There’s something inherently comforting and nostalgic about a slice of cherry pie. The ruby red filling peeking through a golden crust, the sweet and slightly tart flavor – it’s a classic for a reason. But sometimes, you crave that familiar taste without the fuss of rolling out a finicky pie crust. That’s where these Sweet Cherry Pie Bars with Almond Glaze come in to save the day!
Imagine a buttery, tender shortbread crust enveloping a luscious layer of sweet cherry pie filling, topped with a delicate drizzle of fragrant almond glaze. These bars capture all the beloved flavors of cherry pie in a convenient, portable, and utterly irresistible package. They’re perfect for potlucks, bake sales, picnics, or simply a delightful treat to enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea.
This recipe is surprisingly straightforward, making it a fantastic option for bakers of all skill levels. We’ll build a simple yet flavorful shortbread base, spread a generous layer of your favorite cherry pie filling, and then, once baked to golden perfection, crown it with a luscious almond-infused glaze. The combination of the buttery crust, the juicy sweetness of the cherries, and the subtle nutty aroma of the almond is simply divine.
Let’s dive into the recipe and uncover the secrets to creating these delightful Sweet Cherry Pie Bars with Almond Glaze in your own kitchen. Get ready to fill your home with the warm, inviting scent of baking and prepare for a truly delightful treat!
What Makes These Cherry Pie Bars So Special?
Beyond the ease of preparation, these bars boast a few key elements that elevate them from ordinary to extraordinary:
- Buttery Shortbread Crust: The foundation of these bars is a simple shortbread crust, made with just butter, sugar, flour, and a touch of vanilla. This provides a tender, melt-in-your-mouth base that perfectly complements the sweet filling.
- Convenient Cherry Pie Filling: Using canned cherry pie filling streamlines the process, making this recipe weeknight-friendly. However, you can certainly use homemade cherry pie filling if you prefer!
- Fragrant Almond Glaze: The almond glaze is the perfect finishing touch, adding a delicate sweetness and a subtle nutty aroma that enhances the overall flavor profile. The slight tang from the milk in the glaze also cuts through the sweetness just perfectly.
- Perfect Texture Balance: The bars offer a wonderful textural contrast between the crumbly crust, the soft, juicy filling, and the smooth, glossy glaze.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sweet Cherry Pie Bars:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Softened butter is crucial for creating a smooth and even dough. Ensure it’s at room temperature but not melted.
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar: Sugar provides sweetness and helps to create the tender texture of the crust.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor and adds a touch of warmth.
- 4 large eggs: Eggs bind the ingredients together and add richness to the crust.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: All-purpose flour forms the structure of the crust.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Salt balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling: Use your favorite brand of cherry pie filling. Look for one with plenty of whole cherries.
For the Almond Glaze:
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract: Almond extract adds a distinctive nutty flavor that complements the cherries beautifully. Be mindful not to overdo it, as it can be quite potent.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: Powdered sugar creates a smooth and glossy glaze.
- 2-3 tablespoons milk: Milk helps to thin the glaze to the desired consistency. Start with 2 tablespoons and add more as needed.
Let’s Get Baking! Step-by-Step Instructions:
Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. This will prevent the bars from sticking.
Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.
Add Vanilla and Eggs: Beat in the vanilla extract. Then, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This ensures the eggs are fully incorporated into the batter.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt.
Gradually Add Dry Ingredients to Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a tough crust.
Press Half the Dough into the Pan: Divide the dough in half. Press half of the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. You can use your fingers or the back of a spoon to achieve a smooth, even layer.
Spread the Cherry Pie Filling: Carefully spread the can of cherry pie filling evenly over the crust.
Crumble the Remaining Dough: Crumble the remaining half of the dough over the cherry pie filling. You can do this by breaking small pieces of dough between your fingertips.
Bake to Golden Perfection: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly around the edges.
Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before glazing. This is crucial for preventing the glaze from melting and running.
Prepare the Almond Glaze: While the bars are cooling, prepare the almond glaze. In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and almond extract.
Add Milk Gradually: Gradually add the milk, one tablespoon at a time, whisking until the glaze is smooth and reaches your desired consistency. You want it to be pourable but not too thin.
Drizzle the Glaze: Once the bars are completely cool, drizzle the almond glaze evenly over the top.
Let the Glaze Set: Allow the glaze to set completely before cutting the bars. This will prevent the glaze from sticking to your knife.
Slice and Enjoy!: Once the glaze is set, cut the bars into squares or rectangles and enjoy the delightful taste of your homemade Sweet Cherry Pie Bars with Almond Glaze!
Tips and Tricks for Baking Success:
- Use Room Temperature Butter: Softened butter is essential for creating a smooth and creamy dough. If your butter is too cold, it won’t cream properly. If it’s too melted, the dough will be greasy.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing the dough can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough crust. Mix until just combined.
- Evenly Spread the Filling: Ensure the cherry pie filling is spread evenly over the crust for consistent flavor in each bite.
- Don’t Skip the Cooling Time: Allowing the bars to cool completely before glazing is crucial for preventing the glaze from melting.
- Adjust Glaze Consistency: If the glaze is too thick, add a little more milk, a teaspoon at a time. If it’s too thin, add a little more powdered sugar.
- Add a Sprinkle of Almonds: For extra flavor and texture, sprinkle some slivered almonds over the glaze before it sets.
- Use Quality Cherry Pie Filling: The quality of your cherry pie filling will impact the overall flavor of the bars. Choose a brand you enjoy with plenty of whole cherries.
- Make it Ahead: These bars can be made a day or two in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature.
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Serving Suggestions:
These Sweet Cherry Pie Bars with Almond Glaze are delicious on their own, but here are a few ideas to elevate your enjoyment:
- Serve with a Scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream: The cold, creamy ice cream is a perfect complement to the warm, sweet bars.
- Pair with a Cup of Coffee or Tea: The subtle sweetness of the bars pairs wonderfully with a warm beverage.
- Dust with Powdered Sugar: For a simple yet elegant presentation, dust the bars with a little extra powdered sugar before serving.
- Serve at Room Temperature or Slightly Warm: While delicious cold, gently warming the bars can enhance their flavors.
Storing Your Sweet Treats:
Store leftover Sweet Cherry Pie Bars with Almond Glaze in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. The glaze will help to keep the bars moist. You can also store them in the refrigerator for a slightly longer shelf life.
Variations to Explore:
- Different Fruit Fillings: Get creative and try using other fruit pie fillings like blueberry, apple, or peach.
- Lemon Glaze: Substitute lemon extract for almond extract in the glaze for a bright and citrusy twist.
- Streusel Topping: Instead of a crumbled topping, try a classic streusel topping made with flour, butter, and sugar.
- Add Nuts to the Crust: Mix chopped pecans or walnuts into the crust for added flavor and texture.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the almond glaze for an extra touch of indulgence.
A Sweet Ending:
These Sweet Cherry Pie Bars with Almond Glaze are a delightful treat that’s sure to please everyone. They capture the comforting flavors of cherry pie in a convenient and easy-to-make bar form. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving a sweet indulgence, these bars are a perfect choice. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a batch of these irresistible bars that will have everyone coming back for more! Enjoy the sweet success of your baking endeavors!