Cherry Pie Bars

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Cherry Pie Bars đŸ’đŸ„§

Introduction:

Cherry Pie Bars are a sweet, delightful twist on the classic cherry pie, offering all the juicy, tangy goodness of cherries with the ease of a bar-style dessert. These bars feature a buttery, flaky crust with a luscious cherry filling and a golden crumbly topping. Perfect for summer picnics, holiday gatherings, or simply as a sweet treat for any occasion, Cherry Pie Bars are easy to make and sure to please everyone with a sweet tooth. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting in the kitchen, these bars are a simple and satisfying dessert to add to your repertoire.

Ingredients:

For the crust:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the cherry filling:

  • 2 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted and chopped
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional, but adds a wonderful depth to the cherry flavor)

For the topping:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the bars.

2. Make the Crust:

  • In a large bowl, whisk together the 2 cups of flour, 1/2 cup sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
  • Add the softened butter and vanilla extract. Using a pastry cutter or your hands, work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
  • Press the mixture into the bottom of your prepared baking dish, creating an even layer. Use the back of a spoon to press it firmly down.
  • Bake the crust for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden around the edges.

3. Make the Cherry Filling:

  • In a medium saucepan, combine the chopped cherries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and almond extract (if using).
  • Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and becomes bubbly—about 5-7 minutes.
  • Once thickened, remove the cherry filling from the heat and set aside to cool slightly.

4. Make the Topping:

  • In a medium bowl, combine the 1 cup of flour, 1/4 cup sugar, oats, salt, and cinnamon.
  • Add the chilled, cubed butter. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture forms crumbly bits.

5. Assemble the Bars:

  • Once the crust has finished baking, spread the cherry filling evenly over the crust.
  • Sprinkle the crumble topping generously over the cherry filling.

6. Bake:

  • Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for another 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the filling is bubbling.
  • Let the bars cool completely in the dish before cutting them into squares.

History:

Cherry pie has long been a symbol of American culture, often linked to the iconic saying, “As American as apple pie.” However, the cherry pie, in particular, holds its own place in history. Cherries, native to Europe and Asia, were cultivated in the Americas by European settlers. Early recipes for cherry pies can be traced back to the colonial period, where cherries were preserved in various ways to make sweet desserts like pies. Over the years, the cherry pie evolved, with various regional twists—eventually inspiring desserts like Cherry Pie Bars that make the flavors more accessible and portable for modern bakers.

The Cherry Pie Bar is a more contemporary take on the classic pie, offering the same comforting, fruity goodness but with a simpler, easier-to-serve presentation.

Formation:

Cherry Pie Bars come together in layers—first a soft, buttery crust, followed by a tangy cherry filling, and topped off with a sweet, crumbly oat topping. This simple yet effective structure is what makes these bars so universally loved. The crust is baked before being topped with the cherry filling to ensure that it doesn’t become soggy. The crumble topping adds a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the juicy, tender cherries.

Conclusion:

Cherry Pie Bars are a great way to enjoy the flavors of a classic pie without the need for a pie crust. They are perfect for sharing with friends and family, and the easy-to-make nature of the recipe ensures that even beginner bakers can achieve great results. With a crumbly, buttery crust, a sweet-tart cherry filling, and a crunchy oat topping, these bars are a delicious and irresistible treat that will leave everyone coming back for more. Whether you enjoy them at a summer BBQ, a holiday dinner, or as a sweet afternoon snack, Cherry Pie Bars are bound to become a family favorite.

Lovers of Cherry Pie Bars:

Fans of these bars will appreciate the combination of textures and flavors—the buttery crust, juicy cherries, and oat-filled topping. The cherry filling, whether made with fresh or frozen cherries, will always be a crowd-pleaser. If you want to elevate these bars, try adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side or a drizzle of heavy cream for extra indulgence. For those who love the cherry almond flavor, the optional almond extract in the filling enhances the cherry’s natural taste and gives the bars a subtle, nutty sweetness.

Enjoy your Cherry Pie Bars! đŸ’đŸ„§ Would you like to customize this recipe in any way, or perhaps try another one? 😄

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