Cherry Pie Bars

Cherry Pie Bars are a delicious and easy-to-make dessert that combines the classic flavor of cherry pie in a fun, portable bar form. These bars have a buttery, flaky crust, a sweet cherry filling, and a crumbly topping. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or just as a sweet treat, these Cherry Pie Bars will be a hit with anyone who loves fruity desserts!

Ingredients

For the Crust and Topping:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
• 1 large egg

For the Cherry Filling:

• 1 (21 oz) can cherry pie filling
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional for thicker filling)

For Garnish (Optional):

• Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crust and Topping

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the bars.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir to combine.
3. Add the cold butter to the dry ingredients and cut it in with a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Add the egg and stir until the dough starts to come together.
5. Divide the dough into two portions: one for the base and one for the topping. Press two-thirds of the dough into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust.
6. Set aside the remaining dough to use for the topping.

Step 2: Make the Cherry Filling

1. In a medium bowl, combine the cherry pie filling and lemon juice. If you want a thicker filling, mix in cornstarch to help thicken it as it bakes.
2. Spread the cherry filling evenly over the prepared crust in the baking pan.

Step 3: Add the Topping

1. Crumble the remaining dough over the cherry filling. The dough should cover most of the filling but leave some gaps for a rustic look.

Step 4: Bake the Bars

1. Bake the bars in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
2. Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. The filling needs time to set, so allow them to cool for at least an hour before slicing.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Once the bars have cooled and set, cut into squares or rectangles.
2. For an extra touch, dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Serving Suggestions

• These Cherry Pie Bars are perfect on their own, but you can serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence.
• They make a great dessert for family gatherings, potlucks, or picnics.

Storage

• Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.
• For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months.

Tips for the Perfect Cherry Pie Bars

• Butter Tip: For the best texture, make sure the butter is cold when mixing it into the dough.
• Cherry Filling: If fresh cherries are in season, you can use them instead of canned pie filling. Just simmer the cherries with sugar, lemon juice, and a little cornstarch until it thickens into a pie-like filling.
• Texture: Let the bars cool completely before cutting into them. This helps the filling set and prevents the bars from being too messy.

Time

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Baking Time: 40-45 minutes
• Cooling Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 2 hours

Nutrition (per serving)

• Calories: 250
• Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Protein: 2g
• Sodium: 100mg

Conclusion

Cherry Pie Bars are a perfect treat for anyone who loves fruity desserts with a buttery, crumbly topping. With a simple combination of ingredients and easy steps, you can create a delicious dessert that everyone will love. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them as a treat at home, these bars are sure to be a hit!