Homemade Cherry Pie Bars (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Cherry Filling
01 -
4 tbsp cornstarch
02 -
1/2 cup water
03 -
5 1/2 cups cherries, whole, pitted
04 -
2 tbsp lemon juice
05 -
3/4 cup granulated sugar
06 -
2 tsp vanilla extract
→ Bars
07 -
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
08 -
2 cups granulated sugar
09 -
3/4 tsp salt
10 -
4 large eggs
11 -
1 tsp vanilla extract
12 -
1/4 tsp almond extract
13 -
3 cups all-purpose flour
14 -
1 tsp baking powder
# Instructions:
01 -
Whisk the cornstarch and water together to create a slurry. Add the cherries, lemon juice, sugar, vanilla, and prepared slurry to a large pot over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring often, then reduce heat to low. Cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring often, until the cherries release their moisture and the mixture thickens. Let the mixture cool to room temperature.
02 -
Preheat the oven to 350F (175C).
03 -
Beat the butter, sugar, and salt together in a large mixing bowl until smooth. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing until well combined. Stir in vanilla and almond extract.
04 -
Whisk the flour and baking powder together, then gradually add the mixture to the wet ingredients. Beat until no dry flour remains, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
05 -
Spray a 9x13 inch baking pan with cooking spray. Spread 3 cups of the batter evenly into the pan. Top with the prepared cherry filling, then dot the top with the remaining batter.
06 -
Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the dotted batter begins to brown around the edges. Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing and serving. Optionally, drizzle with glaze before serving.
# Notes:
01 -
The cherry filling can be replaced with 2 cans (21 oz each) of premade cherry pie filling if desired.
02 -
To prepare the glaze: whisk 1 cup of powdered sugar with 3-5 tbsp milk until desired consistency is reached. Add vanilla or almond extract for extra flavor.