Step 1: Prepare the Crust and Topping
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Alternatively, you can use a food processor to pulse the butter into the dry ingredients.
- Add the Egg and Vanilla: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the flour mixture. Stir to combine until a dough forms. It will be slightly crumbly but should hold together when pressed. If the dough is too dry, add a tablespoon of water at a time until it comes together.
- Divide the Dough: Take about ⅔ of the dough and press it evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the base crust. This will act as the foundation for the cherry filling and topping. Use the back of a spoon to smooth it out.
- Chill the Dough: Place the baking dish in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes while you prepare the cherry filling. This helps the crust firm up and prevents it from becoming soggy when baked.
Step 2: Prepare the Cherry Filling
- Combine the Cherry Filling: If using canned cherry filling, simply pour it into a bowl. If you prefer homemade cherry filling, combine fresh or frozen cherries, lemon juice, cornstarch, and a tablespoon of water in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and the cherries release their juices (about 5-7 minutes). Let it cool slightly.
- Spread the Filling: Once your cherry filling is ready, spread it evenly over the chilled crust in the baking dish.
Step 3: Add the Topping and Bake
- Crumble the Remaining Dough: Take the remaining ⅓ of the dough and crumble it over the cherry filling. The dough will create a crumbly topping that adds texture and sweetness to the bars.
- Bake the Bars: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. Keep an eye on the bars toward the end to prevent over-baking.
Step 4: Cool and Serve
- Cool the Bars: Allow the cherry pie bars to cool in the baking dish for at least 1 hour at room temperature. This allows the filling to set and makes them easier to cut into neat bars.
- Slice and Serve: Once the bars are completely cooled, slice them into squares and serve. If desired, sprinkle the cooled bars with a light dusting of powdered sugar for an added touch of sweetness and elegance.
Tips for Perfect Cherry Pie Bars:
- Homemade Cherry Filling: If you’re using fresh or frozen cherries, you can make your own filling by simmering the cherries with a bit of sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, and water. This will give the bars an extra homemade touch.
- Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough before baking helps maintain the structure and prevents the crust from becoming too soft or soggy.
- Variations: Feel free to experiment with different fruit fillings like blueberry, apple, or peach for a unique twist on these bars.
- Serving Suggestions: These bars are perfect on their own, but they can be paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful dessert.
Why These Cherry Pie Bars Are a Favorite:
These Cherry Pie Bars combine the best aspects of pie and bars into one delicious dessert. The crust is buttery and flaky, the filling is bursting with cherry goodness, and the topping adds just the right amount of crumble. They’re simple to make, easy to serve, and guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday dinner, a picnic, or just as an afternoon treat, these cherry pie bars will quickly become a family favorite.
Enjoy baking these sweet, fruity bars and savor the delightful combination of textures and flavors in every bite!