These Cherry Pie Bars are a delightful twist on the classic cherry pie, combining a buttery crust and topping with a sweet and tangy cherry filling. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or an afternoon treat, these bars are easy to make and even easier to enjoy!
Ingredients
- For the Crust and Topping:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the Filling:
- 1 can (21 ounces) cherry pie filling
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, to brighten the flavor)
- For Serving:
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Make the Crust Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mix well to evenly distribute the dry ingredients.
Add the softened butter, egg, and vanilla extract to the bowl. Use a hand mixer or your hands to blend the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. The dough will be slightly sticky but should hold together when pressed.
3. Assemble the Bars:
Reserve about 1 ½ cups of the crust mixture to use as the topping later. Press the remaining dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust layer.
Spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the crust. If desired, sprinkle the lemon juice over the cherry filling to enhance the flavor.
Sprinkle the reserved crust mixture evenly over the cherry filling, creating a crumbly topping. Use your fingers to break up any large clumps for an even texture.
4. Bake the Bars:
Bake in the preheated oven for 40–45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the cherry filling is bubbling around the edges.
5. Cool and Dust with Powdered Sugar:
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, dust the top with powdered sugar for a decorative finish, if desired.
6. Slice and Serve:
Cut the bars into squares or rectangles and serve. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
Tips for Success
- Butter Softening Tip: To quickly soften butter, cut it into small cubes and let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes, or microwave it in 5-second intervals until soft but not melted.
- Filling Variations: Swap cherry pie filling for other flavors like apple, blueberry, or peach for a fun twist.
- Brightening the Flavor: Adding lemon juice helps balance the sweetness of the cherries and enhances their natural tartness.
- Storage: These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Cherry Pie Bars as a dessert at family gatherings, holiday parties, or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat. They’re also perfect for packing in lunchboxes or enjoying as a snack with a cup of tea or coffee.
These Delicious Cherry Pie Bars are a crowd-pleasing dessert that combines a buttery crust, sweet cherry filling, and crumbly topping in every bite. Easy to make and even easier to love, they’re sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection!
