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Easy Cherry Pie Bars: A Simple Cherry Dessert to Savor Recipe

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4.8 from 76 reviews

These Easy Cherry Pie Bars offer a deliciously simple way to enjoy the classic flavors of cherry pie in a handheld bar form. With a buttery shortbread base, luscious cherry pie filling, and a sweet almond-vanilla glaze, this dessert is perfect for any occasion and can be made with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Base and Topping:

  • 1 cup softened butter
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 tsp almond extract
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ tsp salt

For the Filling:

  • 1 (21 oz) can premium cherry pie filling

For the Glaze:

  • 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
  • 1 tsp almond extract
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • Milk, as needed to thin glaze

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare it for baking the pie bars evenly.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy, which helps create a tender crust.
  3. Add Eggs and Extracts: Incorporate the two large room-temperature eggs along with 1 teaspoon almond extract and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix well to combine all flavors thoroughly.
  4. Mix Dry Ingredients: Gradually add 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour and ½ teaspoon salt to the wet mixture, stirring until a dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep the bars tender.
  5. Prepare the Pan: Lightly grease or line a baking pan (approx. 9×13 inches). Press half of the dough evenly into the bottom of the pan to form the base.
  6. Add Cherry Filling: Spoon the entire 21 oz can of cherry pie filling evenly over the dough base, spreading gently to cover the surface.
  7. Add Topping: Take the remaining half of the dough and dollop it in small portions over the cherry filling, leaving some gaps so the filling can peek through.
  8. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
  9. Cool Completely: Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan to firm up before glazing.
  10. Make and Drizzle Glaze: In a small bowl, combine 1 cup confectioners’ sugar with 1 teaspoon almond extract and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract. Add milk a few drops at a time until the glaze reaches a drizzle-able consistency. Drizzle the glaze evenly over the cooled bars.
  11. Serve: Cut into bars and enjoy this delicious cherry dessert as a perfect treat for gatherings or a sweet everyday snack.

Notes

  • Make sure the butter is properly softened to ensure easy creaming with the sugar.
  • Using room temperature eggs improves overall texture and helps the mixture combine better.
  • You can substitute cherry pie filling with other fruit fillings like blueberry or apple for variety.
  • If you prefer a more pronounced almond flavor, add an extra ½ teaspoon of almond extract to the glaze.
  • Ensure the bars are completely cooled before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting.
  • Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate up to 5 days.

Keywords: cherry pie bars, easy dessert, cherry dessert bars, homemade cherry bars, bake cherry bars, almond glaze dessert

Find it online: https://annakocht.com/easy-cherry-pie-bars-a-simple-cherry-dessert-to-savor-recipe/