🍒 How to Make a Tray of the Most Delicious Cherry Pie Bars – Easy, Shareable & Irresistibly Flaky! 🥧✨

Step 2: Make the Crust

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. Add the cold cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Beat 2 eggs with vanilla extract, then add them to the mixture. Stir until it forms a dough. If the dough seems too dry, add a teaspoon of cold water at a time until it holds together.

Step 3: Press the Crust

1. Take about two-thirds of the dough and press it evenly into the prepared baking pan to form the bottom crust.
2. Bake the crust for 12–15 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.

Step 4: Prepare the Cherry Filling

1. In a medium saucepan, combine cherries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and almond extract.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and becomes glossy (about 5–7 minutes).
3. Remove from heat and allow the filling to cool for a few minutes.

Step 5: Assemble the Bars

1. Spread the cherry filling evenly over the baked crust.
2. Crumble the remaining one-third of the dough over the cherry layer. This will create a flaky, streusel-like topping.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

1. Bake the assembled bars at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and slightly crisp.
2. Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. This ensures the cherry filling sets and makes slicing easier.

Step 7: Slice & Serve

1. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars from the pan.
2. Slice into squares or rectangles and serve as a snack, dessert, or for your next party.
3. Optional: Dust with powdered sugar for an extra touch of elegance.

Tips for the Flakiest Cherry Pie Bars

• Use cold butter for the crust to achieve a tender, flaky texture.
• If using frozen cherries, thaw and drain excess liquid to prevent a soggy filling.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon to the crust or topping for a warm, cozy flavor.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

These cherry pie bars are not only simple to make but are also a crowd-pleaser. Perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or just a cozy night in, they strike the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and buttery goodness.

🥄 Enjoy your easy, shareable, and irresistibly flaky cherry pie bars!

If you want, I can also make a step-by-step illustrated guide with pictures for each step, so it looks like a professional recipe article ready to share online. Do you want me to do that?