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

If you love cherry pie but want a simpler, shareable version that’s perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or just treating yourself, cherry pie bars are your ultimate answer. Imagine the classic flavors of sweet-tart cherries, buttery flaky crust, and a golden, crumbly topping – all in one easy-to-cut tray. Let’s dive into how to make these irresistible bars, step by step.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Crust and Topping (Shortcrust):

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
1 cup granulated sugar
½ tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 large egg

For the Cherry Filling:

2 cups pitted cherries (fresh or frozen, thawed)
½ cup granulated sugar (adjust depending on cherry sweetness)
2 tbsp cornstarch
1 tsp lemon juice
½ tsp almond extract (optional, but enhances the cherry flavor)

For Finishing:

Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Step-by-Step Method

1️⃣ Prepare the Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.

2️⃣ Make the Shortcrust Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt.
Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter (or your fingers) to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Beat the egg and vanilla extract together and mix into the flour-butter mixture. It should come together but remain slightly crumbly – perfect for a flaky crust.
Press two-thirds of the dough evenly into the prepared pan to form the base. Bake for 15 minutes or until lightly golden.