Looking for a dessert that’s juicy, sweet, and guaranteed to bring smiles to your table? Cherry Pie Bars are the answer! These luscious bars layer a tender, buttery crust with gooey cherry pie filling and a sweet vanilla almond glaze—trust me, they’re as irresistible as they sound.
Did you know that cherry pie is one of America’s favorite desserts, often served on holidays and get-togethers? Now, you can enjoy all that classic flavor with a fraction of the fuss and time. My family gobbled these up faster than any traditional pie I’ve made, and I bet yours will, too! If you love easy bakes like my Blueberry Crumble Bars, you’ll adore this quick, crowd-pleasing treat. Get ready to fall in love with a recipe that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat!
What is Cherry Pie Bars?
Cherry Pie Bars—what a tempting name, right? You might wonder, are they bars or are they pie? Well, they’re the best of both worlds! Imagine a buttery base, a ribbon of juicy cherry filling, and a sweet glaze drizzled all over the top.
Why call them Cherry Pie Bars? Because “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and these bars are an instant shortcut! Pie might be traditional, but these bars are perfect for snacking, sharing, and satisfying that sweet craving. Go ahead, grab a fork (or just use your fingers!) and dive right in—your taste buds will thank you!
Why You’ll Love This
The main highlight of Cherry Pie Bars is that gorgeous combo of soft cookie crust, tangy cherry filling, and creamy almond glaze—it’s a symphony of flavors and textures in every bite. Making them at home means you’ll save a bundle compared to a bakery pie, and you’ll avoid any mystery ingredients.
Plus, with ingredients like real butter, plump cherry pie filling, and an irresistible glaze, you get a dessert that tastes as good as it looks! If you like my Easy Apple Crisp, you’ll appreciate how Cherry Pie Bars deliver classic flavors with even less fuss. Grab your apron and mixing bowl—you don’t want to miss out on this treat.
How to Make Cherry Pie Bars
Quick Overview
Cherry Pie Bars are a breeze to make and impossible to resist. You’ll love how quickly they come together—no pie crust rolling, just simple mixing and layering. Each bite is loaded with juicy cherries and a soft, buttery base. The whole pan takes about 55 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for quick family desserts or a last-minute treat for guests.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 2 cups sugar
- 4 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp almond extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 cans (21 oz each) cherry pie filling
For the glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp almond extract
- 2 tbsp milk
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 15×10-inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes).
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla and almond extracts.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until just combined.
- Spread about two-thirds of the dough evenly into the prepared pan using a spatula or your fingers.
- Spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the base layer.
- Drop spoonfuls of the remaining dough over the cherry filling. It doesn’t have to fully cover—patches are perfect.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until golden and set. Allow to cool completely in the pan.
- While cooling, whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla, almond extract, and milk to make the glaze.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars. Cut into squares and serve!
What to Serve Cherry Pie Bars With
Cherry Pie Bars are incredibly versatile and pair beautifully with a range of treats and drinks. Here are a few ideas to make your dessert spread shine:
- Vanilla ice cream – for a classic à la mode twist.
- Fresh whipped cream – light, fluffy, and perfect with sweet cherries.
- Hot coffee or latte – balances the sweetness with a hint of bitterness.
- Sparkling lemonade or iced tea – refreshing contrast to the rich bars.
- Yogurt or lemon curd – for a tart, creamy sidekick.
Whether you’re serving these for brunch, dessert, or a casual afternoon snack, they’re sure to please any crowd.
Top Tips for Perfecting Cherry Pie Bars
- Use room-temperature butter for easy creaming and a tender crust.
- Love almond flavor? Feel free to bump up the almond extract in the glaze.
- Switch it up by using blueberry, peach, or apple pie filling instead.
- Line your pan with parchment for easier cleanup and cleaner slicing.
- Avoid overbaking—check at the 35-minute mark to keep the bars moist.
- Cool completely before glazing so your icing stays put and doesn’t melt.
Storing and Reheating Tips
- Store Cherry Pie Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- For longer storage, freeze individual bars between layers of parchment in a sealed container for up to 2 months.
- To enjoy later, thaw at room temp or in the fridge overnight.
- To reheat, microwave individual bars for 15–20 seconds for a just-baked texture.
- Avoid refrigerating the glaze alone—it’s best freshly drizzled!
FAQs
Can I use homemade cherry pie filling?
Absolutely! Just ensure it’s fully cooled before adding to the crust to avoid melting or sogginess.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Use two pans or a larger sheet tray and monitor baking time closely.
What if I don’t have almond extract?
You can leave it out or substitute with additional vanilla extract. The flavor will still be delicious.
Can these bars be made gluten-free?
Yes—use your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Expect a slightly different texture, but equally satisfying results.
Can I try other fillings?
Definitely! This recipe works beautifully with a variety of pie fillings like blueberry, apple, or even raspberry.
Conclusion
Cherry Pie Bars are the ultimate dessert when you want something quick, simple, and bursting with flavor. With minimal prep, pantry-friendly ingredients, and a taste that rivals any bakery pie, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Whether you’re hosting a gathering, need a lunchtime treat, or just want something sweet to share, these bars are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Don’t forget to check out other dessert bar recipes on the blog and keep your oven busy with more easy, delicious bakes. Happy baking and enjoy every cherry-filled bite!
Cherry Pie Bars
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Baking Pan
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 cup Butter, softened
- 2 cups Sugar
- 4 large Eggs
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract
- 0.25 tsp Almond extract
- 3 cups All-purpose flour
- 1 tsp Salt
- 2 cans (21 oz each) Cherry pie filling
Glaze Ingredients
- 1 cup Powdered sugar
- 0.5 tsp Vanilla extract
- 0.5 tsp Almond extract
- 2 tbsp Milk
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 15×10-inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes).
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla and almond extracts.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until just combined.
- Spread about two-thirds of the dough evenly into the prepared pan using a spatula or your fingers.
- Spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the base layer.
- Drop spoonfuls of the remaining dough over the cherry filling. It doesn’t have to fully cover—patches are perfect.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until golden and set. Allow to cool completely in the pan.
- While cooling, whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla, almond extract, and milk to make the glaze.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars. Cut into squares and serve!