Introduction

Looking for a delicious recipe that’s both easy and impressive? This Heavenly Cherry Pie Bars is exactly what you need! With its perfect blend of flavors and simple preparation, this dish is ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Let’s get started on creating this tasty masterpiece!

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)

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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)

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Instructions

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Add the Crumble Topping: Take the reserved 1 ½ cups of dough and crumble it evenly over the top of the cherry layer.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. Slice and Serve: Use a sharp knife to cut into bars. Dust with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.

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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.

Conclusion

Congratulations on making this delicious Heavenly Cherry Pie Bars! We hope you and your loved ones enjoyed every bite of this flavorful dish. This recipe is perfect for sharing with family and friends, and we’re confident it will become a regular favorite in your kitchen.

🍽️ Looking for more amazing recipes? Browse through our collection of delicious dishes on YumPost! From quick weeknight dinners to impressive desserts, we have something for every taste and occasion.

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