Cherry Pie Bars

Cherry Pie Bars are a delicious and convenient way to enjoy the classic taste of cherry pie in a handheld form. With a buttery crust, a sweet and tart cherry filling, and a crumbly topping, these bars are perfect for dessert or a sweet snack. Here’s how to make them:

Ingredients:

For the Crust and Topping:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1 large egg

For the Cherry Filling:

• 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling (or about 2 cups homemade cherry filling)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for added tang)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (if using homemade filling, to thicken)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Crust and Topping:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
   • Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
   • Beat the egg lightly and add it to the mixture. Stir until just combined. The dough will be crumbly.
3. Assemble the Bars:
   • Press half of the dough mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust layer.
   • Spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the crust. If using homemade filling, mix in the cornstarch and lemon juice before spreading.
   • Crumble the remaining dough mixture over the top of the cherry filling to form a streusel-like topping.
4. Bake:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
5. Cool and Serve:
   • Allow the bars to cool completely in the baking dish on a wire rack before cutting into squares. This helps the filling set and makes them easier to cut.
6. Optional:
   • Dust with powdered sugar before serving for an extra touch of sweetness.

Tips:

• If you prefer a less sweet filling, use a can of tart cherry pie filling or adjust the sugar in homemade filling.
• You can add a sprinkle of cinnamon or almond extract to the topping for extra flavor.
• Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Cherry Pie Bars are a versatile and tasty treat that’s perfect for parties, picnics, or just a simple dessert at home. Enjoy the classic flavors of cherry pie in a convenient bar form!