Description
Sweet cherry pie bars combine classic American dessert charm with convenient bar form, offering a delightful twist on traditional pie. Home bakers can enjoy these irresistible treats that deliver rich fruity flavor and buttery crust in every tempting bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1.5 cups (354 ml) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (240 ml) rolled oats
- 2 cans (42 ounces / 1,190 grams) cherry pie filling
- 1 cup (227 grams) unsalted butter, cold and cubed (2 sticks)
Sweeteners and Sugars:
- 0.5 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (120 grams) powdered sugar
Flavor Enhancers and Liquids:
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare your workspace by positioning an oven rack in the center and heating to 350°F (175°C).
- Combine flour, oats, sugar, and salt in a spacious mixing bowl, creating a uniform dry foundation.
- Incorporate cold butter into the dry ingredients using a pastry cutter or fingertips until the mixture transforms into coarse, pebble-like crumbs.
- Transfer approximately two-thirds of the crumbly mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan, firmly pressing to create an even, compact base layer.
- Carefully spread the cherry pie filling across the prepared crust, ensuring consistent coverage from edge to edge.
- Scatter the remaining crumb mixture over the fruity layer, allowing some filling to peek through for visual appeal.
- Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, watching for a golden-brown transformation of the top crust.
- While the bars cool, craft a silky glaze by whisking powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and glossy.
- Once completely cooled, drizzle the glaze in elegant zigzag patterns across the surface, enhancing both flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Customize the filling by using homemade or fresh cherry compote for a more intense fruit flavor.
- Swap traditional flour with gluten-free alternatives to make the bars suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Reduce sugar content by using low-sugar pie filling or adding natural sweeteners like stevia for a healthier version.
- Create a nutty texture by mixing chopped almonds or pecans into the crumb topping for extra crunch and depth.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg