If you love cherry pie but want an easier, more shareable version, these Cherry Pie Bars are the perfect solution. With a buttery crust, luscious cherry filling, and a sweet glaze on top, these bars capture the flavors of a classic cherry pie in an easy-to-make treat. Whether you’re hosting a party, bringing a dish to a potluck, or simply craving a delicious homemade dessert, these cherry pie bars are sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
These Cherry Pie Bars have all the deliciousness of a traditional pie but are much easier to prepare and serve. They bake in a single sheet pan, making them ideal for sharing, and the bars hold together well, so they’re easy to transport. Plus, the almond extract in both the batter and the glaze adds a hint of flavor that pairs beautifully with the cherries, giving these bars a unique and irresistible taste.
Ingredients for Cherry Pie Bars
Here’s what you’ll need to make these tasty Cherry Pie Bars:
- 1 cup butter, softened – For a rich, buttery flavor in the crust.
- 2 cups sugar – Adds sweetness to the batter.
- 4 eggs – Provides structure and moisture.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract – Adds warmth and depth to the flavor.
- ¼ tsp almond extract – A hint of almond perfectly complements the cherry filling.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour – Forms the base of the bars.
- 1 tsp salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
- 2 cans (21 oz each) cherry pie filling – For a delicious, fruity center.
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar – Adds sweetness to the glaze.
- ½ tsp vanilla extract – Provides a warm, rich flavor.
- ½ tsp almond extract – Enhances the flavor of the cherries.
- 2 tbsp milk – Helps achieve the perfect drizzling consistency.
Optional Add-Ins for Extra Flavor
- Toasted Almonds – Sprinkle sliced almonds on top before baking for added texture.
- Lemon Zest – Add a teaspoon to the batter or glaze for a fresh, tangy flavor.
- Cinnamon – A dash in the batter adds warmth.
Instructions for Cherry Pie Bars
Step-by-Step Directions
- Preheat the Oven – Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 15x10x1-inch pan with non-stick spray, ensuring the bars don’t stick.
- Cream Butter & Sugar – In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step creates a tender, buttery base.
- Add the Eggs – Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each one is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla and almond extracts, which add a rich, aromatic flavor that complements the cherries.
- Combine Dry Ingredients – In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the creamed butter and sugar, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bars tough.
- Assemble the Bars – Spread 3 cups of the batter evenly over the bottom of the prepared pan to create a smooth base. Top with the cherry pie filling, spreading it evenly across the batter. Drop spoonfuls of the remaining batter over the cherry filling for a rustic look.
- Bake – Bake the bars for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If using a smaller pan, like a 9×13-inch, adjust the baking time as it may take longer to cook through.
- Cool Completely – Let the bars cool completely on a wire rack. This allows them to set and makes cutting them easier.
- Prepare the Glaze – In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, almond extract, and milk until smooth. The glaze should be thick enough to drizzle but thin enough to pour.
- Drizzle and Serve – Once the bars have cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top. Allow it to set for a few minutes, then cut the bars into squares and serve. Enjoy the delicious, buttery crust with bursts of cherry filling in each bite!
Tips for Success
- Use Room Temperature Butter – Softened butter blends better with sugar, creating a smoother texture.
- Evenly Spread the Batter – Spreading the initial layer of batter evenly is key to a uniform crust.
- Don’t Overbake – Check the bars around the 30-minute mark to avoid overbaking, which can make the crust too dry.
Why This Recipe is Perfect for Any Gathering
Convenient and Shareable
These Cherry Pie Bars are perfect for parties, potlucks, and family gatherings. Baking in a 15×10-inch pan makes it easy to serve multiple people, and the bars are portable, making them ideal for transporting.
Classic Flavor with a Unique Twist
While the bars have the classic flavors of cherry pie, the addition of almond extract gives them a unique twist that enhances the cherry flavor. The glaze adds an extra layer of sweetness and makes the bars look beautifully finished.
Great for Make-Ahead Desserts
You can make these bars a day in advance. Simply store them in an airtight container once cooled, and drizzle the glaze just before serving for a fresh, finished look.
Serving Suggestions for Cherry Pie Bars
Pairing Ideas
Cherry Pie Bars pair wonderfully with various other desserts and sides. Here are a few ideas to enhance your serving:
- Vanilla Ice Cream – Serve a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for a classic pie-and-ice-cream combo.
- Whipped Cream – A dollop of whipped cream adds lightness and complements the sweetness of the bars.
- Coffee or Tea – These bars make an excellent pairing with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon treat.
Perfect for Celebrations
Cherry Pie Bars are an excellent choice for celebrations, including birthdays, holidays, and family gatherings. Their bright, fruity flavor makes them especially fitting for spring and summer events, but they’re delicious any time of the year.
Storage and Freezing Tips
How to Store Cherry Pie Bars
Once the bars have cooled completely, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them, and they’ll keep fresh for up to 5 days.
Freezing Instructions
Cherry Pie Bars freeze well, making them an ideal make-ahead dessert. To freeze, allow the bars to cool completely and skip the glaze. Place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, or separate layers with wax paper to prevent sticking. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw in the refrigerator, add the glaze, and enjoy.
Nutritional Information and Health Benefits
Nutritional Breakdown
One Cherry Pie Bar (approximately 1/20th of the recipe) contains:
- Calories: 270 kcal
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Protein: 2g
Making It Lighter
If you’d like to make a lighter version of these Cherry Pie Bars, here are a few substitutions:
- Reduce Sugar – Try reducing the sugar in the batter by ¼ cup for a slightly less sweet bar.
- Use Light Butter or Margarine – Swap out regular butter with a lighter version to cut back on fat.
- Add More Fruit – Instead of extra batter on top, consider adding a few more spoonfuls of fruit to increase fiber.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use a Different Fruit Filling?
Yes! This recipe is very versatile. You can substitute cherry pie filling with blueberry, apple, or even peach pie filling for a different flavor.
Can I Use Fresh Cherries Instead of Pie Filling?
Absolutely. To use fresh cherries, cook them down with a bit of sugar and cornstarch until thickened, then use as you would the pie filling.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The bars should bake similarly but check them towards the end for doneness.
Can I Double the Glaze?
Of course! If you prefer a more generous drizzle, simply double the glaze ingredients. You can also keep extra glaze on the side for guests to add as they like.
Printable Recipe Card
Cherry Pie Bars Recipe
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
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 15x10x1-inch pan with non-stick spray.
- Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla and almond extracts.
- In a separate bowl, whisk flour and salt. Gradually add to the creamed mixture.
- Spread 3 cups of batter in the prepared pan, top with cherry filling, then drop remaining batter over the filling.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes. Let cool on a wire rack.
- For glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla, almond extract, and milk. Drizzle over cooled bars and serve.