Description
These Easy Cherry Pie Bars combine a buttery, tender crust with a sweet and tart cherry filling for a delightful dessert that’s simple to prepare. Perfectly baked to golden perfection and optionally topped with a smooth glaze, these bars are an ideal treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust and Dough
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
Filling
- 1 (21 oz) can cherry pie filling
Optional Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla or almond extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender crust.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract for added flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Gradually stir in the all-purpose flour and salt until just combined to form a thick, cohesive dough without overmixing to keep the texture tender.
- Spread Dough Base: Take two-thirds of the dough and spread it evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, pressing lightly to form a uniform layer.
- Add Cherry Filling: Spoon the cherry pie filling evenly over the dough base, covering the entire surface.
- Add Top Dough Layer: Drop the remaining one-third of the dough by spoonfuls over the cherry filling, creating a rustic, crumbly top layer.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the bars are lightly golden around the edges and the center is set.
- Cool: Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the dish. This helps the filling set and makes slicing easier.
- Prepare and Add Glaze (Optional): In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar with milk and vanilla or almond extract until smooth. Drizzle this glaze over the cooled bars for added sweetness and a pretty finish.
Notes
- Ensure butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming with sugar.
- Do not overmix the dough once flour is added to maintain a tender texture.
- Cherry pie filling can be substituted with other fruit fillings like blueberry or apple for variation.
- For a thicker glaze, use less milk; for thinner glaze, add a little more milk gradually.
- These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
