Easy Cherry Pie Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Easy Cherry Pie Bars combine a buttery crust with a sweet cherry filling for a dessert that’s simple to make and always a crowd-pleaser. Perfect for potlucks or a cozy night in, they deliver all the flavor of cherry pie in a convenient bar form.

Ingredients

• 1 cup softened butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 (21 oz) can premium cherry pie filling
• For glaze: 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
• 1 teaspoon almond extract (for glaze)
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze)
• Milk as needed (for glaze)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease or line a baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Then add the eggs, almond extract, and vanilla extract; mix until well combined.
3. Step 3: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
4. Step 4: Press half of the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the base.
5. Step 5: Spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the dough layer.
6. Step 6: Dollop the remaining dough on top of the cherry filling. It’s fine if it looks a bit uneven; it will bake beautifully.
7. Step 7: Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden and set. Remove from oven and let cool completely.
8. Step 8: To make the glaze, whisk together confectioners’ sugar, almond extract, vanilla extract, and add milk a little at a time until you reach a drizzle-able consistency.
9. Step 9: Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars, slice into squares, and serve.

Tips & Variations

• For a nutty twist, sprinkle chopped almonds on top before baking.
• Use fresh or frozen cherries cooked down with sugar if you prefer a homemade filling.
• Substitute almond extract with lemon zest for a citrusy note.
• Chill the dough slightly before pressing for easier handling.

Storage

Store cherry pie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them refrigerated for up to a week, or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat briefly in the microwave or enjoy chilled as preferred.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use another fruit filling besides cherry?

Yes! Blueberry, apple, or mixed berry pie fillings work wonderfully as alternatives, adjusting baking time if needed.

Do I have to make the glaze?

The glaze adds a lovely sweetness and finish, but you can omit it if preferred. Powdered sugar dusted on top also works well.

Easy Cherry Pie Bars Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 59 reviews

These Easy Cherry Pie Bars combine a buttery, tender crust with a sweet and tangy cherry pie filling, topped with a delicate almond-vanilla glaze. Perfect for a simple dessert that satisfies classic cherry pie cravings in a convenient bar form.

• Author: Lila
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
• Total Time: 50-55 minutes
• Yield: 16 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Bars

• 1 cup softened butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 (21 oz) can premium cherry pie filling

For the Glaze

• 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• Milk as needed (to thin glaze)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s at the perfect temperature for baking the bars evenly.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the dough.
3. Add Eggs and Extracts: Beat in the eggs one at a time followed by the almond and vanilla extracts, incorporating them fully to add flavor and richness to the batter.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the wet mixture, stirring gently until a dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep the texture tender.
5. Press Half the Dough: Evenly press half of the dough into the bottom of a greased or parchment-lined baking pan, forming a solid base for the cherry filling.
6. Spread Cherry Filling: Spread the entire can of cherry pie filling evenly over the pressed dough layer, making sure to distribute it smoothly for balanced flavor in each bite.
7. Dollop Remaining Dough: Using spoonfuls, scatter the remaining dough over the cherry filling. It’s normal if it doesn’t cover entirely; it will bake into a delicious crumbly topping.
8. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly around the edges.
9. Cool: Remove from oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack to set the filling and make slicing easier.
10. Prepare Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together confectioners’ sugar, almond extract, and vanilla extract. Add milk a little at a time until the glaze reaches your desired drizzle consistency.
11. Drizzle Glaze and Serve: Drizzle the glaze evenly over the cooled bars, slice them into squares, and serve to enjoy a delightful cherry dessert treat.

Notes

• Use room temperature eggs for better mixing and texture.
• Make sure the butter is softened but not melted to achieve the right dough consistency.
• You can substitute cherry pie filling with homemade cherry preserves for a fresher taste.
• Allow bars to cool completely before glazing for best results.
• Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Keywords: cherry pie bars, easy cherry dessert, cherry bars recipe, cherry pie filling dessert, quick berry bars