All the soul of a bubbling summer pie—captured in a single, golden-edged square. No rolling pin required. No lattice-weaving anxiety. Just buttery shortbread cradling a jewel-toned cherry heart, finished with a whisper of vanilla glaze that melts delicately on the tongue.
This is pie, reimagined for real life. Born from the wisdom of grandmothers who knew dessert shouldn't demand a full afternoon, these bars honor tradition without the theater. The crust? Tender shortbread that shatters at the bite. The filling? Bright, tart cherries suspended in just enough syrup to glisten—not pool. And that optional glaze? Not sweetness for sweetness' sake, but a delicate veil that catches the light like morning dew on a orchard branch. One pan. One hour. Endless summer memories.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
→ Pie, simplified – All the nostalgia of cherry pie without wrestling with dough or worrying about soggy bottoms
→ Perfect portion control – No slicing a whole pie—just grab a bar and savor
→ Make-ahead magic – Bake Sunday, glaze Tuesday, enjoy all week (if they last that long)
→ Adaptable soul – Use store-bought filling for speed or homemade for depth—both shine
Perfect for:
• Summer potlucks where you want to bring "the thing everyone fights over"
• Fourth of July spreads that need a red-white-and-blue showstopper
• Gift-giving in parchment-lined tins tied with twine
• Anyone who believes dessert should feel like a memory—not a project
Ingredients
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