Name: Crumb-Topped Cherry Pie Bars Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup butter, softened; 2 cups sugar; 4 eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp salt; 2 cans (21 oz each) cherry pie filling; Crumb Topping: 1/2 cup flour, 1/2 cup sugar, 1/4 cup cold butter

There’s something undeniably charming about cherry pie, but if you’re looking for a way to enjoy this classic in a more casual, shareable format, Cherry Pie Bars with a delightful crumb topping are the answer. These bars simplify pie-making without sacrificing any of the flavors you love. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a simple family dessert, these crumb-topped cherry pie bars are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients and Preparation

Gathering your ingredients is the first step toward creating these delicious treats. You will need:

For the crust and crumb topping:
1 cup of unsalted butter, softened
2 cups of all-purpose flour
½ cup of granulated sugar
¼ teaspoon of salt
For the filling:
1 can (21 oz) of cherry pie filling (or homemade if you prefer)
½ teaspoon of almond extract (optional, but it enhances the cherry flavor)

Here’s how to prepare your Cherry Pie Bars:

Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan: Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal of the bars.
Make the Crust and Crumb Topping: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the butter, sugar, and salt until light and fluffy. Gradually add the flour until the mixture is crumbly. Reserve about ¾ cup of this mixture for the topping. Press the remaining mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan to form a sturdy base.
Prepare the Filling: Mix the cherry pie filling with the almond extract to enhance its flavor, then spread evenly over the crust.
Add the Crumb Topping: Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture evenly over the top of the cherry filling.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.

Serving and Enjoyment

Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before lifting out using the parchment paper overhang. Slice into bars or squares. These cherry pie bars can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. For an extra special treat, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Why This Recipe Works

The appeal of these Crumb-Topped Cherry Pie Bars lies in their simplicity and the delightful contrast in textures:

Easy to Serve: Unlike traditional pies, these bars are easy to cut, serve, and eat by hand, making them perfect for gatherings.
Versatile: You can swap out the cherry filling for any other fruit pie filling you prefer, such as blueberry, apple, or raspberry, allowing for customization based on what’s in season or personal taste preferences.
Perfect Texture: The buttery, crumbly texture of the crust and topping combined with the sweet, gooey filling offers a satisfying contrast that enhances the overall eating experience.

In conclusion, these Crumb-Topped Cherry Pie Bars provide a wonderful way to enjoy the iconic taste of cherry pie with a bit of a twist. They're quick to prepare, delightful to share, and versatile enough to fit any occasion or taste preference. Give this recipe a try, and watch it become a new favorite in your dessert repertoire!