Easy Cherry Pie Bars Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that feels like a warm hug in every bite, trust me, you’re going to fall in love with my Easy Cherry Pie Bars. These bars capture all the delightful flavors of a classic cherry pie but in a fun, handheld form that’s perfect for sharing (or not, I won’t judge!). With a buttery crust, a luscious cherry filling, and a sweet almond glaze on top, these bars are as charming as they are delicious. Whether it’s for a casual family get-together or a special occasion, these Easy Cherry Pie Bars bring joy to your kitchen and smiles all around the table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting started on the perfect cherry pie bars is all about choosing simple, everyday ingredients that work harmoniously to create a treat bursting with flavor, texture, and beautiful color. Each item plays an essential role, giving you that tender crumb, the rich cherry filling, or the irresistible glaze finish.

• 1 cup softened butter: This gives the bars their buttery, tender crust that holds everything together beautifully.
• 1 cup sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness without overpowering the natural tang of the cherries.
• 2 large eggs, room temperature: Eggs help bind the dough while adding richness and moisture.
• 1 tsp almond extract: Brings a subtle, nutty aroma that perfectly complements the cherry flavor.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile of the dough.
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The structure behind the bars, providing a sturdy yet tender base.
• ½ tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
• 1 (21 oz) can premium cherry pie filling: The star of the show — juicy, sweet cherries that make every bite delightful.
• For glaze: 1 cup confectioners’ sugar, 1 tsp almond extract, ½ tsp vanilla, milk as needed – for that irresistible drizzle on top.

How to Make Easy Cherry Pie Bars

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Mix the Base

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your bars bake evenly. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy—this is where the magic begins, setting the stage for a tender crust. Then, beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the almond and vanilla extracts to infuse every bite with that wonderful aroma you know and love.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients and Form Dough

Next, mix the all-purpose flour with the salt in a separate bowl. Gradually add this to your wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. The dough will be soft but manageable—a key to achieving those perfectly textured bars. Press half of this dough firmly into the bottom of your greased baking pan, forming an even, sturdy base layer that will hold the cherry filling beautifully.

Step 3: Add the Cherry Pie Filling

Now comes the fun part: spooning that luscious cherry pie filling evenly over the dough layer. Spread it out carefully to cover every inch, making sure that sweet cherry goodness will be in every bite later on.

Step 4: Top with Remaining Dough

With the remaining dough, dollop spoonfuls gently on top of the cherry filling. Don’t worry if it’s not perfectly smooth—those little breaks create a lovely look and allow some cherry peeks to show through, adding rustic charm to your bars.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake the bars in your preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cherry filling is bubbly. Once baked, let your bars cool completely in the pan—this makes slicing a breeze and ensures the filling sets nicely.

Step 6: Drizzle with Almond Vanilla Glaze

Whisk together confectioners’ sugar, almond extract, vanilla, and enough milk to create a smooth, pourable glaze. Drizzle this over the cooled bars for a sweet, glossy finish that perfectly balances the tart cherries and buttery crust.

How to Serve Easy Cherry Pie Bars

Garnishes

To make your Easy Cherry Pie Bars look as delightful as they taste, try sprinkling some slivered almonds on top of the glaze or a light dusting of powdered sugar. Fresh mint leaves offer a pop of green and a refreshing aroma that perfectly complements the almond and cherry notes.

Side Dishes

These bars shine on their own, but if you want to turn them into a celebration, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The creamy coldness balances the sweetness and adds a luxurious touch to each bite.

Creative Ways to Present

Presenting Easy Cherry Pie Bars as mini bite-sized squares on a pretty platter makes them irresistible at any gathering. You can also layer them in a glass trifle dish with whipped cream and fresh cherries for a show-stopping dessert that will impress every guest.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Easy Cherry Pie Bars keep surprisingly well! Store what’s left in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate for up to five days. The flavors marry beautifully as the bars rest, so they almost taste better the next day.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They freeze well for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge for the best texture.

Reheating

To bring your bars back to life, gently warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the crust crisp and the glaze intact.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned pie filling?

Absolutely! You can make your own cherry filling with fresh or frozen cherries, sugar, and a thickener like cornstarch. Just cook it down until it resembles a thick sauce before spreading it on the bars.

What pan size should I use for this recipe?

A 9×13 inch baking pan works perfectly for Easy Cherry Pie Bars, allowing enough room for the layers to bake evenly and yield perfect squares when cutting.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Just check that your baking blend contains xanthan gum or another binder to ensure the structure holds together nicely.

How long do these bars keep their freshness?

Stored properly in an airtight container, your Easy Cherry Pie Bars will stay fresh for about 5 days in the fridge, making them great for prepping ahead or enjoying throughout the week.

Is there a vegan version of this recipe?

To make these bars vegan, replace butter with a plant-based margarine and use flax eggs (flaxseed mixed with water) instead of eggs. Keep in mind the texture might be slightly different, but still delicious!

Final Thoughts

Now that you know how to make these irresistibly delicious Easy Cherry Pie Bars, I encourage you to roll up your sleeves and give this recipe a try. They’re simple, satisfying, and bound to become a family favorite in no time. There’s something so special about enjoying dessert that’s homemade with love, and these bars deliver that feeling every time. Happy baking!

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