If you’re looking for a vibrant, crowd-pleasing dessert that’s quick to prepare and bursting with cherry flavor, look no further than this Easy Cherry Pie Bars Recipe Delight. With a tender, buttery crust and a sweet-tart cherry filling, these bars deliver all the taste of a classic cherry pie — without the fuss of rolling out dough or crimping crusts.
Ideal for potlucks, bake sales, family celebrations, or just a mid-week treat, these bars are beautiful, sliceable, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you use store-bought cherry pie filling or make your own, the result is always a nostalgic, homemade dessert that brings joy with every bite.
What Are Cherry Pie Bars?
Cherry pie bars are a simplified version of the classic cherry pie, baked in a sheet pan or baking dish, and cut into squares or rectangles. They feature a soft, buttery base layer, a fruity cherry filling, and a golden crumble topping — essentially combining the best of pies and cookie bars in one irresistible dessert.
These bars are the perfect blend of ease and elegance, making them a favorite across generations.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No rolling or chilling dough
- Quick prep and bake — ready in under an hour
- Beautiful presentation with minimal effort
- Perfect balance of sweet and tart
- Great make-ahead dessert for any occasion
- Easy to cut and serve — ideal for crowds
Key Ingredients for Cherry Pie Bars
| Ingredient | Amount | Purpose |
| All-purpose flour | 2¼ cups | Forms the base and topping dough |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup | Sweetens the dough |
| Salt | ½ tsp | Balances sweetness |
| Unsalted butter | 1 cup (softened) | Adds richness and moisture |
| Eggs | 3 large | Binds the dough, adds structure |
| Vanilla extract | 1½ tsp | Adds warmth and depth of flavor |
| Cherry pie filling | 1 can (21 oz) | The star ingredient — rich, juicy cherry layer |
| Almond extract (optional) | ¼ tsp | Enhances cherry flavor with nutty notes |
| Powdered sugar (for glaze) | ½ cup | Sweet topping drizzle (optional) |
| Milk or cream | 1–2 tbsp | To thin the glaze if desired |
How to Make Easy Cherry Pie Bars
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Make the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract and optional almond extract.
Gradually mix in the flour and salt until a thick, smooth dough forms.
Step 3: Assemble the Layers
Spread two-thirds of the dough into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, smoothing it evenly.
Spoon the cherry pie filling over the dough, spreading it out but leaving a small border around the edges.
Drop small spoonfuls of the remaining dough over the cherry filling — they don’t have to cover it completely, as some cherry peeking through adds visual appeal.
Step 4: Bake
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden and set. A toothpick inserted in the crust (not the cherry filling) should come out clean.
Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
Step 5: Optional Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and milk or cream until smooth. Drizzle over cooled bars for an added sweet finish.
Pro Tips for Perfect Cherry Pie Bars
- Use real butter for best flavor and texture — margarine won’t yield the same results.
- Don’t overbake — the edges should be golden, but the center should remain soft.
- Try homemade cherry filling if you want more control over sweetness and tartness.
- Use parchment paper for easy lifting and cleaner cuts.
- Chill before slicing if you want sharp, bakery-style edges.
Variations to Try
- Berry Mix Bars – Swap cherry filling for mixed berry or raspberry
- Chocolate Cherry Bars – Add mini chocolate chips to the dough
- Coconut Cherry Bars – Sprinkle shredded coconut on top before baking
- Cherry Cheesecake Bars – Spread a layer of sweetened cream cheese under the cherry filling
- Gluten-Free Option – Use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour substitute
Storage and Serving
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Refrigerator: Keeps fresh for up to 5 days
- Freezer: Freeze in a single layer, then stack between wax paper in a container for up to 2 months
To serve, enjoy at room temperature or slightly warmed with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Perfect For:
- Potlucks and bake sales
- Family brunches
- Baby showers and picnics
- Valentine’s Day or Fourth of July
- Gifting to friends or neighbors
These Easy Cherry Pie Bars offer big rewards with very little effort — the kind of dessert that disappears fast and gets requested again and again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use homemade cherry filling?
Yes. A quick cherry compote with cornstarch, sugar, and fresh or frozen cherries works beautifully.
Can I use other pie fillings?
Absolutely. Apple, blueberry, lemon, or peach fillings are all great options.
What size pan should I use if I want thicker bars?
Try using a smaller pan (like 8×11) and extend the baking time by 5–10 minutes.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, for a larger crowd, simply double and bake in a sheet pan. Watch bake time closely.
Final Thoughts
These Easy Cherry Pie Bars bring together everything you love about cherry pie in a fun, fuss-free dessert bar. Buttery, fruity, and delightfully chewy, they’re perfect for any occasion — or no occasion at all.
With their quick prep, beautiful presentation, and homemade flavor, they’ll quickly become a go-to recipe in your baking collection. Make them once, and your family will ask for them again and again.
Hi! I’m Jane Austen, blending timeless wit with modern flair on mvibro.com, creating refined responses and charming comebacks for every occasion.