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# Cherry Pie Bars: A Deliciously Sweet Dessert for Every Occasion
Cherry Pie Bars are a wonderful dessert that combines the rich flavors of a traditional cherry pie with the simplicity and ease of a bar. These decadent treats are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re serving them at a family gathering, bringing them to a potluck, or simply enjoying them as a sweet snack. Their sweet and tart cherry filling, combined with a buttery, crumbly crust, make them irresistible and a true crowd-pleaser.
In this article, we will explore the origin of cherry pie, the key ingredients that make up Cherry Pie Bars, the step-by-step process to make them, and some tips for customizing the recipe to suit your taste. We will also discuss how to store, serve, and make these bars ahead of time so that you can enjoy them whenever the craving strikes.
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## The Origin of Cherry Pie: A Classic American Dessert
Before diving into the details of making Cherry Pie Bars, it’s important to understand the history behind cherry pie, a dessert that has become synonymous with American culture. Though pie itself has origins that go back to ancient civilizations, cherry pie as we know it today became an iconic symbol of American cuisine.
The history of pie-making in America dates back to the early European settlers who brought their baking traditions with them. These settlers had a variety of fruits available, but it was the cherry tree—often native to the New World—that became a favored fruit for pies. By the 18th century, cherry pie was firmly entrenched in American baking traditions.
One of the earliest references to cherry pie appeared in an American cookbook in 1796, and by the 19th century, cherry pies were commonly served during the summer months when cherries were in season. Over time, cherry pie became associated with celebrations and holidays, with the phrase “as American as apple pie” often being applied to the cherry variety as well. Today, cherry pie remains a beloved classic, often appearing on tables during Fourth of July picnics, Thanksgiving feasts, and other family gatherings.
Cherry Pie Bars are a modern, portable take on this classic dessert. They combine the beloved tart and sweet cherry filling of a traditional pie with the convenience and ease of a bar-style dessert, making them ideal for any occasion.
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## Key Ingredients for Cherry Pie Bars
One of the reasons Cherry Pie Bars are so popular is because they require a short list of ingredients that most home bakers already have in their kitchens. Let’s go over the key ingredients that make up these bars and how each one contributes to the flavor and texture.
### 1. **Cherries (Fresh or Canned)**
The star of the show is, of course, the cherry filling. You can use **fresh cherries** or **canned cherry pie filling** as the base for your bars. If you’re using fresh cherries, you’ll need to pit and chop them. Fresh cherries provide a more vibrant, tangy flavor, while canned cherry pie filling is quicker and easier, providing a sweeter, more syrupy filling. You can also opt for **frozen cherries** if fresh ones are out of season.
### 2. **Sugar**
Sugar is added to sweeten the cherries and balance out their natural tartness. Depending on how sweet you like your desserts, you can adjust the amount of sugar you add to the filling. If you’re using canned cherry pie filling, you may not need to add much additional sugar.
### 3. **Cornstarch**
Cornstarch is used to thicken the cherry filling. It helps create a smooth, glossy texture in the filling, making it perfect for layering between the crust. Without it, the filling may be too runny, which can cause the bars to fall apart.
### 4. **Butter**
Butter adds richness to both the crust and the topping of the Cherry Pie Bars. The buttery flavor helps to balance the sweetness of the filling and adds a delicious, melt-in-your-mouth texture to the bars. A combination of cold, cubed butter and flour creates the perfect crumbly, yet sturdy, crust.
### 5. **Flour**
Flour forms the base of the crust. It gives the bars structure while providing the right texture. The flour helps bind the ingredients together and allows the crust to bake up golden and firm. A simple mixture of flour, sugar, and butter forms the base of the crust.
### 6. **Baking Powder**
Baking powder is used to help the crust rise slightly, giving it a lighter texture. It adds just enough lift to keep the crust from being too dense.
### 7. **Eggs**
Eggs are essential for providing structure and moisture to the crust. They also help bind the ingredients together and allow the bars to hold their shape when cut.
### 8. **Vanilla Extract**
Vanilla extract is used to enhance the flavor of the crust and add a warm, aromatic note. It complements the sweetness of the cherries and adds depth to the overall flavor of the bars.
### 9. **Powdered Sugar (Optional)**
If you like your Cherry Pie Bars to have a slightly sweet finish, you can dust them with **powdered sugar** before serving. The powdered sugar adds a touch of sweetness and helps make the bars look extra appealing when presented.
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## Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Cherry Pie Bars
Making Cherry Pie Bars is surprisingly easy and requires no special skills. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you prepare these delicious treats.
### Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to **350°F (175°C)**. This ensures that the bars will bake evenly and come out golden brown.
### Step 2: Prepare the Crust
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine **flour**, **sugar**, and **baking powder**.
2. Cut in **cold butter** (cubed) using a pastry cutter, a fork, or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add one **egg** and **vanilla extract** to the mixture. Stir until everything comes together into a dough. It will be a bit crumbly, but that’s okay.
4. Press **two-thirds of the dough** into the bottom of a greased **9×13-inch baking dish** to form the base crust. Use your fingers or a spatula to make sure the dough is spread evenly.
### Step 3: Make the Cherry Filling
1. If using **fresh cherries**, pit and chop them into small pieces. If using **canned cherry pie filling**, skip this step.
2. In a saucepan, combine the **chopped cherries**, **sugar**, and **cornstarch**. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and comes to a simmer (about 5-7 minutes). Remove from heat once thickened.
3. If the filling is too thick, you can add a bit of water or lemon juice to adjust the consistency.
### Step 4: Assemble the Bars
1. Pour the cherry filling over the prepared crust in the baking dish.
2. Crumble the remaining **one-third of the dough** on top of the cherry filling. It doesn’t have to be perfectly even—some unevenness is part of the charm of these bars.
3. Bake the bars in the preheated oven for **35-40 minutes** or until the top is golden brown and the cherry filling is bubbly.
### Step 5: Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the bars from the oven and let them cool in the baking dish for at least 30 minutes. This will allow the filling to set, making it easier to cut the bars into squares.
For an extra touch, dust the bars with **powdered sugar** before serving. You can also serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to make them even more indulgent.
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## Tips for the Perfect Cherry Pie Bars
– **Use Fresh Cherries When Possible**: While canned pie filling is convenient, using fresh cherries (or frozen cherries) will give you a more vibrant and natural flavor. When using fresh cherries, make sure they are ripe and sweet.
– **Adjust the Sweetness**: Depending on the type of cherries you use, you may want to adjust the amount of sugar in the filling. Taste the filling before you bake it and add more sugar if necessary.
– **Make Ahead**: Cherry Pie Bars can be made ahead of time and stored for several days. Once they have cooled completely, cover them tightly and store them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
– **Cut Into Squares**: Use a sharp knife to cut the bars into neat squares after they have cooled. For cleaner cuts, refrigerate the bars for an hour before cutting.
– **Add Other Fruits**: You can also make variations of these bars by adding other fruits like **blueberries**, **raspberries**, or even **strawberries**. A mixed berry version of these bars would be delicious!
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