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Easy Cherry Pie Bars for a Crowd

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  • Author: Lisa
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
  • Total Time: 45-50 minutes (plus cooling time)
  • Yield: 12-16 servings
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Add the topping: Crumble the reserved dough over the cherry filling.
  5. Bake the bars: Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden brown on top and the filling is bubbly.
  6. 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