Name: Cherry Pie Bars Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups granulated sugar; 4 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon almond extract; 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 (21-ounce) can cherry pie filling; 1 cup powdered sugar; 1–2 tablespoons milk; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

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If you’re dreaming of a crowd-pleasing dessert that delivers classic comfort and a cheerful splash of color, Cherry Pie Bars just might be your new favorite sweet treat. Imagine everything you love about traditional cherry pie — the buttery crust, vibrant cherry filling, and sweet, almond-laced glaze — but transformed into handheld dessert bars you can share at picnics, parties, or simply enjoy with an afternoon coffee. These Cherry Pie Bars are every bit as luscious as they look, with a tender golden base, rich cherry filling, and a glossy glaze drizzled over the top. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to bake for something so impressive!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s take a moment to appreciate how each simple ingredient works its magic in these Cherry Pie Bars. Nothing fancy here — just tried-and-true staples that come together for something truly show-stopping!

Unsalted Butter (1 cup, softened): Essential for a rich, tender crumb and classic cookie-bar flavor — bring it to room temperature for easy creaming.
Granulated Sugar (2 cups): Sweetens the base and helps create a golden, delicious crust.
Eggs (4 large): Provide structure and a soft, cakey texture while making everything taste just a little more decadent.
Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the flavor with cozy, familiar notes.
Almond Extract (1/4 teaspoon): A small splash adds a delicious depth and makes the cherry flavor pop — don’t skip this!
All-Purpose Flour (3 cups): The sturdy foundation that gives each bar its satisfying bite.
Salt (1 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and brings the other flavors into focus.
Cherry Pie Filling (1, 21-ounce can): Provides that gorgeous fruity layer, bursting with juicy cherries.
Powdered Sugar (1 cup): The secret to a silky-smooth glaze that melts on your tongue.
Milk (1–2 tablespoons): Loosens the glaze so you can drizzle it perfectly over the cooled bars.
Vanilla Extract (1/2 teaspoon for glaze): Adds a nice little echo of vanilla flavor in the sweet finish.

How to Make Cherry Pie Bars

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is key for achieving that irresistible, tender texture in each bite of your Cherry Pie Bars.

Step 2: Add the Eggs and Extracts

One at a time, crack in the eggs, mixing well after each addition. Stir in both the vanilla and almond extracts — the almond is especially important for giving these bars that unmistakable cherry pie vibe. Your batter should look rich and creamy at this point.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually scoop the flour mixture into the creamed wet ingredients. Go slowly, mixing just until everything comes together and you have a soft, cohesive dough for your Cherry Pie Bars.

Step 4: Assemble the Layers

Lightly grease a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan. Spread about two-thirds of your batter evenly across the bottom — an offset spatula or clean hands make this easier. Spoon the cherry pie filling over the base, spreading it out so every bite gets that ruby red fruit. Finally, drop spoonfuls of the remaining batter over the cherries; there’s no need to cover every inch as the batter will spread while baking.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’re aiming for a golden brown top and edges — check at the 30-minute mark, as ovens can vary. The delicious aroma of Cherry Pie Bars in your kitchen is the best indication you’re nearly there!

Step 6: Cool and Glaze

Once baked, let the bars cool completely in the pan. Meanwhile, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. Drizzle this glossy glaze generously over the cooled Cherry Pie Bars, then slice into squares and get ready to watch them disappear!

How to Serve Cherry Pie Bars

Garnishes

For an extra touch of elegance, sprinkle your Cherry Pie Bars with sliced almonds or a dusting of powdered sugar right before serving. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream is completely optional but always welcome.

Side Dishes

Pair these sweet bars with a light fruit salad or a tangy lemon sorbet to balance the richness. They’re also fantastic alongside coffee, black tea, or a chilled glass of milk for a classic treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange Cherry Pie Bars on a platter with fresh cherries and mint sprigs for a colorful display. For special occasions, stack them on a tiered dessert stand, or wrap individual bars in parchment for delightful edible gifts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Cherry Pie Bars soft and fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. They’ll stay moist and delicious, especially if you add a piece of parchment between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing

Cherry Pie Bars are wonderfully freezer-friendly. Arrange cooled, unglazed bars in a single layer (or separated by parchment) in a freezer-safe container. They’ll taste just as good after thawing on the counter for a couple of hours, and you can add the glaze right before serving.

Reheating

If you want to serve the bars slightly warm, pop individual squares in the microwave for about 10 seconds, or warm larger batches in the oven at 300°F for just a few minutes. The aroma and gooey texture return, making leftovers feel like a fresh-baked treat.

FAQs

Can I use homemade cherry pie filling?

Absolutely! If you have a favorite homemade cherry pie filling recipe, use it in place of the canned variety. Just aim for about 21 ounces to ensure there’s plenty of juicy cherry flavor in every bite.

Can I swap out the fruit for something else?

Definitely. Blueberry, apple, or even peach pie filling work wonders here. The batter base complements just about any fruit, so feel free to experiment and keep things seasonal.

Do Cherry Pie Bars need to be refrigerated?

Not right away! They keep beautifully in an airtight container on the counter for a couple of days. If your kitchen is especially warm or if you plan to keep them longer, the fridge will help them stay fresher even longer.

Can I double the recipe?

You can, but be sure to use two pans or one very large sheet pan so the batter cooks evenly. These Cherry Pie Bars are perfect for bake sales, potlucks, or anywhere you need to feed a crowd.

How do I make the glaze thicker or thinner?

Add more powdered sugar for a thicker, opaque drizzle, or a splash of extra milk for a thinner, lighter pour. Mix until you reach your preferred consistency — there’s no wrong way to glaze a Cherry Pie Bar!

Final Thoughts

There’s just something joyful about sharing a pan of freshly baked Cherry Pie Bars. Whether you’re baking for friends, family, or just treating yourself, these bars promise a burst of flavor and a lot of smiles. Give them a try and see why they’ve earned a spot in so many dessert lovers’ hearts — your kitchen might never want to be without them again!

Cherry Pie Bars Recipe

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4.5 from 12 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 24 bars 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Cherry Pie Bars are a delightful twist on traditional cherry pie, with a buttery base, sweet cherry filling, and a vanilla glaze. Perfect for serving a crowd or as a sweet treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Bars:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 (21-ounce) can cherry pie filling

For the Glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar
1–2 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

Preheat oven and prepare the batter: Preheat oven to 350°F. Cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs, extracts, and combine with dry ingredients.
Layer the bars: Spread most of the batter in a pan, add cherry filling, then dollop remaining batter over it.
Bake and glaze: Bake for 30–35 minutes until golden. Cool, then drizzle with glaze.