Cherry Pie Bars are a delightful dessert that combines the rich, buttery flavor of shortbread with the sweet, tart filling of cherry pie. These bars are easy to make, look beautiful when cut into squares, and are perfect for holidays, picnics, or any time you want a simple yet impressive sweet treat. The buttery crust and crumbly topping sandwich a luscious layer of cherry pie filling, making every bite soft, fruity, and deliciously balanced.
Ingredients
For the crust and topping:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional, but highly recommended for flavor)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the filling:
- 1 can (21 ounces) cherry pie filling (homemade or store-bought)
Optional glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Preheat and prepare the pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it with butter or nonstick spray. This makes it easy to lift the bars out after baking for clean, even slicing.
2. Make the buttery crust
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla and almond extracts.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and mix until everything is combined into a soft, thick dough.
3. Form the base layer
Spread about two-thirds of the dough evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. A spatula or the back of a spoon works well for this step, but you can also use your hands to gently press it into an even layer. Make sure the dough covers the entire bottom without gaps.
4. Add the cherry layer
Spoon the cherry pie filling evenly over the base, spreading it all the way to the edges. If you want a thicker fruit layer, you can add a few extra spoonfuls of filling. The contrast between the buttery dough and glossy cherry filling gives these bars their signature look and flavor.
5. Add the topping
Drop small spoonfuls of the remaining dough over the cherry layer. You don’t need to cover it completely—the red filling peeking through adds a pretty, rustic touch once baked.
6. Bake to perfection
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden and the edges begin to brown slightly. The cherry filling should bubble around the edges, and the crust should be set in the center.
Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting. This allows the filling to firm up and the bars to hold their shape.
7. Optional glaze
If you want an extra touch of sweetness and shine, make a quick glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Once the bars are cool, drizzle the glaze over the top using a fork or piping bag. Let it set for about 10 minutes before serving.
Tips for the Best Cherry Pie Bars
- Use quality butter: Since the crust is the main component, a good-quality butter gives these bars a richer flavor.
- Don’t skip the almond extract: It enhances the cherry flavor beautifully and gives a bakery-style aroma.
- Cool completely: Cutting while warm can cause the bars to crumble. Letting them cool ensures clean, even slices.
- Try different fillings: You can easily swap cherry pie filling for blueberry, raspberry, apple, or even lemon curd for variety.
Storage and Serving
Store the cooled bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for longer storage—just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. To serve, thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in the microwave for that fresh-baked feel.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Cherry Pie Bars are ideal for potlucks, bake sales, or family gatherings. They’re easy to transport, slice neatly, and always draw compliments for their bright, cheerful look and buttery, fruity flavor. Pair them with a cup of coffee, tea, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert that’s both nostalgic and irresistible.
These bars are everything you love about cherry pie—sweet, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious—made simpler and easier to share.