Cherry Pie Bars: A Beginner-Friendly Summer Treat

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Nothing says summer quite like the sweet, tart taste of cherries. I still remember the first time I made cherry pie bars—it was a last-minute dessert for a family picnic, and I was worried they wouldn’t turn out. But to my surprise, they were an instant hit. The combination of juicy berries, a crumbly golden crust, and just the right amount of natural sweetness made them a favorite among both kids and adults.

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This recipe is perfect for beginners because it is simple to follow, does not require special equipment, and can be easily customized. It uses wholesome ingredients, making it a great alternative to store-bought desserts loaded with refined sugar and preservatives. The naturally sweet fruit filling pairs beautifully with the nutty, slightly crunchy crust, creating a dessert that feels indulgent while still being nourishing.

If you have been hesitant to try baking, this is a great place to start. The steps are straightforward, the ingredients are flexible, and the result is a delightful treat that looks as impressive as it tastes. Whether you are making these cherry pie bars for a summer gathering, a casual weekend dessert, or a meal-prep snack for the week, you will love how easy and rewarding this recipe is.

Ingredients and Preparation

For the Crust and Topping

• 1/4 cup coconut flakes, roughly chopped or pulsed 1-2 times until they resemble the texture of quick oats (can be substituted with rolled oats or quick oats if not grain-free)
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds, roughly chopped or pulsed 1-2 times until they resemble the texture of quick oats (can be substituted with rolled oats or quick oats if not grain-free)
• 1 2/3 cups superfine blanched almond flour (can be substituted with gluten-free fine oat flour or all-purpose flour, though measurements may need adjustment)
• 2 tablespoons arrowroot flour, tapioca flour, or omitted if using all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup softened refined coconut oil, butter-flavored coconut oil, vegan butter, ghee, or unsalted butter if not dairy-free
• 1/4 cup maple syrup (can be substituted with honey or a sugar-free alternative such as Lakanto sugar-free maple syrup)
• 2 tablespoons coconut sugar (can be substituted with brown sugar or a brown sugar alternative such as Lakanto or Swerve)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1/3 teaspoon baking soda

For the Filling

• 2 1/2 cups fresh mixed berries (if using frozen, thaw, drain, and pat dry first)
• 1 cup fresh or frozen pitted cherries, roughly chopped
• 3 tablespoons maple syrup (can be substituted with honey or a sugar-free alternative such as Lakanto sugar-free maple syrup)
• 1 tablespoon arrowroot flour, tapioca flour, or cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the Baking Pan

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang on the sides. This will make it easier to remove the bars once they are baked and cooled.

2. Making the Fruit Filling

In a medium pot over medium heat, add the mixed berries, chopped cherries, maple syrup, arrowroot flour, and lemon juice. Stir frequently while smashing the fruit slightly with a wooden spoon. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 3-5 minutes until it thickens. Once thickened, remove from heat and allow it to cool in the refrigerator while preparing the crust.

3. Preparing the Crust and Topping

In a large mixing bowl, combine the almond flour, arrowroot flour, coconut sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and baking soda. Stir in the chopped almonds and coconut flakes.

Add the softened coconut oil and maple syrup to the dry ingredients. Mix until the texture resembles a crumbly dough. Press a little more than half of this mixture into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly to form a solid crust.

4. Pre-Baking the Crust

Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 12 minutes. Once done, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for about 5 minutes.

5. Adding the Fruit Filling

Evenly spread the cooled fruit mixture over the crust, ensuring the filling covers the surface.

6. Creating the Crumble Topping

Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the fruit layer. Try to distribute it evenly, allowing some fruit to peek through for a rustic appearance.

7. Final Baking

Return the pan to the oven and bake for 22-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. The edges should be slightly crisp, while the center remains soft.

8. Cooling and Serving

Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing them into squares. This ensures they hold their shape when cut. You can enjoy them immediately or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Beginner Tips and Notes

Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them

• Filling Too Runny: If the fruit filling is too watery, it may not set properly. Make sure to drain and pat dry frozen fruit before using it. Adding an extra teaspoon of arrowroot flour or cornstarch can help thicken it further.
• Crust Crumbles Too Much: If the crust does not hold together, add a little more coconut oil or maple syrup to bind the ingredients better. Press the dough firmly into the pan before baking.
• Overbrowning: If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover it with foil during the last few minutes of baking.

Kitchen Tips for Efficiency

• Prepping Ahead: The fruit filling can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This saves time when assembling the bars.
• Easy Cleanup: Lining the pan with parchment paper not only makes it easier to remove the bars but also minimizes mess.
• Substitutions: If you do not have almond flour, gluten-free oat flour or regular all-purpose flour can work. Adjust liquid ingredients accordingly, as different flours absorb moisture differently.

Serving Suggestions

Cherry pie bars are delicious on their own, but you can elevate them with simple additions.

• With a Side of Yogurt: Serve with Greek yogurt or coconut yogurt for a balanced snack.
• Drizzled with Chocolate: Melted dark chocolate can be drizzled over the bars for added decadence.
• Paired with Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or dairy-free ice cream makes this dessert even more indulgent.
• Sprinkled with Nuts: Adding chopped pecans, walnuts, or extra sliced almonds enhances texture and flavor.

Storage Tips

These bars store well and can be enjoyed throughout the week.

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the bars in a single layer, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or in the refrigerator before serving.

Conclusion

Cherry pie bars are a fantastic beginner-friendly dessert that showcases the natural sweetness of fruit while offering a simple and healthy treat. The combination of a nutty crust and a juicy, tart cherry filling makes them a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Whether you are new to baking or looking for an easy go-to recipe, these bars are a great choice. They require minimal ingredients, come together quickly, and allow for plenty of substitutions to fit your dietary needs.

If you try this recipe, share your experience and any creative twists you make. The best part of baking is experimenting and finding what works for you. Enjoy making and sharing these delicious cherry pie bars.