Introduction:
Cherry Pie Bars are a delightful twist on the classic cherry pie, offering all the deliciousness of a pie in an easy-to-make, portable bar form. With a buttery crust, sweet cherry filling, and a crumbly streusel topping, these bars are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them for a casual gathering or a special event, they are sure to be a hit.
Ingredients:
For the crust and crumble topping:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
1 large egg
For the cherry filling:
1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling (or 2 cups fresh or frozen cherries, sweetened)
1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thicker filling)
Instructions:
Preheat the oven: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Make the crust: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the cold cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your hands to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the egg and mix until combined, forming a dough.
Press the crust into the pan: Take about two-thirds of the dough and press it evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. This will be the base for your bars.
Add the cherry filling: If you’re using fresh or frozen cherries, you can make a quick filling by heating the cherries with sugar and cornstarch in a saucepan until thickened. If you’re using canned cherry pie filling, simply spread it evenly over the crust.
Add the crumble topping: Take the remaining dough and crumble it over the cherry filling to create a streusel topping.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the bars are golden brown on top and the cherry filling is bubbly.
Cool and slice: Allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before cutting into squares. For best results, let them cool completely.
Description:
These Cherry Pie Bars are a great combination of sweet, tart cherries and a buttery, crumbly crust. They bring together the classic flavors of cherry pie in a much simpler, no-fuss format. The topping is perfectly crisp, and the filling is sweet but not overwhelmingly so. Perfect for those who love the taste of pie but want a more convenient way to enjoy it!
Tips:
You can make the dough and freeze it ahead of time, then bake the bars when you’re ready to serve.
If you want a more intense cherry flavor, use fresh or frozen cherries instead of canned pie filling. You can also add a teaspoon of almond extract to enhance the flavor.
These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or in the fridge for up to a week.
For a decorative touch, sprinkle a little powdered sugar on top of the bars after they’ve cooled.
Corrections:
Ensure the butter is cold and cubed for the best crust and crumble texture.
If using fresh or frozen cherries, make sure to cook them with sugar and cornstarch to thicken the filling before adding them to the bars.
Enjoy these simple, yet delicious cherry pie bars!
