Description
These Cherry Pie Bars combine a buttery cake-like base with a luscious cherry pie filling, creating an easy-to-make dessert perfect for any occasion. With a crisp golden top and sweet cherry center, these bars are delicious, portable, and can be customized with different fruit fillings for variety.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Batter
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Filling
- 1 (21-ounce) can cherry pie filling
Optional
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the bars.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step incorporates air to create a tender texture.
- Add Eggs and Extracts: Beat in the eggs one at a time to fully incorporate, then mix in the vanilla and almond extracts for added flavor depth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agent and seasoning.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined to avoid overmixing which can toughen the bars.
- Assemble Layers: Spread about two-thirds of the batter evenly into the prepared pan to form the base layer. Spoon the cherry pie filling over the batter, spreading it evenly. Drop spoonfuls of the remaining batter over the cherries; it will not fully cover the filling but that is desired for texture and appearance.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into 24 bars. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar for an elegant finishing touch before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute cherry pie filling with blueberry, apple, or raspberry pie filling for variety.
- For an added glaze, mix 1/2 cup powdered sugar with 1–2 teaspoons of milk and drizzle over the cooled bars.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
