Cherry Pie Bars

Here is a complete step-by-step recipe for making delicious and easy Cherry Pie Bars. These bars combine a soft buttery crust, sweet cherry pie filling, and a simple glaze for a perfect dessert that’s easy to slice and serve.

Cherry Pie Bars Recipe

Ingredients (Makes about 24 bars)

For the crust and topping:

• 1 cup (225 grams) unsalted butter, softened

• 1¾ cups granulated sugar

• 4 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)

• 3 cups all-purpose flour

• 1½ teaspoons baking powder

• ½ teaspoon salt

For the filling:

• 1 can (21 ounces or about 600 grams) cherry pie filling
  (or use homemade cherry filling if preferred)

For the glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 2 tablespoons milk

• ¼ teaspoon vanilla or almond extract

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven

1. Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F).

2. Grease a 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking pan or line it with parchment paper.

Step 2: Make the batter

1. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.

2. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

3. Stir in the vanilla extract and almond extract if using.

4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. The batter will be thick.

Step 3: Assemble the layers

1. Spread about two-thirds of the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula or damp fingers to smooth it out.

2. Spoon the cherry pie filling evenly over the batter.

3. Drop spoonfuls of the remaining batter over the cherry filling. It won’t cover it completely, which is okay—leave some cherry showing.

Step 4: Bake

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

2. Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan on a wire rack.

Step 5: Make the glaze

1. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla (or almond) extract until smooth.

2. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars using a spoon or piping bag.

Step 6: Cut and serve

1. Once the glaze is set, cut the bars into squares or rectangles.

2. Serve at room temperature.

Storage

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

• Can be frozen (without glaze) for up to 2 months.