Cherry Pie Bars: The Perfect Portion of Summer Comfort

For the Cherry Filling:

• 2 (14.5 oz) cans pitted tart cherries in water (or 4 cups fresh/frozen, pitted)
• ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 3 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• ½ tsp almond extract (optional but traditional)

💡 Pro Tips:

• Drain canned cherries well—excess liquid makes bars soggy.
• Use cold butter—creates a flaky, crumbly texture.
• Almond extract enhances cherry flavor—don’t skip it!

Step-by-Step Instructions (Buttery, Jammy, Foolproof)

1. Make the Crust Mixture

• In a food processor or bowl, combine flour, 1 cup sugar, and salt.
• Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs (some pea-sized bits are fine).
• Reserve 1 cup for topping; press remaining into bottom of greased 9x13-inch pan.

2. Prepare the Filling

• Drain cherries; reserve ¼ cup juice.
• In a saucepan, mix cherries, ½ cup sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, almond extract, and reserved juice.
• Cook over medium heat 5–7 minutes, stirring, until thickened and glossy. Cool 10 mins.

3. Assemble & Bake

• Spread warm filling evenly over crust.
• Sprinkle reserved crumb mixture on top.
• Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40–45 minutes, until golden and bubbly at edges.
• Cool completely before slicing (2+ hours)—this ensures clean cuts!

Serving Suggestions

• ☕ Classic pairing: With iced coffee or sweet tea
• 🍦 Summer upgrade: Served warm with vanilla ice cream
• 🎁 Potluck hit: Cut into small squares for easy sharing
• 🧈 Breakfast twist: Enjoy with a dollop of Greek yogurt

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

• Fridge: Keeps covered up to 5 days—flavor deepens overnight!
• Freeze: Slice and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw at room temp.
• Prep ahead: Make filling and crust mix day before.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Gluten-free?A: Yes! Use a 1:1 GF flour blend (like Bob’s Red Mill).

Q: Fresh cherries?A: Absolutely! Use 4 cups pitted cherries + 2 tbsp extra cornstarch if very juicy.

Q: Too tart?A: Add 1–2 tbsp more sugar to filling—or use sweet cherries.

Q: Soggy bottom?A: Ensure filling is fully cooled before baking—and bake until deeply golden.

❤️ The Heart of the Bars

Cherry Pie Bars aren’t just dessert—they’re a taste of summer simplicity. They capture backyard harvests, county fairs, and slow afternoons in every bite.

So pit those cherries, mix that crust, and bake with joy. Because the best desserts aren’t complicated—they’re jammy, buttery, and made with love.

“Good bars don’t need a recipe—they just need cherries, butter, and someone hungry.” 🍒✨