Easy Cherry Pie Bars Recipe

Recipe Overview

These Easy Cherry Pie Bars are a delicious twist on classic cherry pie, featuring a soft buttery crust, a generous layer of sweet cherry filling, and a tender golden topping. Finished with a simple vanilla glaze, these dessert bars are perfect for holidays, family gatherings, potlucks, bake sales, or whenever you’re craving a homemade fruit dessert.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 35–40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 24 bars
Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

For the Buttery Dough

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1¾ cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt

For the Cherry Filling

• 1 (21-ounce) can cherry pie filling
• 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest (optional)

For the Vanilla Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1–2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
• ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Optional Garnishes

• Sliced almonds
• Fresh cherries
• Powdered sugar
• Whipped cream
• Vanilla ice cream

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Make the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

Mix in the vanilla extract and almond extract.

Gradually stir in the flour and salt until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix.

Step 3: Form the Base

Spread about two-thirds of the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.

Smooth the surface with a spatula.

Step 4: Add the Filling

Spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the dough.

If using, sprinkle the lemon zest over the cherries for extra freshness.

Step 5: Add the Topping

Drop spoonfuls of the remaining dough over the cherry layer.

Leave some of the filling visible for a rustic appearance.

Step 6: Bake

Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and the centre is set.

Cool completely before glazing.

Step 7: Make the Glaze

Whisk together:

• Powdered sugar
• Milk or heavy cream
• Vanilla extract

Mix until smooth.

Adjust the consistency by adding a little more milk or powdered sugar if needed.

Step 8: Finish and Serve

Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars.

Allow it to set for about 10 minutes.

Cut into squares and serve.

Serving Suggestions

These bars pair perfectly with:

• Vanilla ice cream
• Fresh whipped cream
• Hot coffee
• Black tea
• Fresh berries
• Toasted sliced almonds
• A light dusting of powdered sugar

Helpful Baking Tips

• Use room-temperature butter for a smooth batter.
• Avoid overmixing after adding the flour.
• Let the bars cool completely before slicing.
• Chill for 30 minutes for cleaner cuts.
• Line the pan with parchment paper for easy lifting.

Easy Variations

Mixed Berry Bars

Replace the cherry filling with mixed berry pie filling.

Blueberry Bars

Use blueberry pie filling instead of cherries.

Apple Cinnamon Bars

Swap the filling for apple pie filling and add ½ teaspoon cinnamon.

Raspberry Bars

Replace the cherry filling with raspberry pie filling.

Almond Crunch

Sprinkle sliced almonds over the top before baking.

Storage

Room Temperature

Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Refrigerator

Refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Freezer

Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use homemade cherry filling?
Yes. Homemade cherry filling made with fresh or frozen cherries works very well.

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes. They can be prepared a day in advance and often taste even better the next day.

Can I freeze them?
Absolutely. Wrap the bars well and freeze for up to three months.

Can I use another fruit filling?
Yes. Blueberry, raspberry, blackberry, peach, or apple pie filling are all excellent alternatives.

Approximate Nutrition (Per Bar)

• Calories: 220
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Sugar: 18g
• Fibre: 1g
• Sodium: 85mg

Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on the brands of ingredients used.

Source

Inspired by the classic American-style Cherry Pie Bars recipe, adapted and written in an original format using standard home baking techniques.

Part 2: Easy Cherry Pie Bars Recipe

Recipe Summary

These Easy Cherry Pie Bars are a delightful homemade dessert featuring a buttery, cake-like crust layered with sweet cherry pie filling and topped with dollops of the same rich dough. Once baked until golden and finished with a light vanilla glaze, these bars deliver all the flavours of a classic cherry pie in an easy-to-serve, shareable treat. Perfect for holidays, family gatherings, picnics, bake sales, or an everyday dessert.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 35–40 minutes
Cooling Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 24 bars
Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

For the Butter Dough

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1¾ cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt

For the Cherry Layer

• 1 (21-ounce) can cherry pie filling
• 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest (optional, for a brighter flavour)

Vanilla Glaze

• 1 cup icing sugar (powdered sugar)
• 1–2 tablespoons milk or double cream
• ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Optional Toppings

• Toasted sliced almonds
• Fresh cherries
• Powdered sugar
• Whipped cream
• Vanilla ice cream

Method

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F).

