Description
Easy Cherry Pie Bars combine a buttery, crumbly crust with a sweet cherry filling and a cinnamon-sugar topping. They are an easy, portable version of classic cherry pie, perfect for parties, potlucks, and family gatherings.
Ingredients
- For the crust and topping:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the cherry filling:
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling (or homemade cherry filling)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for added tang)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or line with parchment paper.
- Make the crust and topping: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add butter, egg, and vanilla extract, mixing until the dough comes together. Reserve 1 cup of dough for topping. Press remaining dough into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Prepare the cherry filling: If using canned cherry pie filling, stir in lemon juice for extra flavor. For a thicker filling, mix cornstarch with water and add to the cherries. Spread the cherry filling evenly over the crust.
- Add the topping: Crumble the reserved dough over the cherry filling.
- Bake the bars: Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden brown on top and the filling is bubbly.
- Cool and serve: Let cool completely before cutting into squares. Optional: Dust with powdered sugar for an added touch of sweetness.
Notes
Different fruit fillings: Swap cherry pie filling for blueberry, peach, or any other fruit filling of your choice.Almond flavor: Add 1/2 teaspoon almond extract to the dough for a lovely flavor pairing with the cherry filling.For added crunch: Add chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds to the topping.Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. You can freeze for up to 3 months.Gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg