Description
These Cherry Pie Bars are a delightful twist on traditional cherry pie, combining a buttery crust with luscious cherry pie filling and a sweet glaze on top. Perfectly balanced and easy to make, they serve as a wonderful treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust and Dough
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
Filling and Glaze
- 21 ounce can of cherry pie filling
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8 inch square baking pan thoroughly with non-stick cooking spray to prevent the bars from sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt until evenly combined. Set this mixture aside for later use.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter and sugar in a medium mixing bowl until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process usually takes a few minutes and ensures a tender crust.
- Add Eggs and Extracts: Beat in the eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) into the creamed butter and sugar until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and mix just until combined, being careful not to overmix, which can toughen the bars.
- Assemble Bars: Scoop about 1 ½ cups of the dough into the prepared baking pan. Press it evenly to form a compact bottom crust. Spread the cherry pie filling evenly over this crust. Using the remaining dough, dollop it over the cherry filling in small portions, leaving some filling visible.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake the cherry bars for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know they are ready when the top dough pieces are set and start turning golden brown around the edges.
- Cool and Glaze: Once baked, allow the cherry bars to cool completely in the pan to set properly. After cooling, prepare the glaze by mixing powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Drizzle the glaze generously over the cherry bars.
- Serve: Cut the cherry pie bars into 9 equal squares and serve as a sweet dessert or snack.
Notes
- For a stronger almond flavor, increase almond extract to 1/4 teaspoon if desired.
- You can substitute cherry pie filling with another fruit filling such as blueberry or apple for variation.
- Make sure to cool bars completely before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting off.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
- If preferred, add a sprinkle of coarse sugar on top before baking for extra crunch.
