Irresistible Cherry Pie Bars: A Sweet Treat for Any Occasion

Introduction:

Get ready to delight your taste buds with these Irresistible Cherry Pie Bars! With a buttery crust, a luscious cherry filling, and a golden, flaky top, these bars are the perfect combination of classic pie flavors and convenient, shareable portions. Whether for a party, picnic, or an everyday dessert, this easy recipe will become your new favorite!

Ingredients:

For the Crust and Topping:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Cherry Filling:

• 4 cups fresh or canned cherries, pitted
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp almond extract (optional for extra flavor)

Equipment:

• 9×13-inch baking pan
• Mixing bowls
• Pastry cutter or fork

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Make the Crust and Topping

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. Using a pastry cutter or fork, cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until the dough just comes together.
4. Divide the dough into two portions: one slightly larger for the base and the smaller portion for the topping.

Step 3: Prepare the Cherry Filling

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the cherries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens (about 5-7 minutes).
3. Remove from heat and stir in the almond extract, if using. Let the filling cool slightly.

Step 4: Assemble the Bars

1. Press the larger portion of the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan to form the crust.
2. Spread the cherry filling over the crust, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.
3. Crumble the remaining dough over the top of the cherry filling.

Step 5: Bake

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
2. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing.

Tips for Success:

• Use Fresh or Canned Cherries: Fresh cherries bring vibrant flavor, but canned cherries work well in a pinch.
• Keep the Butter Cold: Cold butter is key to achieving a flaky, tender crust.
• Store Properly: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to a week.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

1. Classic Flavor: Combines the timeless taste of cherry pie with the convenience of bars.
2. Perfect for Sharing: Easy to slice and serve at parties, picnics, or gatherings.
3. Customizable: Swap cherries for other fruits like blueberries or peaches to suit your taste.

Conclusion:

These Irresistible Cherry Pie Bars are a must-try for any dessert lover. With their buttery crust, sweet cherry filling, and flaky topping, they deliver all the deliciousness of cherry pie in a portable, crowd-friendly format. Bake them today and savor every bite of this fruity, flaky treat!