Description
Cherry pie bars are a delicious and easy way to enjoy the flavor of cherry pie without the fuss of a traditional crust. Featuring a soft, buttery base topped with sweet cherry pie filling and finished with a light vanilla glaze, these bars make a perfect treat for holidays, potlucks, or any everyday dessert craving.
Ingredients
Scale
Base and Filling
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 (21 oz) can cherry pie filling
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the bars.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and salt using a hand mixer or stand mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Extracts: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in vanilla extract and almond extract if using, to enhance the flavor complexity.
- Mix in Flour: Gradually add the all-purpose flour into the wet mixture, folding carefully until a cohesive batter forms without overmixing.
- Spread Base Batter: Spread about two-thirds of the batter evenly in the prepared baking dish, smoothing it out with a spatula to form the base layer.
- Add Cherry Pie Filling: Spoon the entire can of cherry pie filling evenly over the batter layer, distributing it uniformly.
- Top with Remaining Batter: Drop small dollops of the remaining batter over the cherry filling. These will bake into a crumbly topping.
- Bake the Bars: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until the bars are golden brown and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out mostly clean.
- Cool Completely: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack for best results and easier glazing.
- Prepare and Drizzle Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle this glaze over the cooled bars evenly and allow it to set before cutting the bars into 24 squares.
Notes
- You can substitute cherry pie filling with other flavors like blueberry or apple for variety.
- For extra texture and flavor, sprinkle sliced almonds on top before baking.
- Store bars at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days to keep them fresh.
