Cherry Pie Bars

Cherry Pie Bars are a delightful twist on the classic cherry pie, offering all the sweet, tart, and buttery flavors in an easy-to-make bar form. With a tender, buttery crust, a luscious cherry filling, and a light glaze on top, these bars are perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to holiday celebrations.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easier than traditional pie – No need to fuss with rolling out pie dough.
• Great for a crowd – These bars are easy to cut and serve, making them perfect for potlucks and parties.
• Make-ahead friendly – They store well and can be enjoyed for days.
• Delicious balance of flavors – The sweet and tangy cherry filling pairs beautifully with the buttery crust and glaze.
• Customizable – You can swap out the filling or add different toppings to change things up.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Butter
• Granulated sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Almond extract (optional, but enhances the cherry flavor)
• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Cherry pie filling
• Powdered sugar
• Milk

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a baking pan.
2. In a mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract, mixing well.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until combined.
6. Spread about two-thirds of the batter into the prepared baking pan.
7. Evenly spread the cherry pie filling over the batter.
8. Drop spoonfuls of the remaining batter over the cherry filling.
9. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
10. Allow to cool before drizzling with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.
11. Slice into bars and serve.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Approximately 12 bars
• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 35 minutes
• Total time: 50 minutes

Variations

• Use different fruit fillings – Try blueberry, raspberry, or apple pie filling for a different flavor.
• Add nuts – Chopped almonds or pecans add a nice crunch.
• Make it citrusy – Add a bit of lemon zest to the batter for a fresh twist.
• Chocolate drizzle – Instead of a powdered sugar glaze, drizzle melted chocolate over the top.
• Gluten-free option – Use a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.

Storage/Reheating

• Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerator: Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Wrap bars individually and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 10-15 seconds if desired.

FAQs

How do I keep cherry pie bars from getting soggy?

Make sure to bake them until golden brown and allow them to cool completely before storing.

Can I use homemade cherry pie filling?

Yes! A homemade filling with fresh or frozen cherries works beautifully.

Do I have to use almond extract?

No, but it enhances the cherry flavor. Vanilla extract alone will still be delicious.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the bars a day or two in advance and store them in an airtight container.

What’s the best way to cut cherry pie bars neatly?

Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts for the best results.

Can I make these bars in a different size pan?

Yes, but adjust the baking time accordingly if using a smaller or larger pan.

How do I make a thicker glaze?

Add more powdered sugar to thicken it or more milk to thin it.

Can I use fresh cherries instead of pie filling?

Yes, but you’ll need to cook them with sugar and cornstarch to create a pie-like consistency.

What if I don’t have baking powder?

You can substitute with a mix of baking soda and an acid like lemon juice or vinegar.

Can I add a crumb topping?

Absolutely! Mix butter, flour, and sugar to create a crumbly topping before baking.

Conclusion

Cherry Pie Bars are the perfect way to enjoy the taste of cherry pie without all the work. They’re simple to make, full of flavor, and great for sharing. Whether you’re making them for a holiday, a bake sale, or just a weekend treat, they’re sure to be a hit. Try out different variations, store them for later, and enjoy a sweet, fruity dessert any time!

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