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Cherry Pie Slab Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 63 reviews

These Cherry Pie Slab Bars feature a buttery, flaky crust filled with a luscious sweet dark cherry filling enhanced by lemon zest, vanilla, and optional almond extract and bitters. Baked in a slab pan for easy slicing, they make a perfect dessert for gatherings or a delightful treat any time.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Dough

  • 3 3/4 cups (510 g) all-purpose flour, plus more for rolling
  • 3/4 cup (167 g) plus 1 tablespoon sugar, divided
  • 2 3/4 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
  • 1 1/2 cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, cold, cubed
  • 3/4 cup very cold water

For the Cherry Filling

  • 9 cups sweet dark cherries (about 3 lb), pitted
  • 6 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 lemons, zested and juiced
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
  • 7 drops Angostura bitters (optional)

For the Topping

  • 1 large egg, beaten to blend
  • 3 tablespoons demerara sugar

Instructions

  1. Make the Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, 1 tablespoon sugar, and 2 1/4 teaspoons salt until combined. Using your fingertips, rub the cold cubed butter into the dry ingredients until the butter pieces are about the size of a quarter. Gradually stream in 3/4 cup very cold water while stirring with a fork until a shaggy dough forms. Squeeze it together with your hands into a rough dough.
  2. Chill the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a work surface and knead a few times until it just comes together. Flatten it into a rectangle, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate until very cold, at least 2 hours or up to 3 days.
  3. Prepare the Cherry Filling: In a medium saucepan, rub lemon zest into the remaining 3/4 cup granulated sugar until damp and fragrant. Add the pitted cherries, cornstarch, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, stirring well. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the filling thickens and bubbles, about 4 to 5 minutes. Stir in lemon juice, vanilla extract, almond extract (if using), and bitters (if using). Transfer to a heatproof container and let cool at room temperature, then refrigerate until ready to use.
  4. Preheat Oven and Roll Out Dough: Place a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 425°F (220°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to a rough rectangle and fold it onto itself in thirds like a letter. Portion off one-third of the dough and return it to the refrigerator. Roll out the remaining dough to an 18-inch by 14-inch rectangle and transfer it into a 13-inch by 9-inch baking pan. Press the dough into the bottom, sides, and corners of the pan, leaving a slight overhang.
  5. Roll and Cut Top Dough: Roll out the reserved one-third of dough to a rough 13-inch by 9-inch rectangle. Cut out decorative shapes if desired to use as a top crust or decoration.
  6. Assemble Pie: Spread the cooled cherry filling evenly in the prepared baking dish. Place the top sheet of dough or decorative shapes over the filling, folding any excess dough into the overhang. Brush the dough with the beaten egg wash and sprinkle with demerara sugar. Place the baking dish on a baking sheet to catch any drips.
  7. Bake the Slab Pie: Bake for 20 minutes at 425°F, then reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). Continue baking for 60 to 90 minutes more, tenting with foil if the crust browns too quickly. The crust should be a dark golden brown and the filling bubbling throughout.
  8. Cool and Set: Let the pie cool to room temperature for at least 2 hours or up to overnight to allow the filling to set properly before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • The optional almond extract and Angostura bitters add depth but can be omitted if unavailable.
  • For best results, keep ingredients cold to ensure a flaky crust.
  • Using dark sweet cherries will give the best flavor and color.
  • Letting the pie sit overnight enhances filling thickness and flavor.
  • Wrap leftover bars tightly and refrigerate; they keep well for up to 4 days.

Keywords: cherry pie slab bars, cherry slab pie, slab berry bars, cherry dessert bars, flaky cherry pie, homemade cherry pie

Find it online: https://flavorsbymaya.com/cherry-pie-slab-bars-recipe/