🍒 Classic Cherry Bars Recipe: Easy Dessert Bars for Potlucks

Introduction

There are desserts, and then there are classic desserts. Cherry Bars fall firmly into the latter category. These aren’t just a sweet treat; they are a buttery, nostalgic slice of Americana, perfectly layered with a rich, tangy cherry filling and capped with a delicate, almond-kissed glaze.

They’re the kind of recipe you memorize, not because they’re complicated (they are decidedly not), but because you’ll be asked to bring them to every family gathering and potluck for the rest of your life. This recipe takes that beloved, old-school flavor and delivers it in an easy-to-manage 10×15-inch sheet pan, feeding a crowd with minimal fuss.

If you love a classic, comforting bar dessert, you might also want to check out my recipe for these Pecan Pie Bars are my favorite make-ahead holiday dessert—it’s another crowd-pleaser!

Why I Love This Recipe

I’m Jason Griffith, and I’m a firm believer that the best desserts are the ones that don’t require a culinary degree. I love these Cherry Bars because:

• Nostalgia in a Pan: They taste exactly like the ones I remember from bake sales and church picnics—sweet, buttery, and comforting.
• Minimal Effort, Maximum Impact: The dough acts as both the base and the topping, cutting down on prep time.
• Crowd-Friendly: With 24 servings, this recipe is your best friend when you need to feed a large group fast. Forget individual cupcakes; these bars are the definition of efficiency.
• The Glaze: That simple, two-ingredient glaze, enhanced with a hint of almond extract, is the secret weapon that elevates these bars from good to great.

Ingredients List

Component	Ingredient	Quantity	Notes
Bar Base & Topping	Unsalted Butter, softened	1 cup	Must be softened for creaming.
	Granulated Sugar	121​ cups
	Large Eggs	4
	Vanilla Extract	1 teaspoon
	All-Purpose Flour	3 cups
	Baking Powder	1 teaspoon	For lift.
	Salt	21​ teaspoon	Balances the sweetness.
Filling	Cherry Pie Filling	1 can (21 oz)	Use a good quality brand.
Almond Glaze	Powdered Sugar	1 cup	Also known as confectioners’ sugar.
	Milk	2 tablespoons	Any milk (dairy or non-dairy) works.
	Almond Extract	21​ teaspoon	Essential for that classic flavor.

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Swaps and Notes

• Fruit Filling: Not a cherry fan? You can easily swap the 21 oz can of cherry filling for the same amount of blueberry, apple, or even peach pie filling.
• Extracts: If you don’t have almond extract, use an extra 21​ teaspoon of vanilla extract in the glaze for a purely vanilla flavor.
• Crumb Topping: For a more classic “crumb bar” look, instead of dropping spoonfuls of the reserved dough on top, you can mix the remaining dough with 2 tablespoons of extra flour until crumbly, then sprinkle it over the cherry filling.
• Butter: Salted butter can be used, but omit the 21​ teaspoon of added salt.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 24 bars

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350∘F (175∘C). Grease a 10×15-inch baking pan. Lining it with parchment paper that hangs over the edges is a smart move for easy removal!
2. Make the Dough Base: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy (about 3 minutes). Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each one, then stir in the vanilla extract.
3. Add Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
4. Form the Base: Press about 43​ of the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Reserve the remaining dough for the topping.
5. Add Filling: Spread the entire can of cherry pie filling evenly over the dough base.
6. Top the Bars: Drop small spoonfuls of the reserved dough randomly over the cherry filling. They don’t need to cover the whole top; this creates a lovely, rustic, “pie bar” effect.
7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top dough is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the crust part comes out clean.
8. Prepare the Glaze: While the bars are still warm (but not piping hot), whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract until the glaze is smooth and pourable.
9. Glaze and Cool: Let the bars cool slightly, then drizzle the glaze over the top. For the best, cleanest slices, wait until the bars are completely cooled before cutting them into squares.

Tips for Success

• Softened Butter is Key: If your butter is too cold, the dough will be tough and difficult to cream and spread. If it’s melted, the texture will be oily and flat. Aim for a temperature around 65∘F.
• Don’t Overbake: Pull the bars out as soon as the topping is golden. Overbaking can make the bottom crust tough and dry.
• Cool Completely Before Cutting: I know, it’s torture, but cutting warm bars will result in a messy, crumbling disaster. Wait for the filling to set and the crust to firm up for nice, clean squares.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

These bars are sturdy enough for a picnic but elegant enough for an afternoon coffee break.

• Coffee & Tea: Pair these with a hot cup of black coffee or a comforting cup of Earl Grey tea.
• Icy Drinks: The tart-sweet flavor of the cherry is incredible alongside a tall glass of this Blueberry Lemonade on a warm day.
• Ice Cream: A small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream takes these bars into proper dessert territory.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, estimate)

(Based on 24 servings)

• Calories: ~230 kcal
• Fat: ~10g
• Saturated Fat: ~6g
• Carbohydrates: ~32g
• Sugar: ~22g
• Protein: ~3g

Note: This is an approximation based on the average ingredient values. For precise values, use a dedicated nutrition calculator.

Storage and Leftover Tips

• Storage at Room Temperature: Store leftover Cherry Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Make sure they are kept away from direct sunlight or heat.
• Refrigerated Storage: For longer freshness, store them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Yes, you can freeze them! Cut the cooled bars, place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or on the counter for a few hours.

More Recipes You Will Love

If you loved the ease and satisfying sweetness of these bars, here are a few other ChefManiac desserts and treats I think you’ll go wild for:

• Dessert with a Twist: These Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs are my favorite sweet obsession
• For the Party: How this Unicorn Poke Cake became my favorite party trick

Final Thoughts

The Cherry Bar is a monument to simple, comforting baking. It’s proof that you don’t need fancy techniques or exotic ingredients to create something truly memorable. It’s reliable, delicious, and guaranteed to earn you a few compliments every time you share it.

If you give this recipe a try, please leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out! Happy baking!