Cherry Pie Bars

Cherry Pie Bars – A Sweet Twist on a Classic Dessert

Cherry Pie Bars take the comforting flavors of a traditional cherry pie and turn them into a simple, portable dessert that everyone will love. With a buttery, tender crust, a sweet cherry filling, and a smooth almond glaze, these bars are perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or casual treats at home.

One of the best things about Cherry Pie Bars is how they simplify the classic pie experience. Instead of rolling dough and making a full pie, you get all the delicious flavors in an easy-to-cut bar form. This makes them perfect for busy bakers, parents looking for quick desserts, or anyone who enjoys a sweet treat without the fuss.

Historically, cherry pies have been a symbol of home baking and comfort. Transforming them into bars keeps the nostalgic taste while offering convenience and portability. These bars are ideal for holidays, birthday parties, or just as a delightful everyday dessert. The combination of sweet cherries, soft buttery crust, and delicate almond glaze ensures a perfect balance of flavors and textures in every bite.

In this recipe, we’ll guide you step by step, share tips for perfect results, and offer ideas for variations and serving suggestions. By the end, you’ll have a batch of cherry pie bars that are as beautiful as they are delicious.

Ingredients

For the Crust

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened – provides richness and a tender, buttery texture.
• 2 cups granulated sugar – sweetens the crust evenly and enhances browning.
• 4 large eggs – add structure and moisture to the crust.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – adds aromatic depth and balances sweetness.
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract – optional, but enhances the nutty undertone of the glaze.
• 3 cups all-purpose flour – forms the base structure of the bars.
• 1 teaspoon salt – balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.

For the Filling

• 2 cans (21 oz each) cherry pie filling – sweet, slightly tart cherries that are the star of this dessert.

For the Almond Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar – provides the smooth sweetness needed for drizzling.
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract – adds aroma and flavor depth.
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract – reinforces the cherry-almond flavor pairing.
• 2 tablespoons milk – adjusts the consistency for perfect drizzle.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 15x10x1-inch baking pan or use non-stick spray for easy removal. Line the pan with parchment paper for added convenience.
2. Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This ensures a tender and airy crust.
3. Add Eggs & Extracts: Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla and almond extracts for a rich, aromatic flavor.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing to prevent dense bars.
5. Assemble the Bars – Layer 1: Spread 3 cups of the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Smooth the surface with a spatula for an even layer.

Step-by-Step Instructions (Part 2)

6. Add the Cherry Filling: Evenly spread the cherry pie filling over the crust layer in the pan. Ensure the cherries cover the surface completely, but avoid spilling over the edges.
7. Top with Remaining Batter: Drop spoonfuls of the remaining batter over the cherry filling. The batter will bake around the cherries, creating a marbled, rustic look that’s visually appealing and delicious.
8. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the crust comes out clean. If using a smaller pan (like 9×13 inches), baking time may need to be extended slightly.
9. Cool Completely: Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack. Cooling ensures the cherry layer sets properly and the bars are easier to cut into squares.
10. Prepare the Almond Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla extract, almond extract, and milk until smooth. Adjust milk slightly to achieve a drizzle-able consistency.
11. Drizzle & Finish: Once the bars are fully cooled, drizzle the almond glaze evenly over the top. Let the glaze set for at least 15–20 minutes before slicing into squares. The almond glaze adds a sweet, nutty finish that complements the cherry filling perfectly.

Tips, Serving Suggestions & Storage

• Tip 1 – Even Layers: Spread the batter and cherry filling carefully to ensure each bar has a balanced ratio of crust to cherry.
• Tip 2 – Baking Check: Use a toothpick to check for doneness. Bars are ready when a toothpick inserted into the crust layer comes out clean.
• Tip 3 – Cooling is Key: Allow bars to cool completely before drizzling glaze to prevent melting and sliding.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve bars as a snack, dessert, or part of a brunch spread. Pair with coffee, tea, or milk for a comforting treat.
• Storing: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Bars can also be frozen, wrapped tightly, for up to a month.
• Variation Ideas: Add a sprinkle of toasted almonds or coconut on top of the glaze for extra flavor. For tartness, mix in a few tablespoons of fresh lemon juice to the cherry filling before baking.

With these steps, your Cherry Pie Bars will have the perfect balance of buttery crust, sweet-tart cherries, and delicate almond glaze. This recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels and will surely become a favorite in your dessert rotation.

Cherry Pie Bars: A Sweet History

Cherries have been cherished in desserts for centuries. Originating from Europe, these bright red fruits became a staple in pies, tarts, and pastries. Their natural sweetness and tartness provide a perfect contrast to rich buttery crusts, making them a favorite in both home kitchens and bakeries.

The idea of Cherry Pie Bars is a modern twist on traditional cherry pies. Instead of labor-intensive double crust pies, this recipe transforms the classic dessert into a portable, easy-to-serve format that’s perfect for gatherings, picnics, and holiday celebrations. With layers of buttery crust, sweet cherry filling, and almond glaze, the bars capture all the flavors of a classic pie with half the effort.

Many bakers share stories of how Cherry Pie Bars became a go-to for family events. The portability of bars means you can bake a large batch and serve everyone without fuss. The almond glaze adds a hint of sophistication, balancing the tart cherries and buttery base perfectly.