Cherry Pie Slab Bars

Cherry Pie Slab Bars: A Nostalgic and Indulgent Treat

There’s something undeniably magical about the smell of freshly baked cherry pie wafting through your home. Cherry Pie Slab Bars are the perfect embodiment of this nostalgia, transforming a traditional favorite into an easily accessible, crowd-pleasing delight. With sweet, juicy cherries enveloped in a buttery, flaky crust, every bite of these gooey delights offers an irresistible burst of flavor that quickly transports you back to summer picnics and cherished family gatherings. These slab bars aren’t just delicious; they’re an invitation to indulge, to create moments, and to share sweetness with those you love.

Whether you’re preparing for a special occasion or simply want to treat yourself after a long day, these cherry pie slab bars are easy to whip up yet will leave you feeling like a pastry chef. It’s time to roll up your sleeves and create a dessert that embodies joy!

Are You Ready for a Slice of Heaven?

Have you ever found yourself dreaming about biting into a warm, gooey cherry pie, the rich flavors mingling harmoniously on your palate? What if that comfort food could be even easier to make and share? Imagine serving a generous slab of cherry pie that’s perfect for any gathering, with everyone reaching for seconds or even thirds!

Cherry Pie Slab Bars are not merely a dessert; they’re a piece of sweet nostalgia, a symbol of togetherness. Wouldn’t you love to pull a tray of these charming bars from your oven?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy Prep: With a simple list of ingredients and straightforward steps, making Cherry Pie Slab Bars is so easy that even beginner bakers will shine in the kitchen.
Crowd-Pleaser: These bars are perfect for parties, potlucks, or family gatherings. One slice may not be enough—prepare for your guests to come back for more!
Kid-Friendly: Kids adore desserts, and this one is no exception! Plus, they can help in the kitchen, making it a delightful bonding activity.
Versatile: These bars can be enjoyed warm out of the oven or chilled. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an even more indulgent experience.

Ingredients

To create these decadently delicious Cherry Pie Slab Bars, you’ll need the following ingredients:

3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for rolling
3/4 cup plus 1 tbsp. sugar, divided
2 3/4 tsp. kosher salt, divided
1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, cold and cubed
9 cups sweet dark cherries, pitted
6 Tbsp. cornstarch
Zest and juice of 2 lemons
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
1/4 tsp. almond extract (optional)
7 drops Angostura bitters (optional)
1 large egg, beaten to blend
3 Tbsp. demerara sugar

Each ingredient contributes a layer of flavor, ensuring that the cherry filling is beautifully rich and the crust is perfectly flaky.

Timing: Fast and Indulgent vs. Slow and Luxurious

The beauty of Cherry Pie Slab Bars lies in their delightful balance of speed and indulgence. You can whip these up in just a few hours—perfect for a mid-afternoon pick-me-up or an impromptu gathering.

Even with some chilling time for the dough and cooling time for the filling, the hands-on portion is quick, allowing you to spend more time savoring these delicious treats and less time worrying in the kitchen.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Whisk the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and 2 1/4 teaspoons of salt until combined.
Combine Butter: Using your fingertips, rub the cold, cubed butter into the dry mixture until the pieces resemble large, flattened coins.
Form the Dough: Gradually stream in 3/4 cup very cold water while stirring with a fork until a shaggy mixture forms.
Knead the Dough: Squeeze it together with your hands to form a rough dough. Turn it out onto a floured surface and knead a few times until just combined.
Chill the Dough: Flatten the dough into a rectangle, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate until very cold, for at least 2 hours or up to 3 days.
Prepare the Cherry Filling: Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, rub lemon zest into the remaining 3/4 cup of granulated sugar until fragrant. Add the pitted cherries, cornstarch, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until thickened and bubbling, about 4 to 5 minutes.
Mix in Flavor: Stir in the lemon juice, vanilla extract, almond extract (if desired), and bitters (if using). Transfer to a heatproof container, let cool at room temperature, and refrigerate until ready to use.
Preheat the Oven: Place a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 425°F.
Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a rough rectangle, then fold into thirds like a letter.
Reserve Some Dough: Portion off one-third of the dough to reserve in the refrigerator. Roll out the remaining dough to an 18 x 14-inch rectangle.
Transfer and Shape: Transfer the dough to a 13 x 9-inch baking pan, pressing it into the bottom and sides while leaving a slight overhang.
Shape the Topping: Roll out the reserved dough into a rough 13 x 9-inch rectangle, cutting out decorative shapes as desired.
Assemble and Fill: Spread the cooled cherry filling into the baking dish. Place the top sheet of dough (or decorative shapes) over the filling, folding any excess into the overhang.
Brush and Sprinkle: Brush the dough with the beaten egg wash and sprinkle with demerara sugar.
Bake: Place on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes. Then reduce the oven temperature to 350°F and continue to bake until the crust is dark brown and the filling is bubbling, about 60 to 90 minutes more. If the crust is browning too quickly, tent with foil.
Cool: Allow to cool to room temperature for at least 2 hours, or up to overnight to allow the filling to set.

