Description
Sweet summer memories bloom in these delightful cherry pie bars, offering a perfect blend of buttery crust and luscious fruit filling. Rich layers of homemade comfort invite dessert enthusiasts to savor each delectable bite with pure joy.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
- 1 (21 ounces/595 grams) can cherry pie filling
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
Dairy and Fats:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
Flavor Enhancers and Toppings:
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ½ tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla or almond extract
Instructions
- Prepare the baking vessel by coating a 9×13-inch pan with butter or lining it with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage to prevent sticking.
- Create a luscious base by whipping butter and sugar until light and airy, then incorporate eggs and fragrant extracts, blending until smooth and cohesive.
- Gradually fold in flour and salt, mixing until a velvety batter emerges with a consistent texture and no dry patches.
- Transfer approximately two-thirds of the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula to create a uniform foundation.
- Generously distribute cherry pie filling across the initial batter layer, ensuring an even coverage that reaches all corners of the pan.
- Delicately dollop the remaining batter over the cherry layer, allowing small gaps between spoonfuls that will naturally expand during baking.
- Slide the pan into a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven, allowing the bars to transform for 35-40 minutes until the surface achieves a golden, enticing hue.
- Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely, permitting the layers to set and flavors to meld before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Experiment with different pie fillings like blueberry or apple to create unique flavor variations that match your mood or seasonal preferences.
- Ensure butter is at room temperature for easier creaming and a smoother batter texture, which helps achieve a more consistent and tender bar base.
- For a gluten-free version, swap regular flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend, making this dessert accessible to those with dietary restrictions.
- Enhance the almond extract flavor by toasting sliced almonds and sprinkling them on top of the bars just before serving for an extra crunch and nutty depth.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg