Introduction
Cherry pie bars are a delicious and easy-to-make dessert that combines the classic flavors of cherry pie with the convenience of bars. These bars are perfect for picnics, potlucks, or simply satisfying a sweet tooth.
Ingredients:
For the crust:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 3-4 tablespoons ice water
For the filling:
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can cherry pie filling
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 tablespoon butter, cut into small pieces
Instructions:
Make the crust:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add the ice water, mixing until the dough just comes together. Do not overmix.
- Press the dough into a 9×13 inch baking pan, creating a crust with slightly raised edges.
Make the filling:
- In a medium bowl, combine the cherry pie filling, sugar, cornstarch, and almond extract. Stir until well combined.
- Pour the filling evenly over the prepared crust.
- Dot the top of the filling with the butter pieces.
Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is set.
- Let cool completely before cutting into bars.
Tips:
- For a thicker crust, use 1 3/4 cups of flour.
- If the dough is too dry, add a tablespoon of ice water at a time until it comes together.
- You can use fresh or frozen cherries for this recipe. If using frozen cherries, thaw them completely and drain the excess juice before using.
- For a more tart filling, use a combination of cherry pie filling and fresh or frozen cherries.
- To make these bars ahead of time, bake them according to the instructions and let them cool completely. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Enjoy your delicious cherry pie bars!