Name: Delicious Cherry Pie Bars with Almond Drizzle Made Easy
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 52 min
Total time: 1 h 7 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (Can substitute with gluten-free flour.); 1 cup Oats (Whole rolled oats or quick oats can be used.); 1 cup Brown Sugar (Enhances overall flavor profile.); 1 teaspoon Baking Powder (Essential for a light texture.); 1 tablespoon Lemon Zest (Can substitute with orange zest.); 1/2 teaspoon Salt (Balances flavors.); 1/2 cup Melted Butter (Coconut oil can be used as a vegan substitute.); 2 cups Cherry Pie Filling (Frozen cherries recommended for convenience.); 1/2 cup Nuts (optional) (Pecans or walnuts add crunch.); 1 cup Almond Drizzle (Vanilla can be substituted.)

Cherry Pie Bars are a delightful dessert that seamlessly combines sweet-tart cherries with a buttery crumble. This recipe for Delicious Cherry Pie Bars with Almond Drizzle Made Easy will not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also impress your friends and family with its rich flavors and easy preparation. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving a sweet treat, these bars are perfect for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Cherry Pie Bars

These cherry dessert bars bring together the classic flavors of cherry pie in a convenient and shareable format. Here are a few reasons to love them:

Quick to prepare and bake, making them great for busy weeknights.
Perfect for parties or potlucks as they are easy to slice and serve.
Can be made with gluten-free options, catering to dietary needs.
Deliciously versatile, allowing for variations with nuts or cream cheese.
Great for meal prep; you can make them ahead of time and store them.
Kids love them, making them a hit for family gatherings.

This recipe will guide you through making these cherry pie squares from scratch, ensuring you create the best cherry pie bars recipe that everyone will adore.

Ingredients for Cherry Pie Bars

Gather these items:

2 cups All-Purpose Flour (Can substitute with gluten-free flour.)
1 cup Oats (Whole rolled oats or quick oats can be used.)
1 cup Brown Sugar (Enhances overall flavor profile.)
1 teaspoon Baking Powder (Essential for a light texture.)
1 tablespoon Lemon Zest (Can substitute with orange zest.)
1/2 teaspoon Salt (Balances flavors.)
1/2 cup Melted Butter (Coconut oil can be used as a vegan substitute.)
2 cups Cherry Pie Filling (Frozen cherries recommended for convenience.)
1/2 cup Nuts (optional) (Pecans or walnuts add crunch.)
1 cup Almond Drizzle (Vanilla can be substituted.)

How to Make Cherry Pie Bars Step-by-Step

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: Mix the melted butter and shortening together using an electric mixer until smooth.
Step 3: Add brown sugar, baking powder, and salt; mix until well combined.
Step 4: Incorporate the eggs, one at a time, followed by a splash of vanilla extract.
Step 5: Fold in the flour until just combined and reserve 1½ cups for topping.
Step 6: Spread the remaining dough into an ungreased pan and bake for 12 minutes.
Step 7: Top with cherry pie filling and use reserved dough to create mounds on top.
Step 8: Optional: Sprinkle with nuts for added crunch.
Step 9: Bake for an additional 30 minutes until light brown.
Step 10: Drizzle with almond icing once cooled.

Pro Tips for the Best Cherry Pie Bars

Keep these in mind:

Adjust sweetness by varying the amount of brown sugar.
Store leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
For a healthier twist, consider using oats to make cherry pie bars with oats.

Delicious Cherry Pie Bars with Almond Drizzle Made Easy - Cherry Pie Bars - main visual representation

Best Ways to Serve Cherry Pie Bars

These bars are incredibly versatile. Serve them:

Warm, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert.
With whipped cream and fresh cherries for an elegant touch.
As part of a dessert platter alongside other cherry pie dessert bars easy recipes.

How to Store and Reheat Cherry Pie Bars

To store, keep your homemade cherry pie bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. For reheating, simply pop them in the microwave for a few seconds or enjoy them cold straight from the fridge. Meal prep has never been easier!

Frequently Asked Questions About Cherry Pie Bars

What’s the secret to perfect Cherry Pie Bars?

The secret lies in using quality cherry pie filling and ensuring you don’t overmix the dough. This maintains a tender texture, crucial for delicious cherry pie cookie bars.

Can I make Cherry Pie Bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! These bars can be made a day in advance. Just store them in the refrigerator and let them come to room temperature before serving, making them perfect for gatherings.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Cherry Pie Bars?

Be careful not to overbake them; the bars should be light brown on top. Additionally, ensure the ingredients are measured correctly, especially the flour, for the perfect consistency in your best cherry pie bars recipe.

Variations of Cherry Pie Bars You Can Try

Switch things up with these delicious variations:

Try a cherry almond bars recipe by adding almond extract to the filling.
Make cherry pie bars with cream cheese by swirling in softened cream cheese before baking.
For a no-bake option, consider a cherry pie bars no bake version using a graham cracker crust as the base.
Experiment with adding oats for a chewy texture, perfect for gluten-free cherry pie bars.

These variations allow you to enjoy the classic flavors of cherry pie in different forms, making every bite a new experience!

For more tips on baking, check out this guide. If you’re interested in gluten-free options, visit this resource. You can also learn about meal prepping for desserts.