Easy Cherry Pie Bars

# Easy Cherry Pie Bars: A Slice of Nostalgia

There’s something about the scent of baked cherries wafting through the kitchen that instantly transports me back to my grandma’s farmhouse. The sweet and tart aroma filled the air, promising a delightful family gathering around the table, dappled in sunlight. These Easy Cherry Pie Bars embody that comforting nostalgia, providing a simple way to enjoy the classic cherry pie flavors without the fuss of traditional pie-making. So, grab your apron, and let’s bake up a batch that’s perfect for any occasion!

## What Makes This Recipe Special

These cherry pie bars are a delightful twist on a classic, offering all the familiar flavors and textures of a traditional cherry pie in a convenient bar form. The buttery crust is incredibly easy to work with and provides the perfect balance of crunch and tenderness. No need for elaborate crimping or fiddly pie shaping—just slice, serve, and savor. Plus, the bright cherry filling bursts with flavor, making these bars an instant crowd-pleaser!

### Ingredients

- **Crust:**
  - 1 cup all-purpose flour
  - 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
  - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  - 1/4 teaspoon salt

- **Cherry Filling:**
  - 2 cups fresh or frozen cherries (pitted)
  - 1 cup granulated sugar
  - 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  - 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  - 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)

- **Topping:**
  - 1/2 cup rolled oats
  - 1/4 cup brown sugar
  - 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
  - 1 tablespoon melted butter

### Let’s Get Cooking!

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, grab an 8x8 baking dish and line it with parchment paper—this will help with easy removal once our bars are baked.

In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, melted butter, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Use a fork or your fingers to mix it together until you have a crumbly, but somewhat cohesive dough. You’ll want a nice sandy texture that holds together when you squeeze it. Once mixed, gently press the dough into the bottom of your lined baking dish to form an even base.

Next, let’s whip up our cherry filling. If you’re using fresh cherries, make sure to pit them—this is where the joy of cherry cobbling comes in. For frozen cherries, there’s no need to thaw. Combine the cherries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and almond extract in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir gently until the mixture starts to bubble, and the cherries have released their juices. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once it thickens slightly, remove it from the heat to cool a bit.

Pour the cherry mixture over the prepared crust, spreading it out evenly. In a separate bowl, toss together the oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter for the topping. Sprinkle it generously over the cherry layer, ensuring coverage for those delicious bites.

Bake it all in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the cherry filling is bubbly. Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool completely in the pan before slicing it into squares. This will help the bars hold their shape nicely!

### Serving Suggestions

**For a Cozy Night In:** Serve these bars warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The melting ice cream mingling with the tart cherries is heavenly!

**For a Family Gathering:** Cut them into bite-sized pieces and arrange them on a festive platter. They pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or a warm cup of tea.

**For a Weekend Picnic:** Pack a batch in an airtight container. The bars travel well and can be enjoyed on the go, making your picnic spread truly delightful.

### Tips & Variations

1. **Different Fruits:** While cherry is classic, feel free to substitute with blueberries, raspberries, or peaches for a seasonal twist. 

2. **Vegan Option:** Swap the butter for coconut oil or vegan butter, and use flaxseed meal mixed with water as a binder instead of egg.

3. **Add Some Crunch:** Mix chopped nuts or seeds into the topping for an added texture that complements the soft filling.

4. **Spice it Up:** A pinch of nutmeg or cardamom can add an aromatic twist to the filling.

### Q&A Section

**Can I use canned cherries?**  
Absolutely! Canned cherries work well too; just drain and reduce the sugar since they're often already sweetened.

**How should I store leftover bars?**  
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for a week—though trust me, they’ll likely disappear long before then!

**Can I freeze these bars?**  
Yes! They freeze beautifully. Just make sure to wrap them in plastic wrap and foil to avoid freezer burn.

**What if I don’t have almond extract?**  
No worries! You can omit it, or substitute it with a splash of vanilla extract for a similar flavor profile.

### Behind The Scenes

Crafting this recipe was a delightful journey filled with a few surprises. The first few batches were a bit too sweet, but after a few taste tests, I dialed in the perfect balance of flavors. The moment I pulled that first pan from the oven, watching the bubbles rise in the filling, I knew I had a winner. 

### Final Thoughts

These Easy Cherry Pie Bars are a perfect way to indulge in the flavors of summer all year round. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, hosting friends, or just treating yourself, these bars are sure to bring smiles all around. Pair them with a cup of tea for a moment of cozy bliss, and don’t forget to share with loved ones (if you can bear to part with them!).

I can’t wait for you to try this recipe! Let me know how yours turns out.

Easy Cherry Pie Bars

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• Author: melissa
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 16 servings
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Delightful cherry pie bars that capture the classic flavors of cherry pie in an easy-to-make bar form, perfect for any occasion.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups fresh or frozen cherries (pitted)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon melted butter

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, melted butter, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until you have a crumbly dough.
3. Press the dough into the bottom of the lined baking dish to form an even base.
4. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine cherries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and almond extract. Stir gently until the mixture bubbles and thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Pour the cherry mixture over the prepared crust and spread it evenly.
6. In a separate bowl, toss together oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter for the topping. Sprinkle over the cherry layer.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the cherry filling is bubbly.
8. Let cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares.

Notes

Serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream. These bars travel well for picnics.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bar
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 14g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 15mg