Irresistible Cherry Pie Bars: A Sweet Treat Everyone Will Love

Irresistible Cherry Pie Bars: A Sweet Treat Everyone Will Love

If you love cherry pie but want an easier way to enjoy it, these Cherry Pie Bars are the perfect dessert for you! With a buttery, flaky crust and a juicy cherry filling, these bars are easy to make and perfect for parties, potlucks, or simply treating yourself. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe.


Ingredients

For the Crust and Topping:

  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed

For the Cherry Filling:

  • 2½ cups (350g) fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
  • ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional, for added flavor)


Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.

Step 2: Make the Crust
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Step 3: Assemble the Base
Press about ¾ of the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Reserve the remaining ¼ for the topping. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool slightly.

Step 4: Prepare the Cherry Filling
In a medium saucepan, combine the cherries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens and bubbles (about 5-7 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in the almond extract, if using.

Step 5: Assemble the Bars
Spread the cherry filling evenly over the baked crust. Sprinkle the reserved crust mixture over the top, breaking it into small crumbles for a rustic look.

Step 6: Bake
Bake the bars for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. Allow them to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.


Tips for the Best Cherry Pie Bars

  1. Use Fresh or Frozen Cherries: If using frozen cherries, be sure to thaw and drain them to avoid excess liquid.
  2. Chill the Crust: If your kitchen is warm, chill the crust mixture for 10-15 minutes before pressing it into the pan.
  3. Add a Drizzle: For an extra touch, drizzle the cooled bars with a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk.

Why These Cherry Pie Bars Are a Winner

  • Easy to Make: No rolling out dough or complicated steps required.
  • Packed with Flavor: Sweet cherries paired with a buttery crust create the perfect balance.
  • Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a picnic, holiday, or midweek treat, these bars are always a hit.

Try This Recipe Today!

Bring the flavors of a classic cherry pie to your kitchen in a fun, portable form. These Cherry Pie Bars are simple, delicious, and guaranteed to impress. Give this recipe a try and let us know how it turned out in the comments below. Happy baking!

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