Cherry Pie Bars

There’s something truly magical about summer and cherries, isn’t there? I’m beyond grateful to share this delightful Cherry Pie Bars recipe with you. These bars bring together a scrumptious blend of tart cherries and a buttery crust that will make your taste buds sing. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or just indulging in a sweet treat for yourself, these cherry pie bars are sure to impress!

Ingredients

Crust & Topping

• 1 cup whole-wheat flour
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 6 tbsp cold salted vegan butter, cubed
• 7-8 tbsp ice water

Cherry Filling

• 3 cups pitted, halved cherries
• 4 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tbsp filtered water
• 2 tsp cornstarch
• 2 tsp vanilla extract

Optional Toppings

• Unsweetened soy milk
• Turbinado sugar

How to Make Cherry Pie Bars

1: Prepare the Crust & Topping

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine the whole-wheat flour, all-purpose flour, and granulated sugar.
3. Add the cold vegan butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your hands to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together.
5. Divide the dough in half. Press one half evenly into the prepared baking dish to form the crust. Reserve the other half for the topping.

2: Make the Cherry Filling

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the pitted, halved cherries, maple syrup, and filtered water.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cherries release their juices and the mixture begins to simmer.
3. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a bit of cold water to form a slurry. Add this to the cherry mixture along with the vanilla extract.
4. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the filling thickens. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

3: Assemble the Bars

1. Pour the cherry filling evenly over the crust in the baking dish.
2. Crumble the reserved dough over the cherry filling to create a topping.
3. If desired, brush the top with unsweetened soy milk and sprinkle with turbinado sugar for added texture and sweetness.

4: Bake

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
2. Let the bars cool completely in the baking dish before cutting into squares.

Helpful Tips

• Butter: Make sure your vegan butter is very cold for the best crumbly texture in the crust and topping.
• Cherries: Fresh, pitted cherries work best, but you can also use frozen cherries. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well.

Substitutions/Variations

• Flour: Feel free to use only all-purpose flour if you don’t have whole-wheat flour on hand.
• Sweeteners: Swap out maple syrup for honey or agave nectar if you prefer.
• Butter: Regular butter can be used if you’re not vegan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other fruits instead of cherries?

Absolutely! Blueberries, raspberries, or a mix of berries would also work wonderfully in this recipe.

How do I know when the bars are done?

The topping should be golden brown, and the cherry filling should be bubbly. A little patience is key to achieving the perfect texture!

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the flours with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.

Storage Instructions

Store your cherry pie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze the bars for up to 3 months—just thaw them in the fridge overnight before serving.

More Relevant Recipes

• Snickerdoodle Cheesecake Bars: A delightful blend of snickerdoodle cookies and creamy cheesecake.
• Monster Cookie No-Bake Bars: Packed with oats, peanut butter, chocolate chips, and M&Ms, these no-bake bars are a family favorite.
• Gooey M&M Cookie Bars: Chewy, gooey cookie bars loaded with colorful M&Ms for an extra burst of fun.

Thank you for joining me on this cherry-filled adventure! I hope these cherry pie bars bring as much joy to your kitchen as they do to mine. Happy baking!

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