Are you craving a delightful dessert that’s both easy to make and incredibly satisfying? Look no further than these delicious tart cherry pie bars! These aren’t your grandma’s cherry pie – they’re a modern twist on a classic, offering the same comforting flavors in a convenient, bar-shaped format, perfect for parties, potlucks, or a simple weeknight treat. Imagine a buttery, crumbly crust layered with a generous filling of sweet and tart cherries, baked to golden perfection. Each bite is a burst of juicy cherry goodness, balanced perfectly by the slightly sweet and salty crust. These delicious tart cherry pie bars are incredibly versatile too. They can be enjoyed warm from the oven with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or served at room temperature for a lighter dessert experience. Ready to embark on this delicious baking journey? Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Delicious Tart Cherry Pie Bar Recipe
There are so many reasons why this recipe will become a favorite in your kitchen! First and foremost, these delicious tart cherry pie bars are incredibly easy to make. Unlike traditional pies, which require time-consuming crimping and blind baking, these bars come together quickly and simply. The straightforward instructions are perfect for both beginner and experienced bakers. Secondly, these bars offer the perfect balance of sweet and tart. The tartness of the cherries is beautifully complemented by the buttery sweetness of the crust, creating a flavor profile that’s both refreshing and satisfying. They’re also incredibly adaptable. Want to add a sprinkle of cinnamon? Go for it! Prefer a different type of cherry? Absolutely! The recipe is a fantastic base that you can easily customize to your preferences. Finally, these delicious tart cherry pie bars are incredibly visually appealing. The golden-brown crust and the vibrant red cherries make them a showstopper dessert that’s sure to impress your guests. They’re perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual gathering or a special celebration. These delicious tart cherry pie bars are also wonderfully portable, making them ideal for taking to picnics or potlucks.
Why You Should Try This Delicious Tart Cherry Pie Bar Recipe
Beyond the ease and deliciousness, making these delicious tart cherry pie bars offers several compelling reasons. Firstly, it’s a fantastic way to use up fresh, seasonal cherries. If you have a bumper crop from your garden or a great deal at the farmer’s market, these bars are the perfect solution for preserving that delicious summer fruit. Secondly, homemade desserts always taste better! There’s something incredibly rewarding about creating something from scratch, and these bars are a testament to that satisfaction. You control the ingredients, ensuring quality and freshness, unlike store-bought options. Thirdly, this recipe is a great way to impress your friends and family without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s the perfect recipe for showing off your baking skills without the stress of a complex pie. Fourthly, it’s a wonderful opportunity to involve family and friends in the baking process, making it a fun and memorable activity. Finally, the leftover bars store well in the refrigerator, meaning you can enjoy this delicious treat for days to come.
Ingredients and Utensils for Delicious Tart Cherry Pie Bars
- Crust Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend for a gluten-free version)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
- ¼ cup ice water
- Filling Ingredients:
- 4 cups fresh or frozen tart cherries, pitted (if using frozen, do not thaw)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- Pinch of salt
- Optional Topping:
- ¼ cup sliced almonds
- Coarse sugar for sprinkling
- Utensils:
- 9×13 inch baking pan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowls (large and small)
- Pastry blender or fork for cutting in butter
- Rubber spatula or wooden spoon
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheet
Detailed Steps for Making Delicious Tart Cherry Pie Bars
- Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to easily lift the bars later. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Important: Use cold butter for a flakier crust.
- Add the Sugars: Stir in the granulated and brown sugars. Gradually add the ice water, mixing until the dough just comes together. Do not overmix.
- Press into Pan: Press half of the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Tip: Use the bottom of a measuring cup to ensure an even layer.
- Prepare the Filling: In a separate bowl, combine the cherries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, almond extract (if using), and salt. Gently toss to coat the cherries evenly.
- Assemble and Bake: Spread the cherry filling evenly over the crust. Crumble the remaining dough over the top. If desired, sprinkle with sliced almonds and coarse sugar. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Tip: If the edges are browning too quickly, cover loosely with foil.
