Cherry Pie Bars - Rebbit Care

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:

Table of Contents

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!