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Easy Cherry Pie Bars with Buttery Shortbread Crust

A close-up of a square cherry pie bars slice showing the thick cherry filling, crumb topping, and white icing drizzle.
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Make these simple cherry pie bars featuring a rich, buttery shortbread crust and sweet cherry pie filling. This recipe provides a crowd-pleasing dessert format, perfect for potlucks or quick treats.

Ingredients

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  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 (21-ounce) can cherry pie filling
  • 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
  • 1–2 tablespoons milk (for glaze)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
  2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and salt until light and fluffy.
  3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and almond extract.
  4. Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour until just combined. Do not overmix the dough.
  5. Press two-thirds of the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust.
  6. Spread the entire can of cherry pie filling evenly over the crust layer.
  7. Crumble or evenly distribute the remaining one-third of the dough over the cherry filling.
  8. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the topping is lightly golden brown.
  9. Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
  10. Prepare the glaze: Whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add milk slowly until you reach a thick but pourable consistency.
  11. Drizzle the vanilla glaze over the cooled bars.
  12. Once the glaze sets, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang and cut into squares.

Notes

  • Using canned cherry pie filling keeps this recipe quick and simple for busy schedules.
  • For a slightly tart flavor, you can add 1/4 teaspoon of lemon zest to the crust mixture.
  • If you prefer a crumb topping instead of crumbled dough, mix the remaining dough with 1/2 cup of rolled oats before sprinkling over the filling.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://pureplatepath.com/easy-cherry-pie-bars/