Craving a taste of classic cherry pie without the fuss or the gluten? Look no further than these Simple Gluten Free Cherry Pie Bars, designed for effortless baking and maximum flavor. This recipe offers a delightful way to enjoy your favorite fruit dessert, making it perfect for any occasion.
Key Ingredients for Simple Gluten Free Cherry Pie Bars
- For the Crust:
- 2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (ensure it contains xanthan gum)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
- 1-2 tablespoons ice water (as needed)
- For the Cherry Filling:
- 4 cups pitted fresh or frozen (thawed) cherries
- ½ cup granulated sugar (adjust to your sweetness preference)
- ¼ cup cornstarch or tapioca starch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon pure almond extract (optional, but highly recommended for extra flavor)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- For the Topping (Optional):
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, for serving
How to Make Simple Gluten Free Cherry Pie Bars
Get ready to experience a slice of heaven with these incredibly easy Simple Gluten Free Cherry Pie Bars! In just under an hour of active preparation, you’ll create a dessert that’s both satisfyingly sweet and wonderfully tart, featuring a buttery gluten-free crust and a luscious, homemade cherry filling. The simplicity of this recipe means you don’t need to be a master baker to achieve bakery-worthy results, making it a go-to for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. The vibrant burst of cherry flavor is truly the star here, balanced perfectly by the tender crumb of the crust, offering a delightful contrast in every bite.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: In a large bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour blend, ½ cup granulated sugar, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry blender, your fingertips, or a food processor, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining. This is key for a tender crust.
- Add Water and Form Dough: Gradually add the ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix. You may not need all the water. The dough should be crumbly but hold together when squeezed.
- Press Dough into Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease an 8×8 inch baking pan or a 9×13 inch rectangular pan (you will have a thinner crust for a larger pan). Press about two-thirds of the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the base crust. Reserve the remaining one-third of the dough for the topping.
- Prepare the Cherry Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the pitted cherries, ½ cup granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and almond extract (if using). Stir gently until the cherries are evenly coated. Let the mixture sit for about 5-10 minutes to allow the juices to release and the cornstarch to start dissolving.
- Assemble the Bars: Pour the cherry filling evenly over the pressed crust in the baking pan.
- Create the Topping: Take the reserved one-third of the dough. You have two options: you can either crumble small pieces of the dough over the cherry filling to create a streusel-like topping, or, if you prefer a more structured topping, you can roll out the remaining dough between two pieces of parchment paper and cut it into strips to create a lattice top.
- Bake the Bars: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cherry filling is bubbly. The baking time will vary slightly depending on your oven and pan size.
- Cool Completely: Remove the Simple Gluten Free Cherry Pie Bars from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack before cutting into bars. This is crucial for the filling to set properly.
- Serve: Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar if desired. Cut into squares and serve plain, or with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat.
Why You’ll Love This Simple Gluten Free Cherry Pie Bars
You’ll fall head over heels for these Simple Gluten Free Cherry Pie Bars because they deliver all the comforting nostalgia of classic cherry pie without any gluten. The star is undoubtedly the sweet and tart cherry filling, bursting with vibrant fruit flavor that’s perfectly complemented by a tender, flaky gluten-free crust. Plus, making these at home is incredibly budget-friendly, saving you money compared to store-bought gluten-free desserts, and the optional almond extract adds a sophisticated layer of flavor that elevates them beyond the ordinary, making them a perfect treat without the premium price tag.
Imagine the rich, fruity aroma filling your kitchen as these bars bake – a delicious promise of the delightful taste to come. Unlike more complicated pie recipes, these bars are remarkably straightforward, making them a fantastic option for beginner bakers or anyone seeking a quick yet impressive dessert. If you’ve ever loved a good berry crumble or a fruit tart, you’re going to adore the satisfying texture and intense fruitiness of these pie bars. So why wait? Grab your ingredients and whip up a batch of these delightful Simple Gluten Free Cherry Pie Bars today; your taste buds will thank you for it!
Storing and Reheating Tips
These Simple Gluten Free Cherry Pie Bars are best enjoyed fresh, but they do store well for later.
- Refrigeration: Once completely cooled, store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the cooled bars. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
- Reheating: To reheat refrigerated bars, you can gently warm them in a warm oven (around 300°F or 150°C) for a few minutes until they are warmed through. You can also microwave them for about 15-30 seconds, but be careful not to overheat, as the crust can become soft. Frozen bars can be thawed at room temperature or gently reheated in the oven when needed.
Final Thoughts
These Simple Gluten Free Cherry Pie Bars are a fantastic way to enjoy a comforting dessert that’s both delicious and accessible. Give them a try for a sweet treat that’s sure to please everyone, regardless of dietary needs!
Simple Gluten Free Cherry Pie Bars
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour blend, ½ cup granulated sugar, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry blender, your fingertips, or a food processor, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining.2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, ½ cup granulated sugar, ¼ teaspoon salt, ¾ cup cold unsalted butter
- Gradually add the ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix. You may not need all the water. The dough should be crumbly but hold together when squeezed.1-2 tablespoons ice water
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease an 8×8 inch baking pan or a 9×13 inch rectangular pan (you will have a thinner crust for a larger pan). Press about two-thirds of the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the base crust. Reserve the remaining one-third of the dough for the topping.
- In a medium bowl, combine the pitted cherries, ½ cup granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and almond extract (if using). Stir gently until the cherries are evenly coated. Let the mixture sit for about 5-10 minutes to allow the juices to release and the cornstarch to start dissolving.4 cups pitted fresh or frozen (thawed) cherries, ½ cup granulated sugar, ¼ cup cornstarch or tapioca starch, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon pure almond extract
- Pour the cherry filling evenly over the pressed crust in the baking pan.
- Take the reserved one-third of the dough. You have two options: you can either crumble small pieces of the dough over the cherry filling to create a streusel-like topping, or, if you prefer a more structured topping, you can roll out the remaining dough between two pieces of parchment paper and cut it into strips to create a lattice top.
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cherry filling is bubbly. The baking time will vary slightly depending on your oven and pan size.
- Remove the Simple Gluten Free Cherry Pie Bars from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack before cutting into bars. This is crucial for the filling to set properly.
- Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar if desired. Cut into squares and serve plain, or with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat.powdered sugar, vanilla ice cream or whipped cream