Description
Cherry Pie Bars blend buttery crust, sweet cherry filling, and a luscious glaze. Easy to make and irresistibly delicious for any occasion!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Crust and Topping:
- 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups (120g) old-fashioned rolled oats (reserve 2 tbsp for topping)
- 1 cup (200g) packed light or dark brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
- ¾ cup (170g) unsalted butter, melted
For the Cherry Filling:
- 3 ½ cups (about 525g) frozen sour cherries (do not thaw)
- ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons (16g) cornstarch
For the Almond Icing (Optional):
- ½ cup (60g) confectioners’ sugar
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) milk
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust and Topping:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, oats (reserve 2 tbsp), brown sugar, baking powder, salt, and lemon zest.
- Pour in melted butter and stir until crumbly. Set aside 1 cup of this mixture for the topping.
- Press the remaining mixture firmly into the baking pan to form the crust.
- Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then remove and set aside.
- Prepare the Cherry Filling:
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine frozen cherries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice.
- Stir occasionally until cherries release juices and simmer, about 5 minutes.
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with 2 tbsp warm cherry liquid to create a slurry.
- Pour slurry back into the saucepan, stirring constantly.
- Cook for another 2-3 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Assemble and Bake:
- Pour the cherry filling evenly over the pre-baked crust.
- Mix reserved 2 tbsp oats into the set-aside crumble mixture, then sprinkle over cherry filling.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and filling is bubbly.
- Let bars cool completely in the pan.
- Prepare the Almond Icing (Optional):
- In a small bowl, whisk together confectioners’ sugar, milk, and almond extract.
- Drizzle icing over cooled bars before cutting into squares.
Notes
- Fresh cherries can be used instead of frozen.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American