- Cool and Serve: Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. This allows the filling to set properly. Once cool, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into squares and serve. Enjoy your delicious tart cherry pie bars!
Tips and Variations for Delicious Tart Cherry Pie Bars
These delicious tart cherry pie bars are incredibly versatile! Here are a few tips and variations to help you customize this recipe to your liking:
- Frozen Cherries: If using frozen cherries, do not thaw them before adding them to the filling. The extra moisture will help keep the filling moist.
- Other Fruits: Feel free to substitute other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries. Adjust the sugar amount depending on the sweetness of the fruit.
- Spice it Up: Add a dash of cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice to the filling for a warm, comforting flavor.
- Vegan Version: Use a vegan butter substitute and replace the eggs (if used in a variation) with a flax egg or applesauce.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Ensure it’s a blend designed for baking to achieve the best texture.
- Make it Ahead: These bars can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Avoid Overbaking: Overbaking can result in a dry crust and a burnt filling. Start checking for doneness around 40 minutes.
Nutritional Values and Benefits of Delicious Tart Cherry Pie Bars
While these delicious tart cherry pie bars are undeniably indulgent, they also offer some nutritional benefits. Cherries are packed with antioxidants, which help protect your cells from damage. They’re also a good source of Vitamin C and potassium. The exact nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients used, but a general estimate per bar (assuming a 9×13 inch pan cut into 16 bars) might be:
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: Approximately 3-4 grams
- Fat: Approximately 12-15 grams
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 35-40 grams
Remember that these are estimates, and the nutritional content can change depending on the type of flour, butter, and sugar used. For a more precise analysis, consider using a nutritional calculator with the exact ingredients and quantities of your recipe. For those seeking a healthier option, consider reducing the amount of sugar or using alternative sweeteners. You could also explore using whole wheat flour for added fiber.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about Delicious Tart Cherry Pie Bars
Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about making these delicious tart cherry pie bars:
- Can I use frozen pitted cherries? Yes, absolutely! Make sure they are not thawed before adding them to the filling.
- What if my crust is too dry? Add a teaspoon or two of ice water at a time until the dough comes together. Don’t overmix.
- My bars are burning too quickly. What should I do? Cover the pan loosely with aluminum foil to prevent the top from browning too quickly.
- How long can I store the bars? Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Can I freeze these bars? Yes, you can freeze the baked bars for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil.
- What can I substitute for almond extract? You can omit it entirely or substitute with vanilla extract.
- Why is my filling runny? Ensure you use enough cornstarch and cook the filling until it thickens properly. Overfilling the pan can also contribute to a runny filling.
Conclusion: Enjoy Your Delicious Tart Cherry Pie Bars
These delicious tart cherry pie bars are a fantastic addition to any baker’s repertoire. Their ease of preparation, delightful flavor combination, and impressive presentation make them perfect for any occasion. We hope you enjoyed this detailed guide and found it helpful. Don’t forget to share your baking experience in the comments below! Show us your gorgeous cherry pie bars and let us know what variations you tried. For more delicious recipes and baking inspiration, check out our recipes ebook! And for more information on the wonderful world of cherries, you can visit Wikipedia’s page on cherries (French). Happy baking!
Delicious Tart Cherry Pie Bars
Equipment
- 9x13 inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Fork
- Whisk
Ingredients
Crust Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups All-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup Granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
- 1 cup Cold unsalted butter Cut into cubes
Filling Ingredients
- 2 cups Tart cherries Pitted
- 2 tablespoons Cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
- 1/2 cup Granulated sugar
- 1 Egg Lightly beaten
Instructions
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, combine flour, 1/2 cup sugar, and salt. Cut in cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Press the dough into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, in a separate bowl, combine cherries, cornstarch, lemon juice, 1/2 cup sugar, and beaten egg. Mix well.
- Pour the cherry filling over the partially baked crust.
- Bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the filling is bubbly and the crust is golden brown.
- Let cool completely before cutting into bars.