why make this recipe
Cherry Pie Bars give the sweet cherry pie taste in a simple, easy-to-cut bar. They use a buttery crust, a jar of cherry filling, and a crunchy oat topping. You can make them fast and share them at family meals, picnics, or potlucks.
introduction
These bars are quick and forgiving. The crust presses into a pan, the cherry filling spreads on top, and an oat topping bakes until golden. If you like simple fruit bars, try the best whoopie pies ever for another easy dessert idea.
how to make Cherry Pie Bars
- Make the crust dough, press it in the pan, and bake with the topping.
- Spread the cherry filling over the crust before adding the oat topping.
- Bake until the top is golden.
- Let the bars cool fully, then make the glaze and drizzle it over the bars.
- Cut into squares and serve.
Ingredients :
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions :
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and powdered sugar until creamy.
- Gradually add in the flour, cornstarch, and salt, mixing until combined.
- Press the dough into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form a crust.
- Spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the crust.
- In a separate bowl, mix together oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture over the cherry filling.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the topping is golden brown.
- Let cool completely, then mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to create the glaze and drizzle over the cooled bars before cutting into squares.
how to serve Cherry Pie Bars
Cut the bars into squares and serve at room temperature. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a nice touch. These bars also go well with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
how to store Cherry Pie Bars
Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can freeze the bars (without glaze) wrapped well for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before glazing and serving.
tips to make Cherry Pie Bars
- Press the crust evenly so the filling spreads well.
- Let the bars cool fully before adding glaze to avoid a runny glaze.
- Use a spatula to spread the cherry filling gently so the crust stays intact.
- If the topping browns too fast, loosely cover with foil for the last 5-10 minutes of baking.
variation (if any)
- Use blueberry or apple pie filling instead of cherry for a different flavor.
- Add 1/4 cup chopped nuts to the oat topping for crunch.
- Stir a teaspoon of lemon zest into the filling for a brighter taste.
FAQs
Q: Can I make the crust ahead of time?
A: Yes. You can make and press the crust into the pan, cover, and keep in the fridge for a day. Then add filling and topping and bake.
Q: Do I have to use rolled oats?
A: Rolled oats give the best texture, but quick oats can work in a pinch.
Q: Can I use low-fat butter or margarine?
A: You can, but the bars may be less rich. Full butter gives the best flavor.
Q: How do I cut neat squares?
A: Chill the pan until the bars are firm, then use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts for neater pieces.
Q: Is there a way to make them less sweet?
A: Use a pie filling with reduced sugar or use a light glaze with less powdered sugar.
Cherry Pie Bars
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious cherry pie flavors in a convenient bar form with a buttery crust and crunchy oat topping.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and powdered sugar until creamy.
- Gradually add in the flour, cornstarch, and salt, mixing until combined.
- Press the dough into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form a crust.
- Spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the crust.
- In a separate bowl, mix together oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture over the cherry filling.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the topping is golden brown.
- Let cool completely, then mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to create the glaze and drizzle over the cooled bars before cutting into squares.
Notes
Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra treat. Store leftovers in an airtight container.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg