling as possible.
Step 7:
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once done, remove the bars from the oven and let them cool completely.
Step 8:
To prepare the glaze, mix the powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract in a small bowl. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Step 9:
Once the bars are completely cooled, drizzle the prepared glaze over the top. Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes.
Step 10:
Cut the cooled bars into squares and serve. Enjoy the delicious flavor!
Notes
Note 1:
For best results, ensure the butter is truly softened before beginning to cream it with sugar. This will help achieve a fluffier batter.
Note 2:
Feel free to adjust the amount of almond extract in the glaze based on your preference for almond flavor.
Note 3:
For added texture, consider sprinkling some chopped nuts over the cherry filling before adding the final batter layer.
Note 4:
These Cherry Pie Bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Storage Instructions
To store Cherry Pie Bars, allow them to cool completely at room temperature. Place the bars in an airtight container lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze the bars by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to three months. To enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours.
Serving Suggestions
Cherry Pie Bars can be served as a delightful dessert for any occasion. They pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top. For a festive touch, serve them with fresh cherries or a sprinkle of powdered sugar. They are perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a sweet treat after dinner. Consider pairing them with a warm drink, like coffee or tea, for added enjoyment.
Nutritional Information
Each Cherry Pie Bar contains approximately:
- Calories: 200
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 90mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 28g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 15g
- Protein: 2g
*Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredient brands and measurements used.*
Ingredient Substitutions
You can make several substitutions if needed:
- Unsalted butter can be replaced with coconut oil or a dairy-free butter substitute for a vegan option.
- Granulated sugar can be swapped for coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like Stevia for a lower-calorie version.
- Eggs can be replaced with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoon water per egg) for a vegan alternative.
- All-purpose flour may be substituted with gluten-free flour blends for a gluten-free option.
- Cherry pie filling can be replaced with other fruit fillings such as blueberry or apple, depending on your preference.
- Milk in the glaze can be substituted with almond milk or any other non-dairy milk.
Cook techniques
Creaming Butter and Sugar
This technique involves mixing softened butter with granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for incorporating air into the batter, which helps create a light texture in the final product.
Fold in Ingredients
When adding dry ingredients to wet ones, gently fold them together using a spatula or wooden spoon. This helps maintain the air that was incorporated during the creaming process, ensuring a tender bar.
Layering the Batter and Filling
When assembling the Cherry Pie Bars, spread ⅔ of the batter evenly in the pan, then layer the cherry pie filling on top. Drop spoonfuls of remaining batter over the filling, allowing some of the cherry filling to be visible. This creates a nice visual and texture contrast.
Baking
Bake in a preheated oven until the top is golden brown. Use a toothpick to test for doneness; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached. This indicates that the bars are fully baked.
Making the Glaze
To create a smooth glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract until there are no lumps. The consistency should be pourable but not too runny. Drizzle it over the cooled bars for a sweet finish.
FAQ
Can I use fresh cherries instead of cherry pie filling?
Yes, you can use fresh cherries. Just make sure to sweeten them slightly and thicken the mixture with a bit of cornstarch if needed.
How should I store the Cherry Pie Bars?
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Can I freeze the Cherry Pie Bars?
Yes, you can freeze the bars. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, and they should stay fresh for up to three months.
What can I substitute for almond extract?
If you don't have almond extract, you can substitute it with an equal amount of vanilla extract or omit it entirely if you prefer.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, but make sure the blend contains xanthan gum for the best results.
Conclusion
Cherry Pie Bars offer a delightful and simple way to enjoy the classic flavor of cherry pie in a portable format. With their buttery crust and sweet cherry filling, these bars are sure to please any crowd. The light glaze adds a finishing touch that elevates them further, making them perfect for gatherings or a sweet treat at home. Whether served warm or chilled, these bars are irresistible and sure to be a new favorite.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Peach Cobbler Bars
Substitute the cherry filling with peach pie filling for a summery twist, complemented by a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Mixed Berry Bars
Use a combination of blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries for a colorful and flavorful dessert bursting with berry goodness.
Chocolate Cherry Bars
Incorporate chocolate chips into the batter for a rich, decadent flavor pairing with the sweet cherry filling.
Almond Joy Bars
Add shredded coconut and chopped almonds into the batter for a tropical twist reminiscent of the popular candy bar.
Lemon Blueberry Bars
Mix in fresh blueberries and a splash of lemon juice to create a refreshing and zesty flavor that's perfect for warmer weather.
Apple Cinnamon Bars
Replace the cherry filling with cinnamon-spiced apple pie filling for a warm and comforting dessert.
Nutella Swirl Bars
Drizzle Nutella over the cherry filling before adding the remaining batter for a chocolate hazelnut twist.
Cranberry Orange Bars
Use cranberry pie filling and add orange zest to the batter for a festive treat that's delightful during the holidays.
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