Description
Sweet cherry pie bars bring classic American dessert comfort to handheld perfection. Buttery crumble layers and rich fruit filling create an irresistible treat you’ll crave with morning coffee or evening relaxation.
Ingredients
Scale
Pie Crust:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 large egg
Cherry Filling:
- 4 cups fresh cherries
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp almond extract
Topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing overhang for easy removal.
- Create the pie crust by combining flour, sugar, and salt in a mixing bowl, then cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Mix in the egg until the dough comes together, then press evenly into the prepared baking pan, creating a smooth, compact base.
- Prepare the cherry filling by pitting and halving fresh cherries, then tossing with sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and almond extract until thoroughly coated.
- Spread the cherry mixture uniformly over the prepared crust, ensuring even distribution.
- For the crumble topping, blend flour, brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon in a separate bowl until it forms a loose, sandy texture.
- Sprinkle the crumble topping generously and evenly over the cherry layer, covering most of the fruit.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and the cherry filling bubbles around the edges.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely in the pan for about 1 hour.
- Lift the bars out using parchment paper, dust with powdered sugar, and slice into squares before serving.
Notes
- Always use ripe, sweet cherries for the most intense flavor and natural sweetness in your bars.
- Consider pitting cherries ahead of time to prevent messy preparation and save cooking time.
- Chill the butter and egg before mixing to ensure a flakier, more tender crust that won’t become tough.
- Substitute frozen cherries if fresh aren’t available, but drain excess liquid to prevent soggy bars.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 16 g
- Sodium: 70 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg