Cherry Pie Bars with Lemon Glaze

Welcome to our delightful recipe post featuring the irresistible Cherry Pie Bars with Lemon Glaze. These bars are a perfect blend of sweet cherry goodness and tangy lemon flavor, creating a mouthwatering treat that will leave you craving for more. Get ready to indulge in a burst of fruity deliciousness!

Why You’ll Love Cherry Pie Bars with Lemon Glaze

There are plenty of reasons to fall in love with these Cherry Pie Bars with Lemon Glaze. Here are a few highlights:

– The combination of juicy cherries and zesty lemon creates a refreshing and vibrant flavor profile.

– These bars are easy to make and perfect for sharing with family and friends.

– The sweet cherry filling paired with the citrusy lemon glaze is a match made in dessert heaven.

– Each bite offers a satisfying balance of sweetness and tanginess that will tantalize your taste buds.

Ingredients

For the Cherry Pie Bars:

– 2 cups all-purpose flour

– 1 cup granulated sugar

– 1/2 teaspoon salt

– 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

– 2 large eggs

– 1 teaspoon almond extract

– 21 oz cherry pie filling

For the Lemon Glaze:

– 1 cup powdered sugar

– 2-3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

– 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in the butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

3. Add the eggs and almond extract, and mix until well combined. The dough will be crumbly.

4. Press 2/3 of the dough into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust.

5. Spread the cherry pie filling over the crust layer.

6. Crumble the remaining dough over the cherry layer.

7. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the top is lightly golden brown.

8. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

Serving Suggestions

These Cherry Pie Bars with Lemon Glaze are best enjoyed with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Serve them warm for a comforting dessert or chill them in the fridge for a refreshing treat on a hot day.

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your preferences. You can try using different fruit pie fillings such as blueberry or apple for a twist on the classic flavor. For a nutty crunch, add chopped almonds or pecans to the dough mixture.

Pro Tips for Success

– Make sure the butter is cold when incorporating it into the dough to achieve a flaky and tender crust.

– For a more pronounced lemon flavor, increase the amount of lemon juice and zest in the glaze.

– Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting them into squares to ensure clean edges.

– Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

FAQ

Q: Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned pie filling?

A: Yes, you can pit and chop fresh cherries to use in this recipe. Adjust the sugar amount based on the sweetness of the cherries.

Q: How can I prevent the bars from getting soggy?

A: To avoid a soggy bottom crust, you can blind bake the crust for 10-12 minutes before adding the cherry filling.

Q: Is it possible to freeze these bars?

A: Yes, you can freeze the bars (unglazed) in a single layer, then transfer them to an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can prepare the bars a day in advance and glaze them just before serving for the best texture.

Q: How do I store leftovers?

A: Store any remaining bars in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness and flavor.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these Cherry Pie Bars with Lemon Glaze are a delightful dessert that combines the sweet taste of cherries with the zesty kick of lemon. Whether you’re hosting a summer party or simply craving a fruity treat, these bars are sure to impress. Give this recipe a try and indulge in a burst of flavorful goodness!