Introduction
This delightful cherry pie bar recipe combines the rich, sweet flavors of cherry pie with a crumbly, buttery crust.
With a balance of textures, these bars are perfect for any occasion, offering the perfect treat for a family gathering or a simple dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth.
The addition of almond flour and oats gives a unique twist to the traditional cherry pie, creating a flavor profile that’s both comforting and exciting.
Ingredients
-2 cups all-purpose flour
-1/2 cup granulated sugar
-1/2 cup brown sugar
-1 tsp baking powder
-1/4 tsp salt
-1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
-1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
-1 large egg
-1 tsp vanilla extract
-2 cups cherry pie filling
-1/4 cup almond flour
-1/4 cup oats
Instructions
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures the bars will.
come out easily once baked. Set aside the prepared dish and begin working on the dough.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar.
baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Stir the dry ingredients together to ensure they are evenly mixed.
Next, add the cold, cubed butter to the dry mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your hands to work the butter into.
the flour mixture, creating a crumbly texture. This will form the base of your bars.
Once the butter is well incorporated, add the egg and vanilla extract. Mix until the dough comes together. If the dough feels too dry, you can add a teaspoon of water to help it bind.
Take two-thirds of the dough mixture and press it evenly into the bottom of the greased baking dish, forming a crust layer. Once the crust is set, spread the cherry pie filling evenly on top.
For the topping, in a separate bowl, combine the almond flour and oats with the remaining dough. Crumble this mixture over the cherry filling, ensuring it covers the top evenly.
Bake the bars for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
Once done, remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely before slicing.
How to Make
To start, ensure your butter is cold. This is key to achieving a flaky and tender crust. The combination of granulated and brown sugars gives the bars a nice depth of sweetness.
while the ground cinnamon enhances the flavor with a warm, aromatic touch. Don’t skip the step of pressing the dough into the bottom of the baking dish, as it ensures the crust stays in place while baking.
When spreading the cherry pie filling, make sure it’s evenly distributed to avoid any areas being too sweet or tart.
The cherry filling provides a juicy and fruity contrast to the crumbly, buttery crust and topping, creating a delicious balance in every bite.
The addition of almond flour in the topping gives the bars a slightly nutty flavor, which pairs wonderfully with the cherry filling.
The oats provide a bit of texture, making the topping both flavorful and crunchy.
To get a crisp topping, make sure to break the dough into small crumbles and sprinkle it generously over the cherries. This will give the bars a rustic and homestyle appearance.
The cooling step is important. Allow the bars to cool completely to set, as they will be much easier to cut into clean slices. If you cut them while still warm, they may fall apart.
The baking time can vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on the bars toward the end. When the top is golden brown and the filling is visibly bubbling, they’re done!
Once baked, let the bars rest for about 30 minutes before serving. This allows them to set further, making it easier to slice them neatly without them falling apart.
Tips
For the best texture, use cold butter when making the dough. This ensures the crust stays flaky and doesn’t turn too soft or chewy.
If you don’t have almond flour, you can substitute it with all-purpose flour, though almond flour does add a unique flavor and texture to the bars.
If you prefer a less sweet filling, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the cherry pie filling or use a sugar-free version. This allows the natural tartness of the cherries to shine through.
Be sure to press the dough firmly into the bottom of the dish to form a solid crust that will hold up well during baking. You can use the back of a spoon to help with this process, ensuring an even layer.
For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the dough mixture. This will complement the cinnamon and enhance the overall warmth of the bars.
If you like a thicker topping, feel free to use more oats and almond flour, or double the crumble mixture. Just make sure the cherry filling is still adequately covered.
To make the bars a bit more indulgent, drizzle a little melted chocolate over the top once they’re cooled. The richness of the chocolate pairs perfectly with the sweet and tart cherry flavor.
If you don’t have a 9×13-inch baking dish, you can also use an 8×8-inch dish, but be prepared for thicker bars. Just keep in mind that the baking time may need to be adjusted slightly.
Conclusion
These cherry pie bars are a fantastic combination of buttery, crumbly texture and sweet, tart cherry filling.
The balance of flavors and textures makes them an irresistible treat that’s sure to please everyone.
Whether for a special occasion or just a casual dessert, these bars will quickly become a go-to recipe.
With simple ingredients and an easy-to-follow method, you can enjoy the delicious taste of homemade cherry pie in a more convenient and portable form. Happy baking!