Cherry Pie Bars Recipe

If you love the nostalgic flavor of cherry pie but want something a bit quicker (and easier to share!), Cherry Pie Bars are about to become your new go-to treat. These bars feature a soft, buttery base layered with sweet-tart cherry pie filling, topped with golden crumbles and finished with a luscious glaze. Best of all, you get all the vibrant taste and color of a classic pie in a fuss-free handheld form—absolutely perfect for picnics, potlucks, or cozy nights in!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for Cherry Pie Bars are straightforward, familiar, and each one plays a starring role. With just a pantry-and-fridge list, you’ll have these gorgeous bars ready and looking bakery-worthy in no time.

• Unsalted Butter (1 cup, softened): Gives the base and topping a rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Granulated Sugar (2 cups): Sweetens the dough and helps it turn golden as it bakes.
• Large Eggs (4): Bind the batter and create a soft, cakey crumb.
• Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Adds warm, comforting depth to the bars.
• Almond Extract (1/4 teaspoon, optional): Enhances the cherry flavor with a subtle, nutty aroma—highly recommended if you have it!
• All-Purpose Flour (3 cups): The backbone of your dough, giving it structure without making it dense.
• Salt (1 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and makes all the flavors pop.
• Cherry Pie Filling (1 can, 21 ounces): The star ingredient, providing sweet-tart cherries and syrupy goodness (use your favorite brand for best flavor).
• Powdered Sugar (1 cup): The base of your dreamy glaze, adding a finishing touch of sweetness.
• Milk (2–3 tablespoons): Whisks into the powdered sugar for a pourable glaze that drizzles beautifully.

How to Make Cherry Pie Bars

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or, for easier cleanup, line it with parchment paper. This helps the bars release smoothly after baking and keeps your edges nice and neat.

Step 2: Make the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until pale, fluffy, and irresistible—this takes 2–3 minutes with an electric mixer. It’s the secret to a bakery-style texture. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and, if you’re using it, the almond extract for that extra hint of cherry-almond magic.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to your wet mixture, mixing just until everything comes together. Don’t overmix at this stage—you want your Cherry Pie Bars to be tender!

Step 4: Assemble the Bars

Spread about two-thirds of the dough evenly across the bottom of your prepared pan. This forms a soft, cakey foundation. Next, spoon the cherry pie filling all over, making sure it’s evenly distributed from edge to edge for maximum cherry in every bite. Drop small spoonfuls of the remaining dough over the cherries; don’t worry about covering every inch—the peek-a-boo cherry patches look beautiful once baked.

Step 5: Bake

Slide your pan into the oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean (avoid poking only the gooey cherry filling). The aroma alone will have everyone circling the kitchen!

Step 6: Glaze and Slice

Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Meanwhile, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until you have a smooth, pourable glaze. Drizzle it all over the cooled bars, letting it settle into the crevices. Once set, slice into squares and prepare for compliments!

How to Serve Cherry Pie Bars

Garnishes

A simple drizzle of glaze is classic, but you can also sprinkle the bars with slivered almonds or a dusting of extra powdered sugar. If you’re feeling fancy, a dollop of whipped cream or a few fresh cherries take your Cherry Pie Bars to the next level.

Side Dishes

Pair your bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a glass of cold milk for that perfect dessert experience. For brunch spreads, they work beautifully alongside a fruit salad or a bowl of tangy Greek yogurt to balance their sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the bars on a cake stand or arrange them in cupcake liners for easy party sharing. For special events, cut them into diamond shapes or layer a few bars with parchment in gift boxes—Cherry Pie Bars make charming edible gifts for friends and family!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep Cherry Pie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. The bars stay soft and flavorful, perfect for snacking or tucking into lunchboxes all week long.

Freezing

For longer storage, arrange cooled, unglazed bars in a single layer in an airtight container with parchment between layers. Freeze for up to two months. When ready to serve, thaw at room temperature and add glaze fresh for the best texture.

Reheating

If you like your Cherry Pie Bars just slightly warm, pop a single slice in the microwave for 8–10 seconds. The glaze may melt a bit, but you’ll get that just-baked aroma and a bit of extra gooeyness from the cherries!

FAQs

Can I use homemade cherry pie filling?

Absolutely! If you have a favorite cherry pie filling recipe, feel free to use homemade—it adds a personal touch and lets you control the sweetness and texture.

What if I don’t like almond extract?

No worries at all. The bars are delicious with just vanilla extract, but if you love the classic combination of cherries and almonds, even a small amount really amps up the flavor.

How do I prevent the bars from sticking to the pan?

Lining your pan with parchment paper is the easiest trick for lifting out perfectly intact Cherry Pie Bars. If you’re just greasing the pan, make sure to let the bars cool completely before slicing.

Can I swap the cherry filling for another fruit?

Yes! Blueberry, apple, or even peach pie fillings work wonderfully. Use the same amount as the cherry version for endless fruit dessert bar possibilities.

Are Cherry Pie Bars better served warm or cold?

Both ways are delicious! Cold bars hold their shape better for picnics and parties, while slightly warm bars pair delightfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Final Thoughts

Cherry Pie Bars are pure comfort, made for sharing and savoring whenever the mood for something nostalgic and sweet strikes. Give this recipe a try—you just might find yourself baking batch after batch for every celebration, or just because. Enjoy every cherry-filled, golden-glazed bite!

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