Cherry Pie Bars a Slice of Summer Simplified
Recipe Introduction: Easy Cherry Pie Bar Bliss
Fancy a slice of summer? Ever craved cherry pie but dreaded the fuss? I hear you! These easy cherry pie bars are your answer.
They're basically a cheat's version of the classic, with all the amazing flavor but none of the pastry stress.
A Slice of History (and Convenience!)
These cherry pie bar recipes are inspired by the good ol' American cherry pie, a staple at picnics and family gatherings.
But let's be real: who has time for that perfectly crimped crust every time? These bars are way easier. They are quick cherry pie bars and a total lifesaver for a weeknight dessert recipe .
This recipe makes about sixteen bars.
Why You'll Obsess Over These Easy Dessert Bars
Honestly, these are addictive . Tart cherries sing with a buttery shortbread crust. They are packed with juicy cherries and a crumbly topping.
Perfect for a picnic dessert idea or just a simple treat. Plus, cherries are packed with antioxidants. These bars are a win-win!.
What makes this recipe so special?. The flavor and texture combination is simply irresistible!
Buttery Crumble, Juicy Cherries
Okay, let's talk ingredients. For the crust and topping, you'll need flour, sugar, salt, cold butter, and vanilla. Trust me, cold butter is key.
For the cherry filling, grab some fresh or frozen cherries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and a touch of almond extract (optional, but amazing!).
I hope you're excited to try them!.
Okay, so you wanna whip up some easy cherry pie bars ? Honestly, these are proper delicious! They're way easier than a full-on pie.
Think of them like a cherry crumble bar , or even shortbread cherry bars , a perfect summer dessert recipe .
Let's get to it!
Ingredients & Equipment
Here’s what you'll need to create these quick cherry pie bars . This cherry pie bar recipe will give you the best easy dessert bars ever!
Main Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: 2 cups (250g) . This is your base, so any plain flour will do.
- Granulated sugar: ¾ cup (150g) . The classic sweetness that makes everything better.
- Salt: ¼ teaspoon . Enhances all the flavours.
- Unsalted butter: 1 cup (2 sticks, 226g) , cold . This is super important! Cold butter equals crumbly goodness. Honestly, don't skimp on the butter quality, it makes a huge difference.
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon . A touch of magic.
- Fresh or frozen pitted cherries: 4 cups (around 2 lbs, 900g) . If frozen, thaw and drain them well. You want quality cherries for that perfect taste.
- Cornstarch: 2 tablespoons . This thickens the cherry filling.
- Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon . Adds a bit of tang.
- Almond extract: ¼ teaspoon . Totally optional, but adds a lovely flavour boost.
Seasoning Notes
A pinch of almond extract can really elevate the cherry pie bar variations . If you're not a fan, just leave it out.
Lemon juice balances the sweetness perfectly. Feel free to add a tiny bit of cinnamon for extra warmth.
Equipment Needed
You don't need anything fancy to make these easy cherry pie bars , perfect as a picnic dessert idea .
- 9x13 inch baking pan . This is essential for the bake.
- Parchment paper. For easy removal.
- Pastry blender or food processor. To cut in the butter (a fork works too!).
- Mixing bowls. For mixing stuff.
- Measuring cups and spoons. Gotta measure, innit?
These bars are great as a weeknight dessert recipe because they're practically no crimp cherry pie !.
Cherry Pie Bars: Your Slice of Effortless Summer Joy
Honestly, who doesn't love a good slice of cherry pie? But let's be real, sometimes you just want something easier .
That's where these easy cherry pie bars come in. Think of them as a shortcut to happiness. They're perfect for a quick weeknight dessert or a picnic dessert idea .
These quick cherry pie bars have that same warm, fruity goodness without all the fuss of a traditional pie.
Prep Like a Pro: The Mise en Place Magic
First, get everything prepped. It is so important! Measure out all your ingredients. This is called mise en place. It’s French for "everything in its place.
" Honestly, it makes cooking so much smoother. Remember, that butter needs to be ice cold . I like to cube it and then pop it back in the fridge while I get the other ingredients ready.
This will ensure the best texture.
step-by-step to Cherry Bliss
- Mix flour, sugar, and salt for the crust.
- Cut in cold butter. It should resemble coarse crumbs.
- Add vanilla. Mix until just combined.
- Press half into a 9x13 pan. This will form the crust.
- Combine cherries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and almond extract.
- Pour over the crust. Sprinkle with remaining crumbs.
- Bake at 375° F ( 190° C) for 35- 40 minutes . Make sure that the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Cool completely. Then cut into squares.
Pro Tips for Perfect Cherry Crumble Bars
Want to take your easy cherry pie bars to the next level? For extra flavour, I always add a pinch of almond extract to the cherry filling.
