Easy Cherry Pie Bars: A Simple Cherry Dessert to Savor Recipe

Introduction

These easy cherry pie bars are a delightful and simple dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With a buttery crust and sweet cherry filling, they’re a crowd-pleaser that even beginners can make with confidence. Enjoy these bars fresh or paired with a refreshing side like cherry sorbet for a complete treat.

Ingredients

• 1 cup softened butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 tsp almond extract
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 (21 oz) can premium cherry pie filling
• For glaze: 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
• 1 tsp almond extract (for glaze)
• ½ tsp vanilla extract (for glaze)
• Milk as needed (for glaze)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 15x10x1-inch baking pan by lightly greasing it.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Then, add the eggs, almond extract, and vanilla extract, mixing well to combine.
3. Step 3: Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour and salt until a dough forms. Reserve half of the dough for the topping.
4. Step 4: Press half of the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form a crust.
5. Step 5: Spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the crust layer.
6. Step 6: Dollop the remaining dough over the cherry filling in small pieces, gently pressing them down slightly but leaving some gaps.
7. Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.
8. Step 8: To make the glaze, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar, almond extract, vanilla extract, and enough milk to reach a drizzleable consistency. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a nutty touch, sprinkle sliced almonds on top before baking.
• Use fresh or frozen cherries with a homemade cherry filling for a natural flavor boost.
• Swap almond extract for lemon zest to add a bright citrus note.
• The glaze can be omitted or replaced with a simple dusting of powdered sugar.

Storage

Store cherry pie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. Reheat individual bars in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to enjoy them warm, or serve chilled for a firmer texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pie filling?

Yes, you can substitute cherry pie filling with other fruit fillings like blueberry, apple, or raspberry to suit your taste preferences.

What pan size should I use?

A 15x10x1-inch baking pan is ideal for these bars to ensure even baking and proper thickness. Using a different size may affect baking time and texture.

Easy Cherry Pie Bars: A Simple Cherry Dessert to Savor Recipe

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4.7 from 54 reviews

Easy Cherry Pie Bars are a simple, delicious dessert perfect for any occasion. With a buttery crust, sweet cherry filling, and a delicate almond-vanilla glaze, these bars combine the best flavors of a traditional cherry pie in an easy-to-make bar form. Ideal for potlucks, holiday celebrations, or anytime you crave a sweet treat, these bars require no advanced baking skills but deliver bakery-quality results.

• Author: Clara
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 16 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Bars:

• 1 cup softened butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 tsp almond extract
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 (21 oz) can premium cherry pie filling

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
• 1 tsp almond extract
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• Milk as needed (to thin glaze)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the bars evenly.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating the base for the dough.
3. Add Eggs and Extracts: Beat in the eggs one at a time followed by the almond and vanilla extracts, mixing thoroughly to incorporate all the flavors uniformly.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt into the wet mixture, mixing gently until just combined to form a soft dough.
5. Prepare the Base Layer: Press half of the dough evenly into the bottom of a greased 15x10x1-inch baking pan, creating a smooth, even layer as the crust.
6. Add Cherry Filling: Spread the premium cherry pie filling evenly over the pressed dough in the pan, making sure to cover the entire surface.
7. Add Top Layer of Dough: Dollop the remaining half of the dough over the cherry filling in small spoonfuls, allowing it to partially cover the filling with an uneven, rustic look.
8. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Remove and let cool completely.
9. Prepare the Glaze: While cooling, mix confectioners’ sugar with almond extract, vanilla extract, and just enough milk to achieve a drizzleable consistency.
10. Glaze and Serve: Once the bars are cool, drizzle the glaze evenly over the top. Cut into bars and serve as a delightful cherry dessert.

Notes

• These cherry pie bars are beginner-friendly and great for potlucks, holiday celebrations, or as an everyday sweet treat.
• No fancy techniques are required, making them perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Pair with a refreshing dessert like fresh cherry sorbet for a delightful cherry-themed dessert experience.
• For more dessert inspiration, check out other sweet and simple recipes on our Pinterest profile.

Keywords: cherry pie bars, cherry dessert, easy cherry bars, cherry pie filling dessert, baked cherry bars, simple cherry dessert