Cherry Pie Bars – Buttery, Fruity, and Perfectly Sweet
If you love the classic taste of cherry pie but want something a little easier to make and share, these Cherry Pie Bars are the perfect solution. With a buttery shortbread crust, a luscious cherry filling, and a golden crumbly topping, they deliver all the flavor of traditional pie in a convenient bar form. Perfect for potlucks, holidays, or an afternoon treat, these bars are guaranteed to impress with their texture, taste, and presentation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These bars are soft, buttery, and bursting with juicy cherry flavor. The rich dough doubles as both the crust and the topping, creating a satisfying balance of sweetness and crunch. They’re also simple to make — no pie crust rolling or special equipment required — just one pan and a few pantry staples.
Whether served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or cooled with a drizzle of glaze, these Cherry Pie Bars are always a hit!
Ingredients
For the Crust & Topping:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional but adds amazing flavor)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Filling:
- 1 (21 oz) can cherry pie filling
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional, for brightness)
For the Glaze (Optional):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla and almond extracts. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Step 2: Assemble the Bars
Spread two-thirds of the dough evenly across the bottom of the prepared pan.
Spoon the cherry pie filling over the dough, spreading it evenly from edge to edge.
Drop small dollops of the remaining dough over the cherry filling — it doesn’t need to cover completely; the gaps allow the cherry color to peek through beautifully as it bakes.
Step 3: Bake the Bars
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden brown and the center is set.
Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely before glazing or slicing.
Step 4: Drizzle with Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust consistency by adding more sugar (for thickness) or milk (for thinness).
Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars, then cut into squares.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Bake Time: 35–40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Servings: Makes 24 bars
FAQs
1. Can I use homemade cherry pie filling?
Yes! For a fresher flavor, simmer 2 cups of cherries with ½ cup sugar and 1 tablespoon cornstarch until thickened.
2. Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely. Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
3. Can I freeze Cherry Pie Bars?
Yes — they freeze beautifully. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months, then thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
4. Can I use other fruit fillings?
Definitely. Try blueberry, raspberry, or apple pie filling for a fun twist on the classic recipe.
5. What can I serve with these bars?
They pair perfectly with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or even a dollop of Greek yogurt for a lighter touch.
Conclusion
These Cherry Pie Bars bring all the nostalgia of homemade cherry pie without the extra effort. They’re buttery, fruity, and wonderfully tender — the kind of dessert that disappears fast at any gathering.
Bake a batch for your next celebration or cozy weekend at home, and enjoy every bite of this easy, crowd-pleasing treat. 🍒✨
