Cherry Pie Bars

Step 2: Make the Cherry Filling

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the cherries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and almond extract.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and bubbles gently (about 5–7 minutes).
3. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly before spreading over the prepared crust.

Step 3: Assemble the Bars

1. Pour the cherry filling evenly over the crust.
2. Take the remaining crust mixture and crumble it gently over the top of the cherry layer. It doesn’t have to completely cover the filling—some cherries peeking through is perfect!

Step 4: Bake

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown.
2. Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. This will help the cherry filling set and make cutting easier.

Step 5: Optional Glaze

1. While the bars are cooling, mix the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth.
2. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars for a sweet, glossy finish.

Step 6: Serve

1. Lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment overhang and place them on a cutting board.
2. Cut into squares or rectangles, depending on your preference.
3. Enjoy plain, or serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert!

Tips for Perfect Cherry Pie Bars

• Cherry Choice: Fresh cherries work wonderfully in season, but frozen cherries are a convenient year-round option. Make sure they are thawed and drained to avoid excess liquid.
• Crumble Topping: For a crunchier texture, add 1/4 cup of chopped nuts like almonds or pecans to the topping mixture.
• Storage: Keep the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. They also freeze beautifully.

Cherry Pie Bars combine the beloved flavors of a classic cherry pie with the convenience of a portable dessert. The buttery crust, sweet-tart filling, and crumbly topping make each bite irresistible. Whether you’re serving them at a gathering or enjoying a quiet evening treat, these bars are bound to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

If you want, I can also create a quick visual guide showing each step of making Cherry Pie Bars—like a mini photo recipe—to make it even easier to follow. Do you want me to do that?