Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I stood in my kitchen, the sweet aroma of cherries swirling through the air took me back to summer picnics, where homemade happiness reigned supreme. With my recipe for Easy Cherry Pie Bars, you can create that same joyful vibe in your own home. This delightful dessert combines the luscious sweetness of cherry pie filling with a buttery, tender crust, making it a fantastic treat for both seasoned bakers and busy parents alike. The best part? These bars come together in a snap, perfect for potlucks or simply satisfying that sweet tooth craving without the fuss of a traditional pie. Are you ready to indulge in a little slice of nostalgia? Why are Easy Cherry Pie Bars a Favorite? Nostalgic Flavors: The blend of sweet and tart cherries evokes cherished memories of summer gatherings. Quick & Simple: You’ll whip these up faster than you can say “homemade dessert”! Perfect for busy days. Versatile Delight: Swap in seasonal fruits like blueberries or apples for a fresh twist. Crowd-Pleasing Treat: These bars are ideal for potlucks and family gatherings, sure to leave everyone wanting more! Comforting Texture: Enjoy the balance of buttery crust and gooey cherry filling with every bite. Indulge your guests with a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside these delectable bars, or take a look at other treats like Vintage Maraschino Cherry for more delicious ideas! Cherry Pie Bars Ingredients Here’s everything you need to create these delightful Cherry Pie Bars! For the Dough Real Butter – Provides a rich, flaky crust; substitute with dairy-free butter for a lactose-free option. Sugar – Sweetens both the dough and filling; no substitute recommended for best results. Eggs – Help bind the dough for a sturdy structure; can use 1 egg instead of 2, though texture may vary. All-Purpose Flour – Forms the dough base; gluten-free flour blends can be used for a gluten-free option. Salt – Enhances overall flavor; essential for balance in sweet recipes. For the Flavor Almond Extract – Adds a unique nutty aroma; substitute with vanilla extract if desired for a different flavor profile. Vanilla Extract – Complements the cherry filling; no substitute needed, but can be omitted if desired. For the Filling Cherry Pie Filling – The star of the dessert, providing sweetness and tartness; use high-quality canned filling for best flavor, or fresh cherries can be used with a bit of sugar for homemade filling. For the Glaze Confectioners’ Sugar – Perfect for glazing, offering sweetness and visual appeal; no direct substitute recommended. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Easy Cherry Pie Bars Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of softened real butter with 1 cup of sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat them together on medium speed until the mixture turns light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This step ensures a tender crust for your Cherry Pie Bars. Step 2: Mix in Wet Ingredients Add 2 room-temperature eggs, 1 teaspoon of almond extract, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugar. Mix on low speed until all the wet ingredients are thoroughly incorporated, which should take about 1-2 minutes. The mixture should be smooth and creamy, setting the perfect base for your delicious Cherry Pie Bars. Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients Gradually sift in 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour and ½ teaspoon of salt into the wet mixture. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, stir gently until a soft, cohesive dough forms. This may take about 2-3 minutes of careful mixing to achieve the right texture. Ensure there are no dry spots in your dough, as this will create a beautiful crust. Step 4: Prepare Pan Grease a 15×10-inch baking pan with cooking spray or butter, ensuring an even coat to prevent sticking. Press half of your prepared dough mixture evenly into the bottom of the greased pan, creating a smooth layer. Aim for a consistent thickness to ensure that your Cherry Pie Bars bake evenly, which usually should take about 5-7 minutes. Step 5: Add Cherry Filling Open a can of high-quality cherry pie filling (21 oz) and spread it evenly over the pressed dough base. Use a spatula to reach the corners, ensuring the filling covers the entire surface. The luscious cherry filling is the star of the dessert, adding sweetness and tartness that will blend beautifully with the dough. Step 6: Top with Remaining Dough Dollop the remaining dough over the cherry filling. This doesn’t have to be perfectly smooth; a rustic look is delightful! The little patches of dough will create a charming texture over the top. Make sure to leave some gaps for the filling to peek through, which should take about 2-3 minutes to complete. Step 7: Bake Place the baking pan in your preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. Watch closely until the top is golden brown and bubbly—this is a sign that your Cherry Pie Bars are ready. A toothpick inserted into the dough should come out clean, ensuring the bars are fully set. Step 8: Cool and Glaze Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup of confectioners’ sugar, 1 teaspoon of almond extract, ½ teaspoon of vanilla, and enough milk to reach your desired glaze consistency. Drizzle this over the cooled Cherry Pie Bars for a sweet finishing touch. What to Serve with Easy Cherry Pie Bars Indulging in these delightful bars is just the beginning—let’s create a full, captivating meal that beckons everyone to the table. Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing, the creamy, cool ice cream balances the sweet-tart flavors of the bars beautifully. Whipped Cream: Light and airy, homemade whipped cream adds a luxurious touch that elevates the cherry experience. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits brings freshness and adds a delightful contrast to the sweetness of the bars. Almond Biscotti: Crunchy and nutty, these Italian cookies provide a satisfying bite alongside the tender pie bars. Coffee or Tea: A warm beverage enhances the flavors, offering comforting notes that complement the tart cherries. Lemonade or Iced Tea: The tangy freshness creates a refreshing contrast, brightening each bite while keeping the gathering light and festive. Chocolate Drizzle: A rich chocolate drizzle over the bars can add a touch of indulgence, creating a deliciously decadent dessert experience. Nutty Granola: Sprinkle nutty granola over ice cream or yogurt on the side for added crunch and flavor that fits perfectly with the cherry theme. Cheesecake Bites: These small treats offer a creamy, tangy counterpoint to the cherry flavor, creating a delightful dessert duo. Cherry Pie Bars Variations & Substitutions Feel free to make these Cherry Pie Bars your own with delightful adaptations! Seasonal Fruits: Swap out cherry filling for blueberries or apples, enhancing the flavor profile with seasonal freshness. Citrus Twist: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to the cherry filling for a refreshing zing that brightens the dessert. Nutty Flavor: Replace almond extract with hazelnut or coconut extract for a delightful twist that adds depth to your bars. Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour to cater to gluten-sensitive friends and family. Sugar-Free Option: Try using a sugar substitute in the dough and filling for a lower-sugar version that still satisfies cravings. Chocolate Drizzle: For chocolate lovers, drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled bars for a decadent finish that will leave them wanting more. Heat Factor: Sprinkle a pinch of cayenne pepper into the filling for a surprising kick that complements the sweetness of the cherries. Additional Toppings: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or sprinkle some crushed nuts for added texture. If you’re feeling adventurous, why not check out our Smores Bars Dessert for another crowd-pleaser? Make Ahead Options These Easy Cherry Pie Bars are a fantastic choice for meal prep! You can prepare the dough and even the cherry filling up to 24 hours in advance. Simply mix the dough and store it wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator, while the cherry filling can be kept in an airtight container. To maintain quality, make sure both components are well-sealed to prevent drying out. When you’re ready to bake, simply press the dough into the pan, spread the filling, and feature the remaining dough as a topping. Bake as instructed, and enjoy the deliciousness of homemade Cherry Pie Bars with minimal effort on busy days! Expert Tips for Cherry Pie Bars Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality canned cherry pie filling for the best flavor; fresh cherries can also be used with a sprinkle of sugar for a homemade touch. Room Temperature: Make sure your eggs and butter are at room temperature to achieve a smooth, creamy mixture; this ensures optimal texture in your Cherry Pie Bars. Cooling Time: Allow the bars to cool completely before glazing. This helps the glaze set and prevents it from sliding off. Rustic Look: Don’t worry about spreading the top dough smoothly; leaving gaps for the filling to peek through adds charm and texture. Make Ahead: Consider letting the bars sit overnight; this allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste of the dessert. How to Store and Freeze Cherry Pie Bars Room Temperature: Keep your Cherry Pie Bars covered at room temperature for up to 3 days for optimum freshness and flavor. Fridge: For an extra chilled treat, store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they will stay fresh for about 5 days. Freezer: Freeze Cherry Pie Bars by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. They will maintain quality for up to 2 months. Reheating: To enjoy after freezing, thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature, and then reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes for a warm, delicious dessert. Easy Cherry Pie Bars Recipe FAQs What type of cherries should I use for the filling? Absolutely! For an authentic cherry pie flavor, I recommend using a high-quality canned cherry pie filling, which offers sweetness and tartness. If you’re feeling adventurous, fresh cherries can be used as well; just be sure to pit them and toss them with a bit of sugar for sweetness before baking. How do I store my Cherry Pie Bars? Very simple! Cover your Cherry Pie Bars at room temperature for up to 3 days to enjoy their fresh flavor. For longer storage, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and they’ll be good for about 5 days. I often recommend leaving some for an extra chilled treat! Can I freeze Cherry Pie Bars? Absolutely! To freeze, wrap your cooled Cherry Pie Bars tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil to prevent freezer burn. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to indulge, simply thaw them overnight in the fridge or at room temperature, and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes for that fresh-baked touch. What should I do if my bars come out too crumby? If your Cherry Pie Bars end up crumbling apart, it may be due to over-baking or not enough moisture in the dough. Ensure you’re mixing the wet ingredients well and keep an eye on your baking time; a golden top means they’re good to go! Allow them to cool completely before serving, as that can also help with stability. Are Cherry Pie Bars suitable for those with dietary restrictions? For sure! You can easily make these bars gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Additionally, if you’re looking to cut out dairy, simply use a dairy-free butter alternative. Always check labels for allergens like nuts or eggs if serving to others with dietary restrictions, but overall, these bars can be quite adaptable! Easy Cherry Pie Bars for a Sweet Family Delight Indulge in Easy Cherry Pie Bars, a sweet and nostalgic dessert with buttery crust and luscious cherry filling, perfect for family gatherings. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 20 minutes minsCook Time 40 minutes minsCooling Time 15 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins Servings: 12 barsCourse: DessertsCuisine: AmericanCalories: 200 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Dough1 cup real butter softened1 cup sugar2 large eggs room temperature2.5 cups all-purpose flour0.5 teaspoon saltFor the Flavor1 teaspoon almond extract1 teaspoon vanilla extractFor the Filling21 oz cherry pie filling high-quality cannedFor the Glaze1 cup confectioners’ sugar0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract1 teaspoon almond extractmilk to reach desired glaze consistency Equipment Mixing bowlElectric MixerSpatulaBaking panWhisk Method Step-by-Step InstructionsPreheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine butter and sugar, then beat until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.Add eggs, almond extract, and vanilla extract to the mixture and mix until smooth, about 1-2 minutes.Gradually sift in flour and salt, stirring gently until a soft dough forms, approximately 2-3 minutes.Grease a 15x10-inch baking pan and press half the dough into the bottom of the pan, creating a smooth layer.Spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the pressed dough base.Dollop the remaining dough over the cherry filling, leaving gaps for the filling to peek through.Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden brown and bubbly, then allow to cool.Whisk together confectioners’ sugar, almond extract, vanilla extract, and milk for the glaze and drizzle it over the cooled bars. Nutrition Serving: 1barCalories: 200kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 2gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 35mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 100mgFiber: 1gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 1mg NotesThese Easy Cherry Pie Bars are perfect for potlucks and family gatherings. Use room temperature ingredients for the best results. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
