Cherry Pie Bars Recipe

Indulge in the delightful flavors of Christmas Cherry Pie Bars, a festive treat perfect for the holiday season. With a buttery base, sweet cherry filling, and optional vanilla glaze, these bars are sure to become a favorite at your holiday gatherings. Enjoy the warmth and joy of the season with every bite!

Ingredients:

Ingredients	Quantity
Butter, softened	1 cup
Sugar	2 cups
Eggs	4
Vanilla extract	1 tsp
All-purpose flour	3 cups
Salt	1 tsp
Cherry pie filling	1 can (21 ounces)
For the glaze (optional):
Powdered sugar	1 cup
Milk	2 tbsp
Vanilla extract	1/2 tsp

Instructions:

Preparing the Cherry Pie Bars:

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
Cream Butter and Sugar:
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add Eggs and Vanilla:
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt.
Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture and mix well until a smooth batter forms.
Prepare the Base:
- Spread 3 cups of the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
Add Cherry Filling:
- Carefully spread the cherry pie filling over the batter in the pan.
Top Layer:
- Drop the remaining batter in small clumps over the cherry filling to create a crumble topping.
Bake:
- Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the edges are slightly crispy.
Cool:

Cool the cherry pie bars completely on a wire rack before adding the glaze.

Making the Vanilla Glaze (Optional):

Mix Ingredients:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Drizzle:
- Once the cherry bars are completely cooled, drizzle the vanilla glaze evenly over the top.
Serve:
- Cut the cherry pie bars into squares and serve after the glaze has set.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
Total Time: 50-55 minutes
Yield: 12-16 bars

Notes:

Store any leftover cherry pie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
These bars can also be served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Cook Techniques:

Creaming the butter and sugar together creates a light and fluffy texture for the bars.
Dropping the top layer of batter in small clumps ensures a rustic and crumbly topping.

FAQs:

Can I use other fruit pie fillings instead of cherry? A: Yes, you can use any fruit pie filling of your choice, such as blueberry, apple, or strawberry, for variety.

Can I make these bars ahead of time? A: Absolutely! These bars can be made a day in advance and stored in an airtight container until ready to serve.

Can I freeze the cherry pie bars? A: Yes, you can freeze the bars without the glaze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before adding the glaze and serving.