Prep time: 15 mins | Cook time: 35–40 mins | Servings: 12–16 bars
Ingredients
- The Crust & Topping: * 1 cup unsalted butter, softened.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
- The Filling: * 21 oz (1 can) cherry pie filling.
- Optional Glaze: * 1 cup powdered sugar mixed with 1–2 tbsp milk.
Instructions
- Cream: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla and salt.
- Combine: Gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft, crumbly dough forms.
- Press: Reserve 1 cup of the dough for the topping. Press the remaining dough firmly into the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking pan to form the bottom crust.
- Spread: Evenly spread the cherry pie filling over the bottom crust.
- Crumble: Take the reserved dough and drop small spoonfuls or crumbles over the top of the cherry layer, creating a “patchwork” or streusel-like appearance.
- Bake: Bake at 350°F for 35–40 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cherry filling is bubbly.
- Cool: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares to ensure the filling sets. Drizzle with optional glaze if desired.
Is there anything more delightful than the contrast between a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth crust and the sweet, tangy burst of a cherry center?