It sounds like you’re making Cherry Pie Bars! This dessert is a delicious twist on a classic cherry pie, with a buttery, crumbly crust and topping. Here’s the full recipe based on the ingredients you’ve started:
Cherry Pie Bars Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Crust & Topping:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Cherry Filling:
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for added brightness)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crust & Topping:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add in the eggs and vanilla extract, and beat until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Divide the dough into two portions, with about two-thirds of the dough for the crust and one-third for the topping.
2. Prepare the Cherry Filling:
- In a separate bowl, gently mix the cherry pie filling, cornstarch (if using), and lemon juice (if using). This will help thicken the filling and add brightness to the flavor.
- Set the filling aside.
3. Assemble the Bars:
- Press the larger portion of dough (the two-thirds) into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust.
- Spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the crust.
- Crumble the remaining dough over the top of the cherry filling to create a crumbly topping.
4. Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares.
5. Serve:
- Once cooled, slice into bars and serve. You can optionally dust with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
Tips:
- For a Lighter Crust: You can substitute part of the butter with sour cream or yogurt for a slightly lighter texture.
- Add Flavor: For extra flavor, you can add a bit of almond extract to the crust mixture to complement the cherry filling.
- Make-Ahead: These cherry pie bars can be made a day or two ahead and stored in an airtight container.
These Cherry Pie Bars are a delicious, fruity treat with a buttery, crumbly crust and a sweet cherry filling. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or any occasion! Enjoy!
