The Delightful Cherry Pie Bars

Cherry pie bars are a delicious and visually appealing treat that combines the rich flavors of a traditional cherry pie with the convenience of a bar. These bars are perfect for gatherings, picnics, or as an everyday dessert. The combination of a buttery crust, sweet and tart cherry filling, and a crumbly topping makes them irresistible.

Making Cherry Pie Bars

Creating cherry pie bars involves a few simple steps that result in a mouthwatering dessert. Here’s a basic guide:

Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking powder
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 can cherry pie filling (or homemade)

Instructions:

Prepare the Crust and Topping: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, butter, salt, and baking powder. Use a pastry cutter or your hands to blend the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until just combined.
Create the Base: Press about two-thirds of the mixture into a greased baking pan to form the crust. Spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the crust.
Add the Topping: Crumble the remaining dough over the cherry filling to create the topping.
Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the bars for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown.
Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares. Enjoy them as they are, or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Variations and Tips

Homemade Cherry Filling: For a more authentic taste, use fresh or frozen cherries to make your own filling. Simply cook the cherries with sugar and a bit of cornstarch until thickened.
Glaze: Drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk over the cooled bars for an extra touch of sweetness.
Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Conclusion

Cherry pie bars are a delightful and versatile dessert that can be enjoyed year-round. Whether made with canned or homemade cherry filling, these bars are sure to be a hit with family and friends. Their beautiful appearance and delicious taste make them a perfect addition to any dessert table.