It really enhances the cherry flavour! Don't overmix the dough. It will make the shortbread cherry bars tough. You want a tender, crumbly crust.
And finally, resist the urge to cut into them while they're still warm. Cooling is key! This is especially if you want those nice clean squares.
You can even prepare these ahead! This makes them perfect for a summer dessert recipe . Or whenever you feel like treating yourself.
So, there you have it: a super easy dessert bar recipe. It will impress your friends and family. This cherry pie bar recipe is perfect for those that don't like the crimping of a pie crust.
Enjoy your no crimp cherry pie bars! You can even find many cherry pie bar variations online, to try different fruits.
Recipe Notes for Seriously Good Cherry Pie Bars
So you’re about to whip up these easy cherry pie bars , eh? Fantastic choice! Honestly, these are so much simpler than wrestling with a whole pie, and everyone loves them.
I reckon these will become your go to summer dessert recipes too. Here are a few pointers from my own kitchen adventures to ensure these easy dessert bars are a smashing success.
Serving Them Up: How to Wow Your Mates
Presentation matters, even with something as rustic as a cherry crumble bars . Dust the easy cherry pie bars with a bit of icing sugar after they've cooled.
It makes them look super pretty.
Got company? Try plating them with a scoop of proper vanilla ice cream. The warmth of the bar against the cold ice cream? Oh my gosh, it's divine!.
A dollop of whipped cream works too. For drinks, think a nice picnic dessert ideas like a cold glass of lemonade or even iced tea.
Sorted!
Storing Tips: Making Them Last (If You Can!)
These quick cherry pie bars are best enjoyed fresh, but hey, life happens.
If you've got leftovers (unlikely, I know!), pop them in an airtight container in the fridge. They'll keep happily for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, you could freeze them. Wrap each bar individually in cling film, then bung them in a freezer bag.
Thaw them out at room temperature for a couple of hours when you fancy one. Reheating? A quick zap in the microwave or a few minutes in a warm oven will do the trick.
Just don't overdo it, or they'll get a bit soggy.
Cherry Pie Bar Variations: Mix It Up a Bit!
Fancy a change? You're in luck because these shortbread cherry bars are dead easy to customise.
For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Honestly, no one will know the difference. dairy-free? Use a vegan butter substitute.
If you want to take it to the next level, try swapping out half the cherries for other berries, like raspberries or blueberries.
It adds a lovely twist. Call them cherry pie bar variations if you want to sound proper gourmet.
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite
Okay, let's be real: these are dessert bars. They're not exactly health food. But cherries do have some goodness in them.
They're a decent source of antioxidants and fibre. Plus, this cherry pie bar recipe uses real ingredients, so you know what you're eating.
Think of it as a treat with benefits! This no crimp cherry pie is also perfect as a simple weeknight dessert recipes .
So there you have it! You're all set to create some seriously yummy easy cherry pie bars . Don't be scared to experiment and make them your own. Happy baking!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen cherries for these easy cherry pie bars?
Absolutely! Frozen cherries work perfectly in these easy cherry pie bars, especially when fresh cherries aren't in season. Just be sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before using them in the filling. Nobody wants a soggy bottom, right?
My shortbread crust is too crumbly. What did I do wrong?
A crumbly shortbread crust usually means there wasn't enough moisture or the butter was too warm. Make sure your butter is very cold when you cut it into the flour mixture. If it's still too dry, try adding a tablespoon of ice water at a time until the dough just comes together, then chill as directed.
How do I store leftover easy cherry pie bars?
Store any leftover easy cherry pie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage; just wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer safe bag.
They're almost as good as finding a tenner in your old coat pocket when you defrost one!
Can I make these easy cherry pie bars ahead of time?
Yes, you can definitely prepare the components of these cherry pie bars in advance. The crust can be made ahead of time, pressed into the pan, and kept in the fridge for a day or two, or even frozen. You can also prepare the cherry filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge.
Just assemble and bake when you're ready to wow everyone!
What if I don't have cornstarch? What can I substitute?
No cornstarch? No worries! You can substitute it with an equal amount of tapioca starch or arrowroot powder. These will work similarly to thicken the cherry filling. If you're really in a pinch, you could even use a bit of flour, but start with half the amount and see if it's enough; you want to avoid a cloudy filling.
Can I use a different fruit filling in these bars?
Absolutely! While these are cherry pie bars, the beauty of this recipe is its versatility. Feel free to swap the cherries for other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, apples (think apple crumble bars!), or even a mix. Just adjust the sugar and spices to complement the chosen fruit.
It's your bake, have it your way, mate!
Cherry Pie Bars A Slice Of Summer Simplified
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 275 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 13.5g |
| Fiber | 2g |
