Cherry Pie Bars

These are really good. 

Also, they're pretty easy. I made them as a thank you gift and they were perfect for cutting up and sharing. The crust and topping are very reminiscent of sugar cookie with a kick of almond extract. I think of it as a blend of coffee cake and cookie which is basically saying - tastes like awesome in your mouth.

I made them with cherry pie filling, but I'm sure blueberry, strawberry, any-berry would be just as fantastic. 

Also made some in the shape of an actual pie and gave it the old instagram filter. These were served as slices. 

Cherry Pie Bars

Adapted from: therecipecritic

1 cup butter, room temperature

2 cups sugar

4 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon almond extract (the perfect flavor!)

3 cups flour

1 teaspoon salt

2 (21 ounce) cans cherry pie filling

For the Glaze

1 cup powdered sugar

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon almond extract

2 tablespoons milk

Preheat your oven to 350F. Butter a 15 inch x 10 inch pan. You can use smaller pans, but keep an eye on the cooking time as it will be longer. 

Cream together butter and sugar. Once well incorporated, add in your extracts and egg and enjoy the smell. Stir in your flour and salt until well mixed. See? Easy! Spread about 3 cups of this sugar cookie like mixture into the bottom of your pan - I found that fingers worked best. Then, spread your pie filling over this layer. 

Take your remaining dough and break off little chunks all over the top of your pie filling. Again, fingers work best. You don't need to completely cover the pie filling as some filling showing through makes for a beautiful product. 

Bake for 30-35 minutes or until your topping is just started to take on a golden brown color. Let cool.

Assemble the glaze by mixing all of the ingredients together. Drizzle onto your bars and you're done! Time to cut for sharing, eating, and enjoying!

Sam