Sweet Cherry Pie Bars are a glorious mash-up of two classics: the homey, buttery comfort of cookie bars and the luscious, jammy sweetness of cherry pie. If you love the idea of fresh-baked cherry pie but want a fuss-free dessert for a crowd (or, honestly, just for yourself), these bars are the ultimate treat. Each bite is layered with tart cherry flavor, a hint of almond, and a golden cake-like crust that makes them impossible to resist. Whether you’re planning a family picnic, a summer BBQ, or just want an easy dessert to brighten up your week, these Sweet Cherry Pie Bars deliver all the cozy, nostalgic feelings with none of the hard work.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk ingredients: every single one brings something special to the final dessert. With just a handful of pantry staples, you’ll create rich, tender bars with a pop of cherry in every bite. Nothing fancy here—just the basics, working their magic together!
- Butter (unsalted, softened): Gives the bars their soft, rich texture and that unmistakable homemade flavor.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a golden, tender crumb.
- Eggs: Bind everything together and add richness for a cakey finish.
- Vanilla extract: Brings pure, mellow vanilla notes that round out the other flavors.
- Almond extract: Just a hint deepens the cherry flavor and gives the bars their classic bakery taste.
- All-purpose flour: The sturdy base for your dough, keeping everything light yet satisfying.
- Salt: Balances out the sweetness and brightens all the flavors.
- Cherry pie filling (1 can, 21 oz): Provides that vibrant, fruity layer—store-bought for simplicity, but you can go homemade if you’re feeling extra.
- Powdered sugar (for glaze): Whips up into a sweet, simple icing (totally optional, but a drizzle always looks pretty).
- Milk (for glaze): Thins out the glaze for easy drizzling.
- Almond extract (for glaze): Mirrors the filling’s flavor, tying everything together.
How to Make Sweet Cherry Pie Bars
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. While it’s warming up, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with your favorite method—cooking spray, butter, or parchment. This simple step will make sure your Sweet Cherry Pie Bars come out perfectly, with golden, crisp edges (and no sticking!).
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light, fluffy, and pale. This might take 2-3 minutes with a mixer—but don’t skimp! This step creates the foundation for a melt-in-your-mouth texture and helps the bars rise just right.
Step 3: Add the Eggs and Flavorings
Beat in eggs one at a time, making sure each one is fully mixed before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla and almond extracts. You’ll be able to smell those almond-cherry notes already, and it only gets better from here!
Step 4: Mix in the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to your creamed mixture. Go slow—this keeps the dough tender. Once everything’s incorporated, stop mixing so your bars stay soft and delicate.
Step 5: Assemble the Bars
Spread about two-thirds of your luscious batter into the greased baking dish. It doesn’t have to be perfect—just an even layer. Now, spoon the cherry pie filling over the batter, making sure every corner gets some cherry love. Drop spoonfuls of the remaining batter over the top. The cherries will peek through, which bakes up beautifully rustic.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pop the pan on the center rack and bake for 35–40 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the top is lightly golden and a toothpick in the center comes out clean (a little cherry is fine, just no batter). Your kitchen will smell like pure dessert heaven.
Step 7: Cool and Glaze
Let your Sweet Cherry Pie Bars cool completely in the pan—this helps them slice up neatly. For the optional glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract until smooth and pourable. Drizzle all over the cooled bars. Slice, serve, and bask in the compliments!
How to Serve Sweet Cherry Pie Bars
Garnishes
A sprinkle of powdered sugar is always a pretty touch, or go the extra mile with a dollop of whipped cream or a few fresh cherries on top. The glossy white almond glaze is classic, but a light dusting of grated lemon zest adds brightness too.
Side Dishes
Pair these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert perfection, or serve with fresh fruit like sliced peaches or strawberries. For a special brunch, they go great alongside Greek yogurt and strong coffee.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, cut your Sweet Cherry Pie Bars into bite-sized squares and arrange them on a platter. Wrap them individually for lunchbox treats, or stack them between pieces of wax paper and tie with string for an old-fashioned bakery look.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your Sweet Cherry Pie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If your kitchen is particularly warm, pop them in the fridge—they’ll keep their texture and won’t dry out.
Freezing
These bars freeze brilliantly. Lay them out in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll last up to 2 months—just thaw (uncovered) at room temperature for about an hour before enjoying.
Reheating
For that fresh-from-the-oven feel, microwave each bar for about 10–12 seconds or tuck them into a low oven (300°F) for a few minutes. If glazed, reheat gently so the icing doesn’t melt away.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cherry pie filling?
Absolutely! Homemade filling gives a fresher, slightly less sweet flavor and lets you adjust the tartness. Just aim for the same consistency as store-bought to keep the layers holding together.
What if I don’t have almond extract?
No problem! While almond extract is classic in Sweet Cherry Pie Bars, you can omit it or swap in a touch more vanilla. The bars will still taste amazing, just with a little less almond bakery vibe.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Use your favorite all-purpose gluten-free flour blend in place of regular flour. The bars come out just as delicious—no one will guess they’re gluten-free.
How do I cut neat bars?
Cool the bars completely before cutting, and use a sharp, thin knife. Wiping the knife between cuts helps too. If you want tidy, bakery-style edges, refrigerate the pan for an hour before slicing.
Can I use a different fruit filling?
Definitely! While cherry is the star here, blueberry, raspberry, or even apple pie filling works wonderfully in this recipe. Mix and match for your perfect fruity bar.
Final Thoughts
There’s something endlessly charming about Sweet Cherry Pie Bars—simple to make, always impressive, and full of that old-fashioned bakery flavor we all crave. If you’re in need of a new go-to treat, let these bars work their magic. Bake a batch, share with friends, and watch them disappear!
Print
Sweet Cherry Pie Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 20 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Sweet Cherry Pie Bars are a delightful treat that combines the flavors of cherry pie with the convenience of a bar dessert. With a buttery base, a layer of cherry pie filling, and a sweet glaze, these bars are perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Bars:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp almond extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 (21 oz) can cherry pie filling
For the Glaze (Optional):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp milk
- 1/4 tsp almond extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare baking dish: Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs and extracts: Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla and almond extracts.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk flour and salt together, then gradually add to wet mixture.
- Layer batter and cherry filling: Spread most of the batter in the dish, top with cherry filling, then spoon remaining batter on top.
- Bake: Bake for 35–40 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Make glaze: Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract for glaze.
- Drizzle and serve: Drizzle glaze over cooled bars, then slice and enjoy!
Notes
- For fresher taste, consider using homemade cherry pie filling.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 19g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
