Cherry Pie Bars

 

Cherry Pie Bars: A Simple, Sweet Twist on a Classic Dessert

There’s something timeless and comforting about cherry pie—but let’s face it, making a whole pie from scratch can be a bit of a project. That’s where these Cherry Pie Bars come in! They deliver all the sweet, tart, buttery goodness of traditional cherry pie, but in a much easier, portable bar form. Perfect for potlucks, holidays, bake sales, or just a sweet treat with your afternoon coffee.

If you love cherry pie, you’ll adore how simple and satisfying these bars are to make.

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Why You'll Love These Cherry Pie Bars:

• All the flavor of cherry pie — without rolling out a crust!

• Perfectly portable for parties, picnics, or packed lunches

• Quick and easy to make with basic pantry ingredients

• Versatile — swap in your favorite fruit fillings or glazes

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Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

• 2 cups granulated sugar

• 4 large eggs

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• ½ tsp almond extract (optional, but highly recommended!)

• 3 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp salt

For the Filling:

• 1 (21 oz) can cherry pie filling (or use homemade if you prefer)

For the Glaze (optional):

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 1–2 tbsp milk

• ½ tsp vanilla or almond extract

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Instructions:

1. Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Make the Batter

In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla and almond extracts.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture and mix until fully combined. The dough will be thick.

3. Layer the Bars

Spread about two-thirds of the batter evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Spread the cherry pie filling over the batter. Drop spoonfuls of the remaining batter on top—don’t worry about covering it completely; the cherries peeking through make it beautiful!

4. Bake

Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (avoiding the cherry filling). Let cool completely in the pan.

5. Glaze (Optional)

Whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and extract to make a smooth glaze. Drizzle over the cooled bars for an extra sweet finish.

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Tips & Variations:

• Swap the Fruit: Try blueberry, apple, or raspberry pie filling for a different twist.

• Use Fresh Cherries: If cherries are in season, make your own quick filling with fresh or frozen cherries.

• Add Nuts: A handful of sliced almonds or chopped pecans on top adds crunch and flavor.

• Make It Festive: Use red and green sprinkles over the glaze for a holiday version.

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Serving Suggestions:

These bars are perfect as-is, but you can also:

• Serve slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream

• Pack them in lunchboxes or picnic baskets

• Add them to a dessert tray for potlucks and parties

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Final Thoughts:

Cherry Pie Bars are the perfect dessert for when you want something comforting, delicious, and easy to make. With their buttery crust, sweet cherry filling, and optional glaze, they’re a crowd-pleaser that will disappear fast—so you might want to make a double batch!

Whether you're baking for a family gathering or just need a quick weekday treat, this recipe delivers the taste of homemade cherry pie with half the effort.