Easy Cherry Pie Bars
These Easy Cherry Pie Bars are a quick and nostalgic treat combining a buttery crust with a bright cherry filling, perfect for any gathering.
Ingredients
Bar Ingredients
- 1 cup softened butter Room temperature for easy creaming.
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs Room temperature for better incorporation.
- 1 tsp alcohol-free almond flavouring Enhances cherry flavor; can omit for nut-free.
- 1 tsp alcohol-free vanilla extract
- 2.5 cups all-purpose flour For a cakier bar, replace ½ cup with cake flour.
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 1 can premium cherry pie filling (21 oz) Use morello or sour cherry filling for extra tartness.
Glaze Ingredients
- 1 cup confectioners' sugar
- 1 tsp alcohol-free almond flavouring
- 0.5 tsp alcohol-free vanilla extract
- 1-2 tsp milk Add more to reach desired drizzling consistency.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream 1 cup softened butter and 1 cup sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
- Add the 2 eggs, 1 tsp alcohol-free almond flavouring, and 1 tsp vanilla. Beat until combined and smooth.
- Stir in 2.5 cups all-purpose flour and 0.5 tsp salt until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing.
- Press half of the dough evenly into the prepared pan to form the bottom crust.
- Spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the crust.
- Break the remaining dough into small pieces and dollop it over the cherries for a rustic look.
Baking
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and filling bubbles around the edges.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack (about 1–2 hours) before glazing.
Glazing and Serving
- Whisk together 1 cup confectioners’ sugar, 1 tsp alcohol-free almond flavouring, 0.5 tsp vanilla, and enough milk for drizzling consistency.
- Drizzle the glaze over cooled bars and slice into squares.
Notes
These bars are versatile; serve warm with ice cream, dust with powdered sugar, or add toasted almonds on top. They hold up well for picnics and school lunches.