If you love cherry pie but want a quicker and easier alternative, these Cherry Pie Bars are perfect for you! With a buttery crust, a sweet-tart cherry filling, and a delightful glaze, this cherry bars recipe captures all the flavors of a classic pie without the fuss of rolling out dough. Baked in a 9×13 pan, these bars are great for feeding a crowd, making them ideal for potlucks, holidays, or any time you’re craving a cherry dessert bar.

Unlike traditional cherry pie, these bars are made with a soft, cake-like base and topped with dollops of sweet cherry filling before being finished with a golden, crumbly topping. They’re easy to slice, making them a convenient grab-and-go treat. Plus, the glaze adds just the right amount of extra sweetness for the perfect bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make – No complicated pie crusts required.
Perfect Balance of Sweet and Tart – The cherry filling adds the right amount of tanginess.
Great for Sharing – A cherry pie bars 9×13 pan yields plenty of servings.
Customizable – Swap out the fruit filling or add a crumb topping for variety.
Perfect for Any Occasion – These bars are great for bake sales, family gatherings, or a simple weekend treat.
Kid-Friendly – Little ones love the sweet cherry flavor and soft texture.

Ingredients for Cherry Pie Bars

For the Bars:

Butter – Unsalted butter is ideal, but you can use salted butter and omit the extra salt in the recipe.
Sugar – Regular granulated sugar adds the perfect amount of sweetness.
Salt – Brings out the natural flavors of the ingredients and prevents the bars from tasting overly sweet.
Large eggs – Room-temperature eggs blend more smoothly into the batter, resulting in a consistent texture.
Vanilla extract – Provides a rich, aromatic essence that enhances the overall taste of the bars.
Almond extract – This complements the cherry flavor beautifully, but you can leave it out if preferred.
All-purpose flour – Provides the right structure and texture. Avoid self-rising flour, as it will affect the final outcome.
Cherry pie filling – You can use store-bought or make your own using fresh or frozen cherries.

For the Glaze:

Powdered sugar – The base of the glaze, giving it a smooth, sweet consistency.
Vanilla extract – Adds a hint of extra flavor to complement the cherry bars.
Almond extract – Enhances the cherry flavor with a nutty note.
Milk – Helps thin out the glaze for easy drizzling.

How to Make Homemade Cherry Pie Bars

Preheat & Prepare – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 pan.
Make the Dough – In a large bowl, cream butter, sugar, and salt until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla and almond extract. Gradually mix in the flour until combined.
Assemble the Layers – Spread ⅔ of the dough into the prepared pan. Evenly spread cherry pie filling over the dough. Drop spoonfuls of the remaining dough on top.
Bake – Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the top is golden brown. Cool completely on a wire rack.
Prepare the Glaze – Whisk powdered sugar, vanilla extract, almond extract, and milk until smooth.
Glaze and Serve – Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars, then slice and enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

Classic Pairing – Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate treat.
Breakfast Treat – Enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea in the morning.
Holiday Twist – Sprinkle crushed nuts or festive sprinkles on top for special occasions.
Light Dusting – Instead of glaze, dust the bars with powdered sugar for a simple, elegant touch.

Tips for Success

Allow ingredients to reach room temperature before baking to ensure a well-blended batter and consistent texture.
Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and make lifting the bars out of the pan effortless.
Let the bars cool completely before adding the glaze to prevent it from melting into the bars.
Use high-quality cherry pie filling for the best flavor, or make your own for a fresher taste.
Store the bars properly to maintain their texture and flavor over time.

Variations

Different Fruit – Swap the cherry pie filling for blueberry, apple, raspberry, or mixed berries.
Crunchy Topping – Sprinkle chopped almonds, pecans, or streusel on top before baking.
Lemon Glaze – Replace milk with lemon juice in the glaze for a citrusy kick.
Chocolate Drizzle – Melt white or dark chocolate and drizzle over the bars for a decadent touch.
Gluten-Free Option – Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute to make the bars gluten-free.

Storage and Reheating

Room Temperature – Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Refrigerator – Keep in the fridge for up to a week.
Freezing – Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before serving.
Reheating – Warm individual bars in the microwave for a few seconds for a fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 556kcal
Carbohydrates: 95g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 17g
Sodium: 369mg
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 43g

Adjustments for Dietary Needs

Low-Sugar Option – Use a sugar substitute and opt for a sugar-free cherry filling.
Lower Fat – Swap out some butter for Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
Vegan Alternative – Use plant-based butter, egg replacers, and almond milk in the glaze.

Meal Prep Ideas

Make Ahead – Prepare the dough a day in advance and store it in the fridge until ready to bake.
Batch Bake – Double the recipe and freeze extra bars for future cravings.

FAQs

Should I prebake pie crust for cherry pie?
If you’re making a traditional cherry pie, prebaking the crust can help prevent sogginess. However, for these cherry pie bars, there’s no need to prebake the crust since the dough bakes evenly with the filling.

Do cherry bars need to be refrigerated?
Cherry bars can be kept at room temperature in an airtight container for about three days. To extend their freshness, store them in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Is there a difference between canned cherries and cherry pie filling?
Yes! Canned cherries are plain, unsweetened cherries that require additional sugar and thickening agents to make a pie filling. Cherry pie filling is pre-sweetened and ready to use in desserts like these bars.

Can I use homemade cherry filling?
Yes! Use fresh or frozen cherries cooked with sugar and cornstarch.

Can I freeze these bars?
Absolutely! Wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.

Do I have to use almond extract?
No, but it enhances the cherry flavor beautifully.

Conclusion

These Cherry Pie Bars are an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert that delivers all the goodness of cherry pie in a convenient bar form. Whether you’re making them for a family gathering or just to satisfy a sweet craving, they’re sure to be a hit. Try this cherry bars recipe today and enjoy a simple, delicious treat!

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