Cherry Pie Bars Recipe

Ingredients

For the Crust & Topping

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt

For the Filling

• 2 cans (21 oz each) cherry pie filling
  (or 4 cups homemade cherry filling)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking pan

• Use a 9×13-inch baking pan.
• Line with parchment or lightly grease.

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2. Make the batter

In a large bowl:

1. Cream butter and sugar until fluffy.
2. Add eggs one at a time, beating well.
3. Add vanilla.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Add dry ingredients to the butter mixture and mix until smooth.

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3. Spread the bottom layer

• Spread ⅔ of the batter into the prepared baking pan.
  (It will be thick — use a spatula or damp hands.)

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4. Add the cherry filling

• Spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the bottom layer.

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5. Add the top layer

• Drop the remaining ⅓ batter in spoonfuls across the cherry filling.
  (It will bake into the golden patches you see in the photo.)

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6. Bake

• Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35–45 minutes,
  or until the top is golden and edges are lightly browned.

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7. Cool & cut

• Let cool completely before slicing into bars.

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Optional Glaze (Max Keyword)

Mix and drizzle on cooled bars:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp milk
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

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Tips for Perfect Cherry Pie Bars

• Swap cherry filling for blueberry, apple, raspberry, or peach.
• Add almond extract for a bakery-style flavor.
• Chill before cutting for clean squares.