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- 1 box of yellow cake mix (or you can use white cake mix for a lighter flavor)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 large egg
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling (or fresh cherries if you prefer)
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional, but adds a great depth of flavor)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting on top after baking)
How to Make Cherry Pie Bars
- Prepare the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This will ensure that your Cherry Pie Bars come out easily after baking.
- Make the Crust: In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and egg. Stir until the mixture forms a dough-like consistency. You may notice that it’s a bit thicker than typical cake batter—that’s okay! Press about 2/3 of the dough into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. This will form your crust.
- Add the Cherry Filling: Evenly spread the cherry pie filling on top of the crust. You can use a spoon or spatula to spread the filling so that it covers the surface. If you’re using fresh cherries, just slice them and mix with a little sugar and cornstarch to help thicken the filling.
- Add the Top Layer: Take the remaining 1/3 of the dough and crumble it over the cherry filling. This doesn’t need to be perfect—just scatter it evenly over the top to create a crumbly, rustic topping. This will bake into a beautiful golden-brown layer.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 35-40 minutes, or until the bars are golden brown and set in the center. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges are crispy and the top is slightly puffed.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool for about 15 minutes before cutting into squares. If you’d like, dust the tops with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness. These bars can be served warm or at room temperature, and they’re even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
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Tips for the Perfect Cherry Pie Bars
- For extra flavor: Add a splash of almond extract or vanilla extract to the cherry filling. It adds a subtle, yet delicious twist.
- Make them your own: While cherry pie filling is the traditional choice, you can easily swap it out for other fruit fillings, such as blueberry, apple, or even raspberry. The basic cake mix crust works perfectly with almost any fruit!
- Serve with a side: For an even more decadent treat, serve these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
- Store leftovers: If you have any leftovers (which is unlikely!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate them to keep them fresh longer.
Why These Bars Are Perfect for Birthdays
Cherry Pie Bars are a go-to for birthday celebrations because they’re easy to make, serve, and enjoy. If you’re like the person who first shared this recipe, you’ll find yourself making them every year for special occasions. Not only are they simple to prepare, but the sweet and tart flavor of the cherries, combined with the buttery, soft crust, makes for a dessert everyone will love.
You don’t have to spend hours decorating or perfecting a fancy cake—these Cherry Pie Bars are a beautiful and delicious alternative that’s sure to be the star of the dessert table. Plus, they’re so easy to serve, whether you’re cutting them into small squares or letting everyone enjoy a big slice.
Conclusion
These Cherry Pie Bars are the perfect combination of ease and deliciousness. From birthdays to holiday dinners, or even just an afternoon treat, they’ll have your guests asking for the recipe. With a sweet cherry filling, buttery crust, and just the right amount of crumble, they’re a dessert everyone can enjoy. So next time you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing dessert, give these bars a try and watch them disappear in a flash!
