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Cherry Pie Bars Recipe

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4.1 from 68 reviews

  • Author: Ava
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 24 bars

Description

These Cherry Pie Bars combine a buttery, soft cookie-like crust with a luscious cherry pie filling, topped with a sweet almond-flavored icing. Perfectly baked to achieve a lightly golden top with juicy cherries peeking through, these bars make a delightful dessert that’s easy to slice and serve, especially when chilled. Serve them as a delicious treat for gatherings or a comforting homemade dessert.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

  • 1 cup Butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups Sugar
  • 1/4 cup Brown Sugar
  • 3 large Eggs
  • 1 Tablespoon Milk
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon Almond Extract
  • 2 3/4 cups Flour
  • 3/4 teaspoon Baking Powder
  • 3/4 teaspoon Salt

Filling:

  • 2 (21-ounce) cans Cherry Pie Filling

Icing:

  • 1 cup Powdered Sugar
  • 2 to 3 Tablespoons Milk
  • 1/4 teaspoon Almond Extract (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, which will make it easier to lift the bars out once baked.
  2. Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter, sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in milk, vanilla extract, and almond extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt, then gradually mix these dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until combined to form the dough.
  3. Assemble the Bars: Take two-thirds of the dough and spread it evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish, using damp fingers or a spatula to press it down firmly. Spoon the cherry pie filling evenly over the crust layer. Drop spoonfuls of the remaining dough over the cherry filling—do not worry if the dough doesn’t fully cover the cherries; this allows some cherry filling to peek through.
  4. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the top turns lightly golden and the dough is cooked through. Remove from oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan.
  5. Make the Icing and Drizzle: While the bars are cooling, prepare the icing by whisking together powdered sugar, milk, and optionally almond extract until smooth. Drizzle the icing evenly over the cooled bars.
  6. Chill and Serve: For easier cutting, refrigerate the bars for 30 to 60 minutes after they have completely cooled. Using a sharp knife wiped between cuts, slice into 24 squares or 18 larger bars. Serve plain or topped with vanilla ice cream if desired.

Notes

  • Using parchment paper in the baking dish helps remove the bars easily and keeps them intact.
  • The almond extract in both the dough and icing enhances the cherry flavor but is optional.
  • Chilling the bars before slicing helps achieve clean, neat cuts and prevents crumbling.
  • Bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and served cold or at room temperature.
  • For a richer dessert experience, serve bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://quickandsweetrecipes.com/cherry-pie-bars-recipe/