There’s something about the combination of sweet, buttery crust and tart cherry filling that makes me feel like I’m biting into pure happiness. These cherry pie bars take all the flavors of a classic cherry pie and make them easier to slice, serve, and enjoy. I first made these for a potluck, and they were gone before I could even grab seconds. Now, they’ve become one of my favorite quick-and-easy dessert recipes for when I want something that looks impressive but comes together with minimal effort.
Let me show you why this recipe works so beautifully and how you can make these cherry pie bars in your own kitchen.
Why This Recipe Works
Cherry pie bars are the perfect dessert to bridge comfort and convenience. Here’s why I love this recipe:
- All the flavor of cherry pie without the hassle: No rolling out dough or fussing with crust edges.
- Soft, buttery base with a sweet-tart filling: The perfect balance of rich and bright.
- Easy to make with simple ingredients: You probably already have most of these in your pantry.
- Great for sharing: These bars slice neatly and are perfect for potlucks, picnics, or gatherings.
- Customizable: You can use other pie fillings or add almond extract for a delicious twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
(Makes about 24 bars | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 35-40 minutes)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional, but adds amazing flavor)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
How I Make Cherry Pie Bars (Step-by-Step)
1. Prep the Oven and Pan
I preheat my oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
2. Make the Dough
In a large bowl, I cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Then I add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. I stir in the vanilla and almond extracts.
3. Add the Dry Ingredients
I slowly add the flour and salt to the wet mixture and mix just until combined. The dough will be soft but thick.
4. Assemble the Bars
I spread about two-thirds of the dough evenly into the prepared pan, making sure it reaches all the corners. Then I spoon the cherry pie filling over the dough and spread it out gently with a spatula. I drop small spoonfuls of the remaining dough over the cherry filling — it doesn’t have to be perfect; the rustic look is part of the charm.
5. Bake
I bake the bars for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden and the filling is bubbling slightly around the edges.
6. Cool and Slice
I let the bars cool completely before slicing them into squares or rectangles. For an extra touch, I dust the tops with powdered sugar right before serving.
My Favorite Tips for Perfect Cherry Pie Bars
- Don’t overbake: The bars are best when the crust is golden but still soft.
- Use good-quality cherry pie filling: It makes a big difference in flavor and texture.
- Add almond extract: It pairs beautifully with cherries and takes the flavor to the next level.
- Let them cool completely before slicing: This helps them set up and hold their shape.
- Make them your own: You can easily swap in other pie fillings like blueberry or peach.
What I Serve with Cherry Pie Bars
These bars are wonderful on their own, but here’s how I like to serve them:
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence
- Fresh whipped cream on top
- A drizzle of simple vanilla glaze for added sweetness
- Served with coffee or iced tea for a perfect afternoon treat
FAQs (From My Kitchen to Yours)
Q: Can I make these bars ahead of time?
A: Yes! They store well in an airtight container for up to three days and taste just as good the next day.
Q: Can I freeze cherry pie bars?
A: Absolutely. Freeze them in layers between parchment paper and thaw at room temperature when ready to serve.
Q: Can I use homemade cherry filling?
A: Yes! If you have homemade cherry pie filling on hand, it will make these bars even more special.
Q: How do I make them gluten-free?
A: Just substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend.
Why These Cherry Pie Bars Deserve a Spot in Your Recipe Collection
These cherry pie bars are everything I love about easy baking — sweet, simple, and full of homemade flavor. They have the richness of a buttery cookie crust and the bright, fruity burst of cherries in every bite. Whether you’re making them for a party, a picnic, or just a weekend treat, these bars are sure to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.
Trust me, once you make them, you’ll keep coming back for more.
The Easiest Cherry Pie Bars: A Simple Treat Everyone Will Love
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 teaspoons almond extract (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups cherry filling (canned or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, sugar, vanilla extract, and almond extract until light and fluffy.
- Gradually add in the flour and salt, mixing until a dough forms.
- Press two-thirds of the dough into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust.
- Spread the cherry filling evenly over the crust.
- Crumble the remaining dough over the cherry filling.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
- Once baked, allow to cool before slicing into bars.
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