Cherry Pie Bars
These Cherry Pie Bars are a delightful treat that combines the flavors of classic cherry pie with the convenience of bars. With a buttery crust, a sweet cherry filling, and a crumbly streusel topping, these bars are perfect for any occasion. Enjoy them as a dessert or a sweet snack!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cans (21 ounces each) cherry pie filling
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Directions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal.
- Prepare the Crust:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Mix well.
- Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Combine Wet Ingredients:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and vanilla extract. Pour this mixture over the butter-flour mixture and stir until the dough comes together. It may seem crumbly, but that’s okay.
- Form the Crust:
- Take about 2/3 of the dough and press it evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. This will form the crust.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In another bowl, combine the cherry pie filling and almond extract. Gently spread this cherry mixture over the crust in the pan.
- Create the Topping:
- Crumble the remaining 1/3 of the dough over the cherry filling. This will create a crumbly, streusel-like topping.
- Bake the Bars:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
- Cool and Serve:
- Remove the cherry pie bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, you can refrigerate them for easier cutting.
- When ready to serve, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Place them on a cutting board and cut into squares or bars.
- Optionally, dust the bars with powdered sugar for a lovely finishing touch.
Tips:
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Serving Suggestion: These bars pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.