Each step is an experience—the flaking of the butter, the bubbling of the cherries, and the wafting aroma filling your kitchen as it bakes.

Nutritional Information

While enjoying a slice of Cherry Pie Slab Bars, you can expect delicious treats with significant flavor—but remember that indulgence comes at a cost.

Each serving approximately contains:

Calories: 350-400 (depending on size and ingredients used)
Fat: 20g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 3g

Don’t forget to take moments to enjoy these sweet bars—they’re all about savoring bliss.

Healthier Alternatives

Looking for ways to make these Cherry Pie Slab Bars a bit healthier? Try these swaps:

Low-Sugar Options: Substitute some of the granulated sugar with a natural sweetener like stevia or monk fruit to cut down on sugar.
Dairy-Free Swaps: Replace the butter with coconut oil or a dairy-free margarine to meet dietary needs.

Using these alternatives can help you whip up a treat without sacrificing the rich flavors and textures you expect from classic cherry pie.

Serving Suggestions

Cherry Pie Slab Bars are perfect for a variety of occasions:

With Ice Cream: Pair the bars with a scoop of vanilla or almond ice cream for a decadent dessert that will impress every guest.
During Holidays: They make a beautiful centerpiece for holiday gatherings or summer barbecues—an inviting and shareable dessert that everyone will love.
For Afternoon Tea: Enjoy a slice with a cup of tea or coffee during a relaxing afternoon at home.

Add your own twist by serving them warm or chilled, whichever pleases your palate!

Common Mistakes

Even seasoned bakers can make mistakes. Avoid these pitfalls:

Overbaking: Keep an eye on the baking time. The crust should be dark golden but not burnt.
Texture Issues: Working the dough too much can make it tough. Handle it gently and only knead until it comes together.
Messy Filling: Make sure to let the filling cool before pouring it into the crust to prevent a soggy base.

By preventing these mistakes, your Cherry Pie Slab Bars will come out perfectly every time!

Storing Tips

Have leftovers? Here’s how to store them:

Freezing Portions: Slice the cooled slab bars and freeze individual portions with parchment paper in between to prevent sticking.
Reheating Instructions: To enjoy them warm, simply pop them in the microwave for a few seconds or place in an oven preheated to 350°F for 10-15 minutes.

By storing them correctly, you can keep the deliciousness alive for days!

Tempting You to Bake ASAP

Now that you’ve discovered the delights of Cherry Pie Slab Bars, it’s time to get baking! With their nostalgic flavor, easy prep, and irresistible charm, these slab bars are sure to be the highlight of your dessert table. Indulge in the sweet memory of summertime, pie-making traditions, and the joy of sharing delicious food with loved ones.

Don’t hesitate—grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and experience the gooey goodness for yourself!

FAQs

Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?
Yes! Just ensure they are thawed and drained before using to avoid excess moisture in the filling.
How do I know when the filling has thickened?
You’ll know the filling is ready once it starts bubbling and has thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Can I skip the almond extract?
Absolutely! The almond extract adds a subtle flavor, but the slab bars will be delicious without it.
What if my pie crust is too crumbly?
If your dough is dry, add a tablespoon of cold water at a time until it comes together.
How long can I store the bars?
They will last in the refrigerator for up to five days or can be frozen for up to three months.