These cherry pie bars are a delightful twist on classic cherry pie, offering a crumbly crust and sweet, tangy cherry filling. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a simple dessert.
Ingredients:
- For the Crust and Topping:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (Optional)
- For the Cherry Filling:
- 2 (21-ounce) cans cherry pie filling
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for added brightness)
- Almond extract, small splash. (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt.
- Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry blender, fork, or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add vanilla extract if desired.
- Reserve approximately 1 cup of the crumb mixture for the topping.
- Press the remaining crumb mixture into an ungreased 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Make the Filling:
- In a separate bowl, combine the cherry pie filling and lemon juice or almond extract. Stir to combine.
- Pour the cherry filling evenly over the crust.
- Add the Topping:
- Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture over the cherry filling.
- Gently pat the topping down slightly.
- Bake:
- Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the crust and topping are golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Let the bars cool completely before cutting into squares. This allows the filling to set.
Tips and Variations:
- For extra flavor, you can add a sprinkle of cinnamon to the crust or topping.
- You can use other pie fillings, such as apple or blueberry, in place of cherry.
- If you desire a streusel like topping, you may add some oats to the reserved topping mixture.
Enjoy your delicious cherry pie bars!