Cherry Pie Bars with Crisp Topping

Cherry Pie Bars offer the delightful taste of traditional cherry pie, transformed into easy-to-serve, handheld bars. With a buttery crust, sweet cherry filling, and a crunchy crisp topping, these bars combine textures and flavors to create a satisfying dessert suitable for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a picnic, party, or as an after-dinner treat, these bars promise a crowd-pleasing result.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: These bars simplify the process of traditional pie-making, saving you time without sacrificing flavor.

• Perfectly Portable: Ideal for potlucks, picnics, and gatherings, these bars are convenient to serve and easy to eat.

• Versatile Dessert: Serve warm with ice cream or at room temperature for a delightful treat any time of day.

• Delicious Crisp Topping: The topping adds a delightful crunch, contrasting perfectly with the sweet cherry filling and soft buttery base.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Unsalted butter (softened)

• Granulated sugar

• Eggs

• Vanilla extract

• All-purpose flour

• Baking powder

• Salt

• Cherry pie filling

• Rolled oats

• Brown sugar

• Cinnamon

Directions

1. Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.

2. Make the Crust: In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in another bowl, then gradually add this to the butter mixture until a dough forms.

3. Assemble the Base: Press about two-thirds of the dough evenly into the prepared pan, creating a smooth, even layer.

4. Add the Filling: Spread cherry pie filling evenly over the dough layer, ensuring it covers the base entirely.

5. Prepare Crisp Topping: In a separate bowl, mix the remaining dough with rolled oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon until crumbly. Sprinkle this crisp topping evenly over the cherry pie filling.

6. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling gently.

7. Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting them into squares. For best results, cool for at least 1 hour before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Approximately 12-16 bars

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes

• Baking Time: 30-35 minutes

• Total Time: 50 minutes

Variations

• Fruit Variations: Substitute cherry pie filling with blueberry, apple, or peach filling for a new twist.

• Nutty Crunch: Add chopped almonds, pecans, or walnuts to the crisp topping for extra texture and flavor.

• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend, and ensure oats are certified gluten-free.

• Chocolate Twist: Sprinkle chocolate chips into the topping or drizzle melted chocolate over cooled bars.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover Cherry Pie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerate for up to five days.

• Freezing: To freeze, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to three months.

• Reheating: Thaw frozen bars overnight in the refrigerator. For a fresh-baked texture, warm bars briefly in a microwave or oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 5-10 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of pie filling?

Yes, fresh cherries can be used. Cook them down with sugar, cornstarch, and a little lemon juice until thickened before adding to the bars.

Is it necessary to use parchment paper?

Parchment paper is highly recommended, as it ensures easy removal of bars from the pan and simplifies cleanup.

Can I prepare the dough in advance?

Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to two days in advance. Let it soften slightly before pressing into the pan.

What type of oats is best for the topping?

Rolled oats are best as they provide a chewy and crispy texture. Avoid instant or steel-cut oats.

Can these bars be served warm?

Yes, serving the bars slightly warm, especially with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, enhances their flavor.

How do I know when the bars are done baking?

The topping should be golden brown, and the cherry filling should be bubbling at the edges.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute dairy-free butter alternatives in place of regular butter.

What size pan works best for this recipe?

A 9×13-inch pan is ideal, but an 8×8-inch pan can be used for thicker bars; adjust baking time accordingly.

Do Cherry Pie Bars need refrigeration?

They can remain at room temperature for 1-2 days but refrigerating extends freshness, especially in warmer climates.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, this recipe easily doubles. Use two pans or a larger baking sheet, adjusting baking time as needed.

Conclusion

Cherry Pie Bars with a crisp topping offer the perfect balance of sweet cherries, buttery crust, and crunchy topping, making them a delightful dessert choice for any occasion. Easy to prepare and versatile enough to suit different preferences, they are bound to become a favorite in your recipe collection

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