Gluten Free Cherry Pie Bars with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe

Introduction

These Gluten Free Cherry Pie Bars are a delightful twist on a classic dessert, perfect for anyone avoiding gluten. With a buttery crust, sweet cherry filling, and a creamy cream cheese glaze, they’re easy to make and delicious for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup powdered sugar, sifted
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze)
• 2 to 3 tablespoons milk
• 1 ½ cups gluten free baking flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 stick unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• ½ cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for crust)
• 1 21-ounce can cherry pie filling

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350 degrees and prepare an 8×8 baking pan by greasing with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine the gluten free flour and salt. Set aside.
3. Step 3: Beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs and vanilla extract and beat to combine.
4. Step 4: Pour in the dry ingredients and mix until well combined.
5. Step 5: Spread two-thirds of the batter over the bottom of the prepared pan. Use your fingers to press the dough into the pan, making sure it is spread evenly.
6. Step 6: Top the crust with the cherry pie filling, spreading it evenly.
7. Step 7: Spoon the remaining crust dough over the cherry filling.
8. Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, until the top crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
9. Step 9: While the bars are cooling, make the cream cheese glaze by beating together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and two tablespoons of milk until smooth. Add more milk if needed for drizzling consistency.
10. Step 10: When the bars have cooled completely, drizzle the glaze over the top and cut into nine even bars.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon to the crust mixture.
• You can substitute the cherry pie filling with blueberry or apple pie filling for a different taste.
• If you don’t have gluten free flour, an all-purpose flour blend can be used if gluten is not a concern.
• Make sure the butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother texture.

Storage

Store the cherry pie bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat briefly in the microwave if you prefer them warm, but enjoy them chilled for best flavor and texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, these bars can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just add the glaze when you’re ready to serve for the freshest look and taste.

Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned pie filling?

Fresh cherries can be used, but you’ll need to cook them with sugar and a thickener like cornstarch to achieve a similar consistency before layering them in the bars.

Gluten Free Cherry Pie Bars with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 73 reviews

These Gluten Free Cherry Pie Bars with Cream Cheese Glaze offer a delightful twist on traditional cherry pie. Featuring a tender, buttery gluten free crust layered with sweet cherry pie filling and topped with a smooth, tangy cream cheese glaze, these bars are perfect for dessert or a special treat. The easy-to-follow recipe uses simple ingredients and baking techniques to deliver a delicious, visually appealing treat that’s both gluten free and satisfying.

• Author: Grace
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 9 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Bars

• 1 ½ cups gluten free baking flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 stick (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• ½ cup sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 (21-ounce) can cherry pie filling

For the Cream Cheese Glaze

• 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup powdered sugar, sifted
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 to 3 tablespoons milk

Instructions

1. Prepare the oven and pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the gluten free baking flour and salt. Set this mixture aside for later use.
3. Cream butter and sugar: In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy to create a smooth base for the dough.
4. Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until fully incorporated, ensuring an even batter consistency.
5. Combine dry and wet ingredients: Gradually pour the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing until the dough is well combined and uniform.
6. Form the bottom crust: Spread about two-thirds of the dough evenly across the bottom of the prepared pan, pressing firmly with your fingers to create a smooth base layer.
7. Add cherry filling: Evenly distribute the cherry pie filling over the pressed dough to create a fruity layer.
8. Top with remaining dough: Spoon the remaining dough over the cherry filling, gently spreading it across the top.
9. Bake the bars: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top crust turns golden brown and the filling bubbles at the edges.
10. Prepare the cream cheese glaze: While the bars cool, beat together the softened cream cheese, sifted powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons of milk until smooth. Add more milk, one teaspoon at a time, if needed to reach a drizzling consistency.
11. Glaze and serve: Once the bars have completely cooled, drizzle the cream cheese glaze evenly over the top. Cut into nine equal bars for serving.

Notes

• Ensure the bars are completely cooled before adding the glaze to prevent it from melting.
• You can substitute cherry pie filling with your preferred fruit pie filling for variation.
• Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing and texture.
• Pressing the dough evenly helps ensure consistent baking and prevents uneven thickness.
• Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Keywords: gluten free cherry pie bars, cherry dessert, cream cheese glaze, gluten free dessert, cherry pie bars recipe, easy cherry bars