Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s so much to adore about Cherry Pie Bars. Here’s why they’re a must-try:
- Easy to Make : No need to fuss with pie crusts—these bars come together quickly with minimal effort.
- Perfectly Portable : Cut into squares for easy serving at parties, picnics, or as a lunchbox treat.
- Tart and Sweet : The juicy cherry filling balances beautifully with the buttery crust and streusel topping.
- Kid-Friendly : Little ones will love helping press the dough and sprinkle the topping.
- Make-Ahead Friendly : Prepare them ahead of time and store for later—ideal for stress-free entertaining.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The secret to these heavenly bars lies in their simple yet indulgent combination of ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Crust and Streusel:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter (cold, cut into cubes)
- 1 large egg
For the Cherry Filling:
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling (or homemade cherry filling if preferred)
- 1 teaspoon almond extract (optional, but highly recommended for extra flavor)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Ready to whip up these buttery, fruity bars? Follow these easy steps:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) . Line an 8x8-inch or 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal. Lightly grease the parchment paper.
Step 2: Make the Crust and Streusel
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingers to work the butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Beat the egg lightly in a small bowl, then stir it into the crumb mixture. Mix until the dough begins to clump together.
Step 3: Assemble the Bars
- Reserve 1 cup of the crumb mixture for the streusel topping. Press the remaining dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
- Spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the crust. If using, drizzle the almond extract over the filling for added depth of flavor.
- Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture evenly over the cherry filling to create the streusel topping.
Step 4: Bake the Bars
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes , or until the streusel topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
Step 5: Slice and Serve
- Once cooled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang.
- Cut into squares and serve. Enjoy the buttery, fruity goodness in every bite!
Why This Recipe Works So Well
The magic of Cherry Pie Bars lies in their balance of flavors and textures. The buttery crust provides a sturdy base, while the juicy cherry filling adds a burst of tart sweetness. The streusel topping ties everything together with its crumbly, sugary crunch, creating a bar that’s as comforting as it is indulgent—a true crowd-pleaser.
