These Cherry Pie Bars are the perfect way to enjoy the classic flavors of cherry pie in an easy-to-make, handheld treat. With a buttery crust, sweet cherry filling, and crumbly topping, these bars are ideal for potlucks, picnics, or just a delicious dessert at home. They’re super simple and packed with flavor!
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Why You’ll Love These Cherry Pie Bars
- Easy to Make: No need to fuss with rolling out pie dough—just press the crust into the pan.
- Perfect for Sharing: These bars are great for a crowd and are easy to transport.
- Classic Cherry Pie Flavor: All the sweet-tart goodness of cherry pie in every bite!
Ingredients for Cherry Pie Bars
Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious cherry pie bars:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional, for extra flavor)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 (21-ounce) cans cherry pie filling
- Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)
Tools You’ll Need
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
How to Make Cherry Pie Bars
Step 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 for easier removal.
Step 2: Make the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and almond extract (if using).
- Gradually mix in the flour and salt until a smooth dough forms.
Step 3: Assemble the Bars
- Press about 2/3 of the dough into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.
- Spread the cherry pie filling over the dough, making sure it’s evenly distributed.
- Drop small spoonfuls of the remaining dough over the cherry filling. It won’t cover completely, but that’s okay—some cherry filling peeking through gives the bars a rustic look.
Step 4: Bake the Cherry Pie Bars
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden and the cherry filling is bubbling.
- Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan.
Step 5: Slice and Serve
- Once cooled, slice the bars into squares.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.
Serving Suggestions
- Enjoy these Cherry Pie Bars as a dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or even a cozy afternoon treat with a cup of coffee or tea.
Tips for the Best Cherry Pie Bars
- Room Temperature Butter: Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for easy mixing and a smooth dough.
- Cherry Filling Variations: Swap the cherry pie filling with other fruit fillings like blueberry or apple for different flavors.
- Almond Extract: A small amount of almond extract adds a lovely depth of flavor that complements the cherries.
Storage Instructions
- Room Temperature: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerate: For longer storage, keep the bars in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freeze: You can freeze the bars for up to 3 months. Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I use fresh or frozen cherries instead of canned filling?
A: Yes, you can use fresh or frozen cherries, but you’ll need to cook them down with sugar and cornstarch to thicken before using them as filling.
Q2: Can I make these bars gluten-free?
A: Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.
Q3: How do I prevent the bars from being too sweet?
A: If you prefer a less sweet version, use unsweetened or low-sugar cherry pie filling, or reduce the sugar in the dough by 1/4 cup.
Conclusion: A Sweet and Tart Treat!
These Cherry Pie Bars combine the best parts of a pie into an easy-to-make dessert that’s perfect for sharing. With their buttery crust, tart cherry filling, and crumbly topping, they’re sure to be a hit at any gathering!
Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to leave a review and share your photos on social media—we love seeing your creations!
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 250
Carbohydrates: 38g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 10g
Fiber: 1g
Enjoy these sweet, fruity bars anytime you crave the taste of cherry pie!
