Easy Cherry Pie Bars
Easy Cherry Pie Bars capture the sweet, nostalgic essence of homemade cherry pie in a convenient bar form. Bursting with the bright, tangy flavor of cherries and balanced with a soft, buttery crust, this dessert is as delightful to eat as it is to make.
Ingredients
Crust and Filling
- 1 cup softened butter Adds rich flavor and tenderness.
- 1 cup sugar Sweetens the bars perfectly.
- 2 large eggs (room temperature) Binds the ingredients together.
- 1 tsp almond extract Infuses a lovely nuttiness.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract Complements the almond for a fragrant touch.
- 2.5 cups all-purpose flour Forms the crust and topping.
- 0.5 tsp salt Balances the sweetness.
- 1 can (21 oz) premium cherry pie filling The show-stopper with juicy cherries.
Glaze
- 1 cup confectioners’ sugar For the delicious glaze.
- 1 tsp almond extract Repeats for the glaze to tie flavors together.
- 0.5 tsp vanilla extract Also for the glaze.
- milk as needed milk To achieve the desired glaze consistency.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs, almond extract, and vanilla extract to the bowl, blending until everything is well combined and smooth.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the flour and salt. Gradually incorporate this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing until a tender dough forms.
- Press half of the dough evenly into a prepared baking pan to create a base for your pie bars.
- Spread the cherry filling evenly over the crust, making sure to cover every inch for double the cherry goodness.
- Dollop the remaining dough over the cherry filling in small pieces, leaving some areas uncovered.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
- Allow the bars to cool in the pan before drizzling with glaze.
Glazing
- To make the glaze, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar, almond extract, vanilla, and enough milk to achieve your desired consistency.
- Drizzle the glaze generously over the cooled bars and let it set before slicing into squares.
Notes
Ensure your butter is at room temperature for optimal creaminess. Experiment with adding cinnamon or nuts. You can use other fruit fillings like blueberry or apple for variations.