Cherry Pie Bars

Ingredients

For the Crust & Topping

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

For the Filling

• 2 cans cherry pie filling (about 21 oz each)

Optional Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2–3 tablespoons milk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat oven
   Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line with parchment paper.
2. Make the batter
   In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla.
3. Add dry ingredients
   Mix in flour, baking powder, and salt until combined.
4. Create the base
   Spread about ⅔ of the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
5. Add filling
   Spoon cherry pie filling evenly over the batter.
6. Top the bars
   Drop remaining batter by spoonfuls over the cherry layer. It doesn’t need to fully cover the filling.
7. Bake
   Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until golden brown and set.
8. Cool completely
   Let bars cool before slicing.
9. Optional glaze
   Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla together. Drizzle over cooled bars.

Tips

• Use homemade cherry filling for extra flavor.
• Chill before cutting for cleaner squares.
• Try blueberry, raspberry, or apple pie filling variations.

Storage

• Store covered at room temperature for 2 days
• Refrigerate up to 5 days
• Freeze for up to 2 months