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These cherry pie bars offer the perfect combination of buttery shortbread crust and sweet-tart cherry filling. Unlike traditional pies, they're simpler to prepare while delivering that same beloved homemade taste. The portable bar format makes them ideal for picnics, potlucks, or enjoying with morning coffee. A delicate almond glaze adds an elegant finishing touch that transforms these bars into something truly special.
This treasured recipe comes from countless hours spent in my grandmother's kitchen during cherry season. The familiar scent of baking cherries would fill the air as she crafted these bars, often using fruit preserved from her garden. While modernized slightly for today's kitchen, this family recipe retains its comforting, homestyle appeal.
Key Ingredients
- Butter: Use unsalted butter at room temperature for best texture and flavor control
- Cherry Filling: Select quality filling with whole cherries for optimal taste
- Almond Extract: Enhances cherry flavor and adds subtle depth
- All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure for the perfect tender crust
- Eggs: Room temperature eggs blend smoothly into the dough
Creating exceptional cherry pie bars requires attention to technique and timing. Follow these detailed steps for bars with a golden crust and perfectly set cherry filling that will impress any dessert lover.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- 1. Prepare the Crust:
- Start with room temperature butter. Cream butter with sugar and salt until light and fluffy, about 5-7 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each.
- 2. Handle the Dough:
- Press 3 cups dough into lined pan for base. Wrap remaining dough and chill while preparing filling.
- 3. Add Cherry Layer:
- Spread filling evenly, leaving small border. Drop chilled dough dollops over cherries, allowing filling to show through.
- 4. Baking Method:
- Bake in preheated oven until edges turn golden brown. Cool on wire rack immediately.
- 5. Apply Glaze:
- Once completely cooled, make almond glaze by gradually adding milk to powdered sugar until proper consistency achieved.
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Years of baking experience have shown that proper creaming and cooling times are crucial. These steps create the perfect crust texture and properly set filling.
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Storage Guidelines
Store unglazed bars in airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Place parchment between layers. Refrigerate in humid weather. Freeze wrapped individual portions up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator. Glaze just before serving for best presentation.
Serving Suggestions
Enhance these bars with complementary pairings. Serve warm for gooey filling or room temperature for perfect texture:
- Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
- Fresh Whipped Cream
- Hot Coffee or Tea
- Cold Milk
- Toasted Almonds
Flavors develop beautifully overnight as components meld together.
Seasonal Adaptations
Modify this versatile recipe throughout the year:
- Summer: Fresh cherry filling
- Fall: Apple filling with cinnamon
- Winter: Dark chocolate cherry
- Spring: Lemon-brightened filling
Temperature Tips
Proper ingredient temperature is crucial. Room temperature butter and eggs create tender crust. Butter should yield slightly without being greasy. Complete cooling ensures clean slices and proper texture.
These bars bridge traditional pie making with modern convenience. Each batch brings memories of summer baking with cherished family recipes passed down with care and love.
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Closing Notes
These cherry pie bars represent home baking at its finest. Simple techniques and quality ingredients create extraordinary results suitable for any occasion. Share them with loved ones to create lasting memories with every delicious bite.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I swap out canned cherries for fresh ones?
- Sure! Use around 4 cups of pitted cherries cooked with a mix of sugar and cornstarch until thickened. It works great, though canned filling is easier and more consistent.
- → What’s the best way to keep these bars fresh?
- Store them in an airtight container at room temp for up to 3 days, or pop them in the fridge for a week of freshness.
- → Can I freeze these cherry bars for later?
- Absolutely! Wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before enjoying.
- → Why does the recipe call for room temperature ingredients?
- Using ingredients like butter and eggs at room temperature helps them blend smoothly for the best consistency.
- → What if I don’t have almond extract on hand?
- No problem! Swap it for vanilla extract. You’ll lose the almond-cherry combo, but the bars will still taste amazing.