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Cherry Pie Bars

Cherry Pie Bars

Enjoy the delightful taste of summer with these Cherry Pie Bars! These delicious bars feature a buttery crust and a sweet cherry filling, making them the perfect dessert for picnics, potlucks, or a cozy night in.

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • For the Crust and Topping:
    • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
    • 1 cup granulated sugar
    • 1 tsp baking powder
    • 1/4 tsp salt
    • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
    • 1 large egg
    • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • For the Cherry Filling:
    • 4 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted (or 2 cans of cherry pie filling)
    • 1/2 cup granulated sugar (adjust based on tartness)
    • 2 tbsp cornstarch
    • 1 tbsp lemon juice
    • 1/2 tsp almond extract (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Make the Crust: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the softened butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until the dough comes together. It will be crumbly but should hold when pressed.
  3. Press the Dough: Reserve 1 cup of the dough for the topping. Press the remaining dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust.
  4. Prepare the Cherry Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the cherries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and almond extract (if using). Toss until the cherries are well coated.
  5. Assemble the Bars: Spread the cherry filling evenly over the crust. Crumble the reserved dough over the top of the cherry filling.
  6. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
  7. Cool: Allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before slicing into squares.
  8. Serve: Enjoy your Cherry Pie Bars warm or at room temperature! They can be served plain or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.

Notes

  • Additional Tips: You can substitute other fruits like blueberries or raspberries if cherries aren’t available. For an extra touch, sprinkle powdered sugar on top before serving.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
  • Freezer-Friendly: These bars can be frozen! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Author: Sara
  • Prep Time: 15
  • Cook Time: 35
  • Category: Dessert
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Cherry Pie Bars