Cherry Pie Bars – Buttery, Fruity & Absolutely Delicious!
If you love cherry pie but want an easier, handheld version, these Cherry Pie Bars are the perfect treat! They feature a buttery shortbread crust, a luscious cherry filling, and a soft crumbly topping, all baked into easy-to-slice bars.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Easy to make – No pie crust rolling required!
✔ Perfect for potlucks, holidays, or weeknight treats.
✔ Soft, buttery, and bursting with cherry flavor.
✔ Pairs beautifully with coffee or tea!
Ingredients
For the Cherry Pie Bars:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp almond extract (optional, but enhances the cherry flavor)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 (21 oz) can cherry pie filling
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prepare the Pan
1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2️⃣ Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
Step 2: Make the Batter
3️⃣ In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4️⃣ Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each.
5️⃣ Mix in vanilla and almond extract for extra flavor.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
6️⃣ In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
7️⃣ Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until combined.
Step 4: Assemble the Bars
8️⃣ Spread ⅔ of the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.
9️⃣ Spoon the cherry pie filling evenly over the batter.
🔟 Drop spoonfuls of the remaining batter over the cherry filling, leaving some cherry filling exposed.
Step 5: Bake & Cool
1️⃣1️⃣ Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
1️⃣2️⃣ Let the bars cool completely in the pan.
Step 6: Prepare the Glaze
1️⃣3️⃣ In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
1️⃣4️⃣ Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars.
Step 7: Cut & Serve
1️⃣5️⃣ Once the glaze sets, slice into bars and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
🍦 Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
☕ Pair with coffee for a cozy afternoon treat.
🥜 Add chopped nuts for a crunchy topping.
Tips for the Best Cherry Pie Bars
✔ Use homemade cherry filling for an extra special touch.
✔ Don’t overmix the batter – this keeps the bars soft and tender.
✔ For extra crispiness, let the bars cool completely before cutting.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Wrap individual bars and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Warm in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a fresh-baked taste.
FAQs
Can I use other fruit fillings?
Yes! Try blueberry, apple, or raspberry pie filling for variety.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
Do I have to use almond extract?
No, but it enhances the cherry flavor beautifully!
