Cherry Pie Bars

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cherry Pie Bars deliver all the flavors of classic cherry pie in a more convenient and portable form. The buttery crust acts as both the base and topping, and the cherry filling adds a vibrant, juicy burst of flavor. They’re easy to prepare, slice beautifully, and look impressive on a dessert table. Whether made with canned or homemade cherry filling, they always satisfy a sweet craving.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Salt
• Baking powder
• Unsalted butter (softened)
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Almond extract (optional)
• Cherry pie filling (canned or homemade)
• Optional glaze: powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract

Directions

1. Preheat the oven and grease or line a baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the eggs, vanilla, and almond extract (if using).
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until fully combined.
6. Spread about two-thirds of the dough into the bottom of the prepared pan.
7. Spoon the cherry pie filling evenly over the dough.
8. Drop spoonfuls of the remaining dough over the cherry layer.
9. Bake until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
10. Allow to cool completely. Optional: drizzle with glaze before cutting into bars.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 18 to 24 bars, depending on how large you cut them. Total time is approximately 45–50 minutes, with about 15 minutes for preparation and 30–35 minutes for baking, plus cooling time.

Variations

• Homemade Cherry Filling: Use fresh or frozen cherries cooked down with sugar and cornstarch.
• Different Fruit Fillings: Swap cherry for blueberry, raspberry, or apple pie filling.
• Lemon Glaze: Add lemon juice to the glaze for a citrusy contrast to the cherries.
• Nut Topping: Sprinkle chopped almonds or pecans on top before baking for added crunch.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of regular flour.

Storage/Reheating

Store Cherry Pie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months—wrap tightly before freezing. To serve, let them come to room temperature or warm slightly in the microwave if desired.

FAQs

Can I use homemade cherry pie filling?

Yes, homemade filling works great and adds a fresher flavor. Just make sure it’s thick enough to spread.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, they’re perfect for making a day in advance and store well overnight.

How do I prevent the bars from being too soggy?

Make sure the filling isn’t too runny, and allow the bars to cool completely before slicing.

Can I add a glaze on top?

Yes, a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and milk adds a nice finishing touch.

What’s the best pan to use?

A 9×13-inch baking pan is standard and gives evenly baked bars with a good thickness.

Are these bars very sweet?

They are sweet like cherry pie. You can reduce the sugar slightly in the dough if you prefer.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just use a larger baking sheet or two pans and adjust the baking time slightly if needed.

Should I refrigerate the leftovers?

It’s optional, but refrigerating helps them last longer and stay firm.

Can I use other extracts besides almond?

Yes, vanilla alone works well, or try lemon or orange extract for a fruity twist.

Can I make this with fresh cherries?

Yes, but you’ll need to cook them down into a pie filling consistency with sugar and cornstarch first.

Conclusion

Cherry Pie Bars are a beautiful and delicious dessert that’s simple to make and easy to serve. With their soft crust, sweet cherry filling, and optional glaze, they’re a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a holiday or just craving something sweet, these bars offer the perfect blend of flavor and convenience.

Cherry Pie Bars

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Cherry Pie Bars are a simple and delicious dessert made with a buttery crust, sweet cherry pie filling, and a soft crumble topping. They’re easier than making a pie and perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as an everyday treat.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes (plus cooling)
• Yield: 18–24 bars
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
• 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling (or homemade)
• Optional glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar, 1–2 tablespoons milk, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Mix in vanilla and almond extract (if using).
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until fully combined.
6. Spread about 2/3 of the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
7. Spoon cherry pie filling evenly over the base layer.
8. Drop spoonfuls of the remaining batter over the cherry layer.
9. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Allow bars to cool completely. If using glaze, whisk glaze ingredients together and drizzle over cooled bars before slicing.

Notes

• Let the bars cool fully before cutting to ensure clean slices.
• Use homemade cherry pie filling for a fresher flavor.
• Try lemon juice in the glaze for a citrusy twist.
• Bars can be frozen for up to 2 months—wrap tightly and thaw before serving.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bar (1 of 20)
• Calories: 240
• Sugar: 22g
• Sodium: 95mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 45mg