Cherry Pie Bars

These are buttery, jammy, and dangerously easy to eat straight from the pan.

Cherry Pie Bars

Ingredients

Crust & Topping

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 3 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp salt

Filling

• 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
  (or about 2½ cups homemade cherry filling)

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Instructions

1. Prep

   • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

   • Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment.

2. Make the dough

   • Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

   • Beat in eggs and vanilla.

   • In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.

   • Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet until a soft dough forms.

3. Build the layers

   • Press ⅔ of the dough evenly into the bottom of the pan.

   • Spread cherry pie filling over the dough.

   • Drop remaining dough in small pieces over the top (don’t worry about covering it completely—rustic is perfect).

4. Bake

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

5. Cool & slice

   • Let cool completely for clean slices (worth the wait).

   • Cut into bars and try not to eat three immediately.

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Optional upgrades (highly encouraged)

• Sprinkle sliced almonds on top before baking

• Add ½ tsp almond extract to the dough (cherry’s best friend)

• Drizzle with a simple glaze: powdered sugar + milk + vanilla

If you want a more pie-like crust, a shortbread-style version, or a small-batch pan, say the word—I’ve got you 🍒🥧