Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Make the Crust:
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut in the softened butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in the egg and vanilla extract until the dough begins to come together.
- Press about two-thirds of the dough into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly to form the crust.
3. Prepare the Cherry Filling:
- In a medium bowl, stir the cherry pie filling and cornstarch together (if using cornstarch) until combined. The cornstarch will help thicken the filling.
- Spoon the cherry filling evenly over the prepared crust.
4. Add the Topping:
- Crumble the remaining dough over the cherry filling to create a crumbly topping. It doesn’t need to be perfect; some areas can be left open to show the cherry filling underneath.
5. Bake:
- Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cherry filling is bubbly.
6. Cool and Glaze:
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the baking dish. Once cool, mix powdered sugar and milk in a small bowl to create a glaze.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars for a sweet finishing touch.
7. Slice and Serve:
- Cut into squares or bars and serve. These Cherry Pie Bars are perfect for dessert, and they’re just as delicious the next day.
Tips for Success:
- Homemade Cherry Filling: If you prefer a homemade filling, simmer fresh or frozen cherries with sugar and cornstarch to create your own cherry pie filling.
- Vary the Fruit: You can switch out the cherry filling for blueberry, apple, or peach for different flavors.
- Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
These Cherry Pie Bars are the perfect balance of sweet and tart, with a buttery, crumbly crust that will melt in your mouth. They’re an easy and impressive dessert that can be made in advance, making them ideal for any occasion. Enjoy! 🍒