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### Instructions: How to Make Cherry Pie Bars
**Step 1: Preheat the Oven**
Start by preheating your oven to **350°F (175°C)**. This ensures the oven is at the right temperature when you’re ready to bake the bars.
**Step 2: Prepare the Crust**
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, softened butter, and egg. Stir until the mixture forms a dough-like consistency. You may need to use your hands to fully incorporate the butter into the dry ingredients. Once mixed, reserve about **1/2 cup of the dough** to use as a crumble topping later.
**Step 3: Press the Dough into the Pan**
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Take the remaining dough (about 1 1/2 cups) and press it evenly into the bottom of the baking dish to form the crust. Use your fingers or the back of a spoon to press it down firmly and evenly across the pan.
**Step 4: Add the Cherry Pie Filling**
Open your can of cherry pie filling and spread it evenly over the dough crust in the baking dish. You can gently spread it with a spoon to make sure it covers the entire surface.
**Step 5: Add the Crumble Topping**
Take the reserved 1/2 cup of dough and crumble it evenly over the top of the cherry filling. This creates a sweet, crumbly topping that adds texture and flavor to the bars.
**Step 6: Bake the Bars**
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for **35-40 minutes**, or until the top is golden brown and the cherry filling is bubbly. Keep an eye on it toward the end of the baking time to ensure the topping doesn’t get too dark.
**Step 7: Cool and Serve**
Once baked, remove the bars from the oven and let them cool in the pan for at least 15-20 minutes before cutting into squares. If desired, sprinkle the cooled bars with powdered sugar for a touch of sweetness and a nice presentation.
### Tips for the Perfect Cherry Pie Bars
– **Use Quality Cherry Pie Filling**: While this recipe is simple, the flavor of the cherry filling really makes a difference. Opt for a high-quality pie filling for the best taste. You can also make your own cherry filling from scratch if you prefer, though the canned variety makes this recipe super quick and easy.
– **Let the Bars Cool**: As tempting as it might be to dig in right away, let the bars cool a bit before cutting them. This helps the filling set and makes them easier to cut into neat squares.
– **Add a Touch of Almond Extract**: For an extra flavor boost, try adding a teaspoon of almond extract to the dough. It pairs perfectly with cherry and adds a subtle nutty flavor that enhances the overall taste.
– **Serve with Ice Cream**: These bars are already delicious on their own, but they’re even better when served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. The contrast between the warm bars and the cold, creamy topping is irresistible.
### Why These Cherry Pie Bars Are a Must-Try
It’s clear that **Cherry Pie Bars** are more than just a birthday treat—they’re the kind of dessert that brings people together and gets rave reviews every time. They’re easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and always a hit at any event.
Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because you crave something sweet, these bars never disappoint. The combination of a buttery crust, sweet cherry filling, and crumbly topping is a winning trio that will have everyone coming back for more.
So, if you’re looking for a dessert that’s simple, delicious, and sure to impress, this is the recipe you’ve been waiting for. Trust us, you’ll be making these bars year after year—and they’ll never go out of style.
### Conclusion: A Crowd-Pleasing Favorite
From birthdays to casual get-togethers, **Cherry Pie Bars** are a treat that’s always in demand. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a dessert that’s as comforting as it is delicious. Whether you’re baking for a celebration or just satisfying a sweet tooth, these bars are sure to please every time.
So, grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy the ultimate crowd-pleaser—**Cherry Pie Bars**. You’ll be glad you did!
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