Homemade Cherry Pie Bars

**Homemade Cherry Pie Bars: A Sweet, Fruity Delight in Every Bite**

If you love the classic taste of cherry pie but want something easier to prepare and serve, then **Homemade Cherry Pie Bars** are the perfect solution! These bars take all the delicious flavors of a traditional cherry pie and transform them into an easy-to-make, handheld treat. With a buttery, flaky crust, a sweet cherry filling, and a delightful crumbly topping, these cherry pie bars are sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.

### **Why You’ll Love Homemade Cherry Pie Bars**

– **Easy to Serve**: Unlike traditional pie, cherry pie bars are easy to slice and serve. No need to worry about uneven slices or messy filling spills – just cut into bars, and you’re ready to enjoy!
– **Sweet and Tart**: The combination of the sweet cherry filling and the buttery crust strikes the perfect balance of flavors.
– **No Need for a Pie Crust**: With this recipe, you get the same delicious taste of pie without the hassle of rolling out a crust. The shortbread-like base is simple to make and bakes up beautifully.
– **Perfect for Any Occasion**: These bars are ideal for holiday gatherings, potlucks, bake sales, or just as a sweet treat at home. They also make a great addition to any picnic or barbecue.

### **Ingredients for Homemade Cherry Pie Bars**

To make these delicious cherry pie bars, you’ll need the following ingredients:

#### For the Crust and Topping:
– **2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour**
– **1 cup granulated sugar**
– **1/2 teaspoon baking powder**
– **1/4 teaspoon salt**
– **1 cup unsalted butter, softened**
– **1 large egg**
– **1 teaspoon vanilla extract**

#### For the Cherry Filling:
– **2 cups fresh or frozen cherries** (if using frozen cherries, thaw and drain them first)
– **1/2 cup granulated sugar**
– **2 tablespoons cornstarch**
– **1 tablespoon lemon juice**
– **1/4 teaspoon almond extract** (optional, but enhances the cherry flavor)
– **1 tablespoon butter** (for dotting the filling)

### **How to Make Homemade Cherry Pie Bars**

These homemade cherry pie bars come together quickly and are easy to make. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you create these irresistible treats.

#### 1. **Preheat the Oven**
Preheat your oven to **350°F (175°C)**. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the bars.

#### 2. **Prepare the Crust**
In a large bowl, combine the **flour**, **sugar**, **baking powder**, and **salt**. Add the softened **butter**, **egg**, and **vanilla extract**, and stir to combine. The mixture should form a soft, dough-like consistency.

Divide the dough in half, setting one half aside for the topping. Press the remaining dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form a crust layer. Use your hands or the back of a spoon to gently press it down into an even layer.

#### 3. **Make the Cherry Filling**
In a medium saucepan, combine the **cherries**, **sugar**, **cornstarch**, **lemon juice**, and **almond extract** (if using). Stir everything together and cook over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, or until the mixture begins to thicken and the cherries start releasing their juices. Once the filling has thickened, remove it from the heat and set it aside.

#### 4. **Assemble the Bars**
Pour the cherry filling evenly over the crust layer in the baking dish. Dot the filling with small pieces of **butter** for added richness.

Take the reserved half of the dough and crumble it over the top of the cherry filling. It doesn’t need to cover the entire surface, as you want some of the filling to peek through for a rustic look.

5. **Bake the Bars**
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for **35-40 minutes**, or until the crust and topping are golden brown and the cherry filling is bubbling.

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