Indulge in the sweet charm of homemade cherry pie with a twist—these Delicious Cherry Pie Bars bring all the flavors of a classic cherry pie into a convenient, easy-to-serve bar form. Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, these bars boast a buttery crust, luscious cherry filling, and a delightful glaze drizzled on top.
Unlike traditional pies that require careful rolling and shaping, these bars simplify the process while delivering the same mouthwatering results. With every bite, you’ll experience the perfect balance of flaky pastry, tart cherries, and sweet vanilla icing. Whether served warm or chilled, these cherry pie bars are a crowd-pleaser and sure to become a favorite in your dessert rotation.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1¾ cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon almond extract (optional for enhanced flavor)
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 (21-ounce) can cherry pie filling
For the glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easier removal.
- Cream the butter and sugar together in a large mixing bowl using an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. This typically takes about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract and almond extract if using. The almond extract adds a subtle nutty depth that complements the cherries beautifully.
- Combine the flour and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until incorporated. Avoid over-mixing to keep the crust tender.
- Spread about two-thirds of the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula or your hands to gently press it into the corners and create a smooth base.
- Spoon the cherry pie filling evenly over the bottom crust layer. Make sure the cherries are distributed evenly across the surface to ensure each bite is filled with fruit.
- Drop the remaining batter by spoonfuls over the cherry filling. You don’t need to cover it completely; the topping will spread slightly during baking, and the cherry filling peeking through adds visual appeal.
- Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (avoid sticking directly into the cherry filling for an accurate test).
- Cool the bars completely in the baking dish on a wire rack. This helps the filling set and makes cutting easier.
- Prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust the consistency with more milk if needed to achieve a pourable glaze.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars in a zigzag pattern using a spoon or piping bag. Let the glaze set for about 10-15 minutes before cutting into squares or bars.
- Serve and enjoy. These cherry pie bars are delicious on their own or paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert. They store well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
These delicious cherry pie bars are everything you love about cherry pie—only easier to make, transport, and share. With their tender crust, sweet-tart filling, and perfect drizzle of glaze, they’re guaranteed to impress. Whether you’re baking for a celebration or craving a fruity dessert at home, this recipe will satisfy every time.