Grease a 9×13-inch baking tin with butter or non-stick cooking spray, or line it with parchment paper to make removing the bars easier after baking.

Step 2: Make the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until pale, light, and fluffy.

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.

Blend in the vanilla extract and almond extract, if using.

Gradually fold in the flour and salt until a soft, smooth dough forms. Mix only until combined to keep the bars tender.

Step 3: Create the Base

Transfer about two-thirds of the dough into the prepared baking tin.

Spread it evenly using an offset spatula or lightly floured hands to form an even base.

Step 4: Add the Cherry Filling

Spoon the cherry pie filling evenly over the dough.

If desired, sprinkle the lemon zest across the cherries for a fresh citrus note that balances the sweetness.

Spread gently without pressing into the crust.

Step 5: Add the Top Layer

Drop spoonfuls of the remaining dough over the cherry filling.

The topping does not need to cover the cherries completely. Leaving some filling exposed gives the finished bars a beautiful homemade appearance.

Step 6: Bake

Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and the centre is fully baked.

Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely on a wire rack before adding the glaze.

Step 7: Prepare the Vanilla Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together:

• Icing sugar
• Milk or cream
• Vanilla extract

Whisk until smooth.

If the glaze is too thick, add a few drops of milk. If it becomes too thin, stir in a little extra icing sugar.

Step 8: Glaze and Slice

Drizzle the glaze evenly over the cooled bars.

Allow it to set for about 10–15 minutes.

Slice into squares or rectangles and serve.

Serving Ideas

These Cherry Pie Bars are delicious served:

• With vanilla ice cream
• Topped with freshly whipped cream
• Alongside hot coffee
• With black tea or herbal tea
• Garnished with fresh cherries
• Sprinkled with toasted almonds
• Lightly dusted with icing sugar

Expert Baking Tips

• Use room-temperature butter for a smoother dough.
• Bring the eggs to room temperature before mixing.
• Avoid overmixing once the flour has been added.
• Cool the bars completely before glazing to prevent the icing from melting.
• Refrigerate for 20–30 minutes before cutting if you prefer perfectly clean slices.
• Parchment paper makes lifting the bars from the pan much easier.

Easy Variations

Mixed Berry Pie Bars

Replace the cherry pie filling with mixed berry filling.

Blueberry Dessert Bars

Substitute blueberry pie filling for a rich berry flavour.

Apple Cinnamon Bars

Use apple pie filling and add ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon to the dough.

Raspberry Bars

Swap in raspberry pie filling for a sweet-tart variation.

Peach Bars

Use peach pie filling and add a pinch of ground nutmeg for extra warmth.

Almond Crunch

Scatter sliced almonds over the top before baking for added texture.

Storage Instructions

Room Temperature

Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Refrigerator

Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days.

Serve chilled or allow to come to room temperature before enjoying.

Freezer

Wrap individual bars or the whole batch tightly in plastic wrap and foil.

Freeze for up to 3 months.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use homemade cherry pie filling?

Yes. Homemade cherry pie filling prepared with fresh or frozen cherries works beautifully in this recipe.

Can I prepare these bars ahead of time?

Absolutely. These bars are ideal for making a day in advance, and the flavours often improve after resting overnight.

Can I freeze Cherry Pie Bars?

Yes. Freeze them in an airtight container for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

What other fruit fillings work well?

Blueberry, raspberry, blackberry, peach, apple, strawberry, and mixed berry pie fillings are all excellent alternatives.

Should these bars be refrigerated?

If you plan to enjoy them within two days, they can be stored at room temperature. For longer storage, refrigerate them.

Approximate Nutrition (Per Bar)

• Calories: 220
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Cholesterol: 50mg
• Sodium: 85mg
• Fibre: 1g
• Sugar: 18g

Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary depending on the ingredients and brands used.