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Instructions
1. Prepare the Oven and Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with butter or line it with parchment paper for easier removal.
2. Make the Crust and Topping:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Stir in the melted butter, vanilla extract, and the beaten egg until the mixture forms a soft dough.
3. Divide the Dough:
- Take about 2/3 of the dough and press it evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust.
- Spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the crust. If using fresh or frozen cherries, mix them with sugar and lemon juice before spreading.
4. Add the Crumble Topping:
- Crumble the remaining dough over the cherry filling, leaving some gaps for the filling to peek through. This creates a delicious, crunchy topping.
5. Bake:
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the cherry filling is bubbling.
6. Cool and Slice:
- Allow the cherry bars to cool in the pan for about 30 minutes before slicing into squares. This cooling time helps the filling set and makes for cleaner cuts.
7. Serve:
- Enjoy your Cherry Bars warm or at room temperature. They are delightful on their own or served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra indulgence.
Tips for the Perfect Cherry Bars
- Use Quality Cherries: For the best flavor, use high-quality cherry pie filling or fresh cherries. If using fresh cherries, make sure to pit and slice them before use.
- Customize the Filling: Feel free to mix in other fruits, such as blueberries or raspberries, for a berry medley!
- Store Properly: Store leftover cherry bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
Conclusion
Cherry Bars are a delightful dessert that brings the sweetness of cherries to life in a buttery, crumbly treat. With their ease of preparation and scrumptious taste, they are perfect for any occasion. Whether enjoyed as an afternoon snack or served at a festive gathering, these bars are sure to be a hit. So, gather your ingredients and whip up a batch of these delicious cherry bars today—you won’t regret it!