Cream Cheese Cherry Pie Crumb Bars
User Reviews
4.4
Cream Cheese Cherry Pie Crumb Bars
Description
Cream Cheese Cherry Pie Crumb Bars feature a trio of textured layers starting with a buttery, crumbly crust made from all-purpose flour, sugar, and cold butter mixed with egg. After baking the base until lightly golden, a smooth filling of cream cheese beaten with sugar and vanilla is spread over it. A layer of canned cherry pie filling tops the cream cheese, and more crumbly dough is scattered on top. The assembled bars bake until the topping is delicately golden with a tender interior. Finished cool and optionally drizzled with a powdered sugar glaze, these bars deliver a balance of creamy, fruity, and buttery flavors and textures.
The bars offer a sweet tartness from the cherries combined with the richness of the cream cheese and the crisp crumble, making them appealing as a dessert or a sweet snack. Their sturdy structure allows easy portioning into bars suitable for casual or festive occasions.
The recipe advises allowing the bars to cool completely before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting. Using cold butter and mixing until crumbly create the ideal texture for the crust and topping. This layered baking technique enhances the contrast between the smooth cream cheese and the textured crumb layers.
Ingredients
For the Crumb:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup butter cut into small cubes, cold unsalted
- 1 egg
For the Filling:
- 24 ounces cream cheese at room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 42 ounces cherry pie filling canned
For the Powdered Sugar Glaze (optional):
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 to 2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking pan.
- Make the Crumb: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Use a fork or pastry cutter to blend in the butter, and then the egg (the dough will be crumbly). Press half of dough into the prepared pan and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until light golden brown. Set on a wire rack to cool.
- Make the Filling: In a separate large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar on medium speed with an electric mixer until smooth, about 2 to 3 minutes. Add the vanilla extract and mix to combine. Using an offset spatula, spread the cream cheese mixture into an even layer over the crust. Spoon the cherry pie filling in an even layer over the cream cheese mixture. Crumble the remaining dough evenly over the cherry layer.
- Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the top is light golden brown. Cool completely before adding the glaze.
- Make the Powdered Sugar Glaze (if using): In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, cream and vanilla extract. Add more cream if you want a thinner glaze, or more powdered sugar if you want a thicker glaze. Drizzle over the bars and allow to set.
- The bars can be served at room temperature or chilled. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Notes
- Nutritional values provided are based on one serving; adjust portions accordingly for multiple servings.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 20to 24 bars
Amount Per Serving
Calories 430 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 430kcal | 22% |
| Carbohydrates | 55g | 18% |
| Protein | 4g | 8% |
| Fat | 21g | 32% |
| Saturated Fat | 12g | 60% |
| Cholesterol | 71mg | 24% |
| Sodium | 154mg | 6% |
| Potassium | 155mg | 3% |
| Sugar | 24g | 48% |
| Vitamin A | 885IU | 18% |
| Vitamin C | 2.1mg | 2% |
| Calcium | 55mg | 6% |
| Iron | 1.2mg | 7% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.4
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