Of course! Heavenly Cherry Pie Bars are the perfect dessert for anyone who loves the flavor of cherry pie but wants something easier to serve to a crowd. They are a fantastic combination of a buttery, shortbread-like crust, a sweet and tangy cherry filling, and a delicious crumble topping.
Here’s a classic and beloved recipe that lives up to the “heavenly” name.
Heavenly Cherry Pie Bars
These bars are simple to make and deliver all the comfort of a homemade cherry pie with minimal fuss.
Yield: One 9×13 inch pan (about 20-24 bars)
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 45-50 minutes
Cooling Time: 1-2 hours (essential for clean cuts)
Ingredients
For the Crust & Crumble Topping:
· 3 cups all-purpose flour
· 1 cup granulated sugar
· 1 teaspoon baking powder
· ¼ teaspoon salt
· 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cubed
· 1 large egg
· 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cherry Filling:
· 2 (21-ounce) cans cherry pie filling (or 42 oz total)
· 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
· ½ teaspoon almond extract (highly recommended for that classic “bakery” flavor)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal.
- Make the Crust & Crumble Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Using a pastry cutter, two forks, or your fingertips, cut the cold, cubed butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse, sandy crumbs.
- Add Wet Ingredients: In a small bowl, lightly beat the egg with the vanilla extract. Pour this into the flour-butter mixture and stir with a fork until a soft, crumbly dough comes together. It will be a little dry, which is perfect.
- Press the Crust: Reserve about 1 ½ cups of the dough for the topping. Press the remaining dough firmly and evenly into the bottom of your prepared 9×13 pan.
- Prepare and Spread the Filling: In a medium bowl, stir together the cherry pie filling, lemon juice, and almond extract. Spread this mixture evenly over the crust.
- Add the Crumble Topping: Take the reserved 1 ½ cups of dough and crumble it evenly over the top of the cherry layer.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Cool Completely: This is the most important step for clean cuts! Place the pan on a wire rack and allow the bars to cool completely to room temperature. This will take at least 1-2 hours. For the cleanest slices, you can even refrigerate them for an hour after they’ve cooled.
- Slice and Serve: Use a sharp knife to cut into bars. Dust with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.
Tips for Heavenly Success
· Cold Butter is Key: Using cold butter ensures a flaky, tender crust and a crumbly topping. Don’t let it soften.
· Don’t Skip the Almond Extract: It adds a wonderful depth of flavor that pairs magically with cherries. If you don’t have it, you can use an extra teaspoon of vanilla.
· Homemade Filling Option: If you prefer, you can use about 5-6 cups of fresh, pitted cherries. Cook them with ¾ cup sugar, ¼ cup cornstarch, and a tablespoon of lemon juice over medium heat until thickened and bubbly. Let it cool slightly before using.
· Other Fillings: This recipe is incredibly versatile! You can use apple pie filling, blueberry pie filling, or even a combination.
· Storage: Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They also freeze beautifully for up to 3 months.
Enjoy these delightful, easy-to-make bars! They are sure to be a hit at any potluck, bake sale, or family gathering.