Here’s a delicious recipe for Cherry Pie Bars—a portable, easy-to-serve twist on classic cherry pie with a buttery crust, sweet-tart cherry filling, and crumbly streusel topping!
Cherry Pie Bars 🍒🍪
Prep Time: 15 mins | Bake Time: 45 mins | Servings: 16 bars
Ingredients:
For the Crust & Streusel:
- 2½ cups (300g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (2 sticks / 225g) cold unsalted butter, cubed
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Filling:
- 2 cans (21 oz each) cherry pie filling (or homemade: 4 cups pitted cherries + ½ cup sugar + 2 tbsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp lemon juice)
- 1 tsp almond extract (optional, enhances flavor)
For the Glaze (Optional):
- ½ cup (60g) powdered sugar
- 1–2 tbsp milk or lemon juice
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Prep the Crust & Streusel
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a food processor (or by hand), mix flour, sugar, and salt. Add cold butter and pulse (or cut in with a pastry cutter) until crumbly.
- Remove 1 cup of the mixture for the streusel topping; set aside.
- Press the remaining mixture into the pan to form the crust. Bake for 15 mins until lightly golden.
2. Add the Filling
- Spread cherry pie filling evenly over the warm crust. Sprinkle with almond extract (if using).
- Crumble the reserved streusel over the top.
3. Bake & Cool
- Bake for 30 mins until the topping is golden and the filling bubbles.
- Cool completely in the pan (about 1 hour) before slicing.
4. Glaze & Serve
- Whisk together powdered sugar, milk/lemon juice, and vanilla. Drizzle over cooled bars.
Tips & Variations:
🔸 Use fresh/frozen cherries: Simmer 4 cups pitted cherries with ½ cup sugar, 2 tbsp cornstarch, and 1 tbsp lemon juice until thickened. Cool before using.
🔸 Berry Swap: Try blueberry, apple, or peach pie filling.
🔸 Nutty Crunch: Add ½ cup sliced almonds to the streusel.
🔸 Vegan Option: Use plant-based butter and coconut milk for the glaze.
These bars are perfect for parties—no fork needed! Pair with vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence. 😋
Want a mini version using muffin tins? Or a chocolate-cherry twist? Let me know!