Cherry Pie Bars Recipe

Cherry Pie Bars are a delightful, easy-to-make dessert that captures all the flavor of classic cherry pie in a convenient bar form. With a buttery crust, sweet cherry pie filling, and a light vanilla glaze, these bars are perfect for potlucks, holidays, or any time you’re craving something fruity and comforting.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These bars are everything you love about cherry pie—without the hassle of rolling out dough. They’re quick to prepare, slice beautifully for serving, and deliver just the right balance of sweet, buttery, and tart. Plus, they’re made with simple ingredients and can feed a crowd with ease.

ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Unsalted butter (softened)
• Granulated sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• All-purpose flour
• Salt
• Cherry pie filling
• Powdered sugar
• Milk (for glaze)
• Almond extract or vanilla (for glaze)

directions

1. Preheat Oven: Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan or line with parchment paper.
2. Make the Batter: In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla. Gradually add flour and salt until fully combined.
3. Assemble the Layers: Spread about 2/3 of the batter into the prepared pan. Spoon cherry pie filling evenly over the batter. Drop remaining batter by spoonfuls over the top.
4. Bake: Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until lightly golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
5. Cool and Glaze: Let bars cool completely. Mix powdered sugar, milk, and extract to make the glaze. Drizzle over cooled bars.
6. Slice and Serve: Cut into squares and enjoy!

Servings and timing

Servings: 24 bars
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

Variations

• Use blueberry, apple, or peach pie filling for different flavors.
• Add slivered almonds or chopped pecans on top before baking for crunch.
• Use a lemon or almond glaze instead of vanilla.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon to the batter for a warm spice note.
• Bake in a 9×13 pan for thicker bars (adjust baking time accordingly).

storage/reheating

Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving. No reheating needed.

FAQs

Can I use homemade cherry pie filling?

Yes! Homemade filling works beautifully and adds a fresher flavor.

Do I need a jelly roll pan?

It’s best for the thinner, bar-like texture, but a 9×13 pan will work for thicker bars.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, double the ingredients and use a sheet pan or two jelly roll pans.

Can I make this with gluten-free flour?

Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for similar results.

Is the glaze necessary?

It adds a nice finishing touch, but the bars are still delicious without it.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, they keep well and can be made a day in advance.

What can I serve these with?

Serve with coffee, tea, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.

Can I use a different pie filling?

Absolutely—any fruit pie filling will work well in this recipe.

Why drop batter on top instead of spreading it?

The batter is thick, and dropping it creates a rustic, crumbled top layer that bakes beautifully.

Can I add a crust base?

The batter acts as both the crust and top—no separate crust is needed.

Conclusion

Cherry Pie Bars are an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert that delivers the nostalgic flavor of cherry pie with a fraction of the effort. Sweet, buttery, and finished with a delicate glaze, they’re perfect for any occasion—from family dinners to festive gatherings. Make a batch and watch them disappear!

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