Cherry Pie Bars

Cherry Pie Bars are a delicious, easy-to-make dessert that combines the classic flavors of cherry pie in a convenient, portable bar form. With a buttery crust, a sweet cherry filling, and a crumbly topping, these bars are perfect for any occasion. Here’s how to make them:

Ingredients:

For the Crust and Topping:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cherry Filling:

• 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling (or use fresh or frozen cherries, sweetened to taste)
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch (if using fresh or frozen cherries)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for added tartness)
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional, for enhanced flavor)

Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Pan

1. Preheat Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Make the Crust and Topping

1. Combine Dry Ingredients:
   • In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. Cut in the Butter:
   • Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter, fork, or your hands to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add the Egg and Vanilla:
   • Beat the egg and vanilla extract together, then add it to the dough mixture. Stir until the dough comes together into a soft, slightly sticky dough.
4. Reserve Some Dough for Topping:
   • Divide the dough in half. Press one half of the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust. Set the other half aside for the topping.

Step 3: Prepare the Cherry Filling

1. Mix the Cherry Filling:
   • If using canned cherry pie filling, simply pour it into a bowl and stir in the lemon juice and almond extract (if using).
   • If using fresh or frozen cherries, combine the cherries with sugar to taste (about 1/2 cup), cornstarch, lemon juice, and almond extract. Stir well to coat the cherries in the mixture.
2. Spread the Cherry Filling:
   • Evenly spread the cherry filling over the prepared crust.

Step 4: Add the Crumb Topping

1. Add the Topping:
   • Take the reserved dough and crumble it evenly over the top of the cherry filling.

Step 5: Bake

1. Bake the Bars:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

1. Cool Completely:
   • Let the cherry pie bars cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before cutting them into squares. This helps the filling set and makes them easier to slice.
2. Serve:
   • Serve as-is, or top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence!

Tips:

• Fresh or Frozen Cherries: If using fresh or frozen cherries, adjust the sweetness as needed by adding more sugar, especially if using tart cherries.
• Make-Ahead: These cherry pie bars can be made a day ahead. Just store them covered at room temperature or in the fridge.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

These Cherry Pie Bars are a simple and delightful way to enjoy the classic flavor of cherry pie in a handheld form! Enjoy their sweet, fruity filling and buttery crust!