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
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
Step 2: Make the Batter
In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each.
Mix in vanilla and almond extract for extra flavor.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until combined.
Step 4: Assemble the Bars
Spread ⅔ of the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.
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
Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Let the bars cool completely in the pan.
Step 6: Prepare the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars.
Step 7: Cut & Serve
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!