If you love cherry pie but want something easier to make, these Cherry Pie Bars are the perfect dessert! They have a buttery shortbread crust, a sweet cherry filling, and a crumbly topping—just like a pie, but in bar form. Perfect for parties, holidays, or just a treat with coffee!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make – No rolling out pie dough!
- Perfect for Sharing – Great for potlucks and gatherings.
- Deliciously Sweet & Buttery – Tastes just like cherry pie!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Crust & Topping:
- All-purpose flour (2 ½ cups)
- Granulated sugar (¾ cup)
- Butter (1 cup, cold and cubed)
- Salt (½ teaspoon)
- Baking powder (½ teaspoon)
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon)
- Egg (1 large)
For the Cherry Filling:
- Cherry pie filling (1 can, 21 oz)
- Almond extract (½ teaspoon, optional)
For the Glaze:
- Powdered sugar (1 cup)
- Milk (2 tablespoons)
- Vanilla extract (½ teaspoon)
Tools You’ll Need
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- Pastry cutter or fork
- Spatula
How to Make Cherry Pie Bars
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Make the Crust & Topping
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the egg and vanilla extract, stirring until combined.
3. Assemble the Bars
Press two-thirds of the dough into the prepared baking pan to form an even crust. Spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the crust. If using, stir almond extract into the cherry filling for extra flavor.
4. Add the Topping
Crumble the remaining dough over the cherry filling to create a streusel-like topping.
5. Bake the Bars
Bake for 35–40 minutes or until the top is golden brown. Let the bars cool completely before adding the glaze.
6. Prepare the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled bars.
7. Slice & Serve
Cut into squares or bars and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Sprinkle with extra powdered sugar for a bakery-style touch.
- Pair with a cup of coffee or tea for a sweet snack.
Storage & Reheating
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerate: Keeps well in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freeze: Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh cherries instead of pie filling?
Yes! Cook 3 cups of fresh cherries with ½ cup sugar and 1 tablespoon cornstarch until thickened.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! Bake them a day in advance and add the glaze just before serving.
Can I use a different fruit filling?
Yes! Try blueberry, apple, or raspberry pie filling.
Conclusion
These Cherry Pie Bars are a simple yet delicious dessert with all the flavors of classic cherry pie. Whether for a holiday or a quick homemade treat, they’re sure to impress!
Let me know if you try them! Don’t forget to share your photos and leave a review.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Baking Time: 40 minutes
Cuisine: American
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 290 | Carbohydrates: 45g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 12g | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 25g
Cherry Pie Bars
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Description
If you love cherry pie but want something easier to make, these Cherry Pie Bars are the perfect dessert! They have a buttery shortbread crust, a sweet cherry filling, and a crumbly topping—just like a pie, but in bar form. Perfect for parties, holidays, or just a treat with coffee!
Ingredients
For the Crust & Topping:
- All-purpose flour (2 ½ cups)
- Granulated sugar (¾ cup)
- Butter (1 cup, cold and cubed)
- Salt (½ teaspoon)
- Baking powder (½ teaspoon)
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon)
- Egg (1 large)
For the Cherry Filling:
- Cherry pie filling (1 can, 21 oz)
- Almond extract (½ teaspoon, optional)
For the Glaze:
- Powdered sugar (1 cup)
- Milk (2 tablespoons)
- Vanilla extract (½ teaspoon)
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Make the Crust & Topping
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the egg and vanilla extract, stirring until combined.
3. Assemble the Bars
Press two-thirds of the dough into the prepared baking pan to form an even crust. Spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the crust. If using, stir almond extract into the cherry filling for extra flavor.
4. Add the Topping
Crumble the remaining dough over the cherry filling to create a streusel-like topping.
5. Bake the Bars
Bake for 35–40 minutes or until the top is golden brown. Let the bars cool completely before adding the glaze.
6. Prepare the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled bars.
7. Slice & Serve
Cut into squares or bars and enjoy!
Notes
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerate: Keeps well in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freeze: Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Cuisine: American
