- Portable: Easy-to-cut bars instead of a full pie
- Tender Crust: Buttery and soft, yet slightly crumbly
- Balanced Sweetness: Sweet cherries with a subtle tart flavor
- Simple Prep: Less time than a traditional pie
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Make the Dough
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until creamy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract. Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
Step 3: Assemble
- Press two-thirds of the dough evenly into the prepared pan for the base layer.
- Spread cherry pie filling evenly over the dough.
- Crumble remaining dough over the cherry layer to create a topping.
Step 4: Bake
Bake for 35–40 minutes, until the top is golden and cherry filling bubbles at the edges. Allow bars to cool completely in the pan.
Step 5: Finish
Once cooled, cut into squares or rectangles. Optionally dust with powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation.
Tips for Perfect Cherry Pie Bars
- Use high-quality cherry filling for best taste.
- Chill dough slightly before pressing to prevent sticking.
- Add a pinch of almond extract to the filling for extra flavor.
- Allow bars to cool completely to avoid filling running.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
Variations
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