If you’re anything like me, you know there’s nothing quite as comforting or as downright irresistible as a good old-fashioned sweet treat packed with fresh fruit. This Cherry Pie Bars Recipe takes the classic charm of cherry pie and transforms it into an easy, grab-and-go dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Golden, buttery crust under a luscious, tangy cherry filling topped with a sweet crumble and finished off with a smooth vanilla glaze—these bars are as vibrant in flavor as they are in color. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, these cherry pie bars will quickly become one of your favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll find that this Cherry Pie Bars Recipe calls for simple, staple ingredients that you might already have in your pantry or fridge. Each one plays a key role in balancing flavor, texture, and that gorgeous appearance these bars are known for.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted: This provides a rich, tender base that holds the crust together and adds moistness.
- 1 cup granulated sugar (for crust): Adds sweetness and helps to create that perfect golden crust.
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar: Gives a deeper, caramel-like undertone to the crust.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses the dough with warm, sweet notes.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: Essential for structure and texture in the crust and topping.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweetness.
- 4 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted: The star ingredient, bursting with juicy, tart flavor.
- 1 cup granulated sugar (for filling): Sweetens the cherry filling to perfection.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch: Thickens the cherry filling so it holds its shape beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Adds brightness and highlights the cherries’ natural tartness.
- 1 teaspoon almond extract: Elevates the cherry flavor with a subtle nutty aroma.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: For the glaze, giving a delicate sweetness and pretty finish.
- 2-3 tablespoons milk: Adjusts glaze consistency for drizzling.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds depth to the glaze’s flavor.
How to Make Cherry Pie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Preparing Your Baking Pan and Crust
Start by preheating the oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, making sure to leave enough overhang on the sides so you can easily lift the bars out after baking. This little step saves cleanup time and helps keep those bars intact. Next, mix together the melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract in a large bowl. Add in the flour and salt and stir until it forms a thick dough. Reserve one cup of this dough for the crumbly topping, and firmly press the rest into the bottom of your pan for the crust layer. This crust will bake up buttery and golden—a perfect foundation for all that cherry goodness.
Step 2: Making the Cherry Filling
In a medium bowl, combine your pitted cherries with granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and almond extract. Stir everything well so the cherries are evenly coated with sweetness, thickener, and that lovely hint of almond. This filling is where the magic happens—juicy, slightly tart cherries with a syrupy consistency that will complement the buttery crust marvelously.
Step 3: Assembling and Baking
Spread the cherry filling evenly over the crust you pressed into your pan. Don’t be shy, making sure to cover every inch so that each bar gets plenty of that bright cherry flavor. Then crumble the reserved dough over the cherry layer, creating a rustic, crumbly topping that will turn golden and crunchy in the oven. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes. Keep an eye on the top—once it’s lightly golden and the cherry filling is bubbling, you’re good to go. If the topping starts to brown too quickly, a loose tent of aluminum foil will protect it while the filling cooks through.
Step 4: Cooling and Glazing
After baking, let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This cooling period is crucial—otherwise, the filling can be messy when slicing. Once cool, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to create a smooth glaze. Drizzle it beautifully over the bars before cutting them into squares. This sweet glaze adds a lovely finishing touch, giving you a perfect balance of flavors with every bite.
How to Serve Cherry Pie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
To dress up your cherry pie bars, consider sprinkling a light dusting of powdered sugar or adding a few fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and freshness. If you want to indulge further, a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side really elevates this treat into a dessert to remember.
Side Dishes
While these bars are delicious on their own, pairing them with a simple cup of tea or coffee can be delightful. For a brunch spread, serve alongside yogurt and fresh fruit for a balanced contrast of textures and flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re taking these bars to a party, arrange them on a decorative tray lined with doilies or rustic parchment paper. You might also cut them into bite-sized mini bars for easy serving, perfect for mingling guests. Drizzle extra glaze or even a light chocolate sauce for a fun twist that guests will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover cherry pie bars keep beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. After that, it’s best to store them in the fridge where they’ll last for about a week while retaining their freshness and texture.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze these bars! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container or bag. They freeze well for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheating
If you prefer your cherry bars warm, reheat individual portions for about 15 to 20 seconds in the microwave, or pop them in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes. This will refresh the flaky crust and warm the filling without drying out the bars.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cherries for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen cherries work wonderfully in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess juice before mixing so your filling isn’t too watery.
Is it possible to make these bars gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking flour blend of equal measure. Just be sure the blend contains xanthan gum for proper structure.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
You can prepare the dough a day ahead and refrigerate it in an airtight container. This can actually help the flavors develop more deeply, making the bars even better!
What if I don’t have almond extract?
If almond extract is not on hand, you can omit it or substitute with an equal amount of vanilla extract, but the almond adds a lovely complementary note to the cherries.
How do I cut the bars neatly?
Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts. Cutting the bars when they are fully cooled and the glaze is set will ensure clean, perfect squares every time.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something so heartwarming about a dessert that’s packed with flavor, simple to make, and perfect for sharing. This Cherry Pie Bars Recipe blends all those qualities into one fantastic treat that’s sure to bring smiles and maybe even requests for seconds. So don’t wait—grab those cherries and start baking today. You’re going to fall in love with every single bite.
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Cherry Pie Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Cherry Pie Bars feature a buttery crust layered with a sweet and tangy cherry filling, topped with a crumbly dough and a smooth vanilla glaze. This dessert combines the classic flavors of cherry pie in an easy-to-serve bar format, perfect for gatherings or a delightful treat any time.
Ingredients
Crust and Topping
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Cherry Filling
- 4 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, making sure there is enough overhang on the sides to easily lift out the finished bars.
- Make Dough: In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Add the flour and salt, mixing until a thick dough forms. Take out 1 cup of this dough and set it aside for the topping. Press the remaining dough evenly into the prepared baking pan to create the crust.
- Prepare Cherry Filling: In a medium bowl, mix the cherries with granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and almond extract until the cherries are evenly coated.
- Assemble Bars: Spread the cherry filling evenly over the crust in the baking pan. Then crumble the reserved dough over the top of the cherry layer to form the topping.
- Bake: Bake the bars for 45-55 minutes until the top is lightly golden and the cherry filling is bubbling. If the top begins to brown too quickly, cover loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
- Cool and Glaze: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to make the glaze. Drizzle this glaze over the bars before cutting them into 16 squares for serving.
Notes
- Use fresh cherries in season for the best flavor, but frozen cherries work well too; just be sure to thaw and drain them if very watery.
- For a nuttier twist, add chopped almonds or pecans to the topping crumble.
- Adjust the glaze consistency by adding more milk for a thinner drizzle or less for a thicker one.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
