Cherry pie bars

Here’s a simple and delicious recipe for Cherry Pie Bars — all the flavor of cherry pie in an easy, handheld form! 🍒🥧

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Cherry Pie Bars

Servings: 12

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35–40 minutes

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Ingredients:

For the crust & topping:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• ¼ tsp salt

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the filling:

• 1 can (21 oz / 595 g) cherry pie filling

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Instructions:

1. Preheat oven:

   • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

   • Grease or line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.

2. Make the crust:

   • In a medium bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt.

   • Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter or fingers until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

   • Stir in vanilla extract.

   • Press about 2/3 of the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.

3. Add cherry filling:

   • Spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the crust layer.

4. Add topping:

   • Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture evenly over the cherries.

5. Bake:

   • Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden.

   • Let cool completely in the pan before cutting into bars.

6. Serve:

   • Slice into squares or rectangles.

   • Optional: Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

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Tips & Variations:

• 🍫 Chocolate cherry bars: Add mini chocolate chips to the topping for a chocolate twist.

• 🥜 Nutty crunch: Mix chopped almonds or pecans into the topping.

• 🍒 Fresh cherries: Substitute 2 cups fresh or frozen cherries with ¼ cup sugar and 1 tsp cornstarch for thickening.

• 🕒 Make-ahead: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days or refrigerate up to a week.

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I can also give a quick no-bake version of cherry bars that’s even faster and just as delicious. Do you want that recipe?