Instructions
Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal.
Make the Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the softened butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Use an electric mixer (or a pastry cutter and some elbow grease) to mix until a soft, crumbly dough forms.
Form the Base: Reserve about ⅓ of the dough for the topping. Press the remaining ⅔ of the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to create a firm, compact crust.
Add the Filling: In a small bowl, stir the lemon juice (if using) into the cherry pie filling. Spread the filling evenly over the crust layer.
Add the Topping: Take the reserved dough and crumble it evenly over the cherry filling.
Bake: Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are lightly bubbling.
Cool Completely: This is a crucial step! Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan set on a wire rack. For faster cooling and cleaner slices, you can refrigerate them for at least an hour after they’ve reached room temperature.
Serve: Once completely cool, use a sharp knife to slice into bars. For a festive finish, dust with powdered sugar just before serving.
Tips & Serving Suggestions
Storage: Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Make it Your Own: Feel free to use your favorite pie filling, such as blueberry, apple, or peach.
For a Decadent Treat: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
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