Cherry Pie Bars Recipe
If you love the classic charm of cherry pie but crave something a bit more portable and snack-friendly, this Cherry Pie Bars Recipe is about to become your new favorite sweet treat. Bursting with vibrant cherry filling nestled between layers of buttery, tender crust, these bars deliver all the joy of a homemade pie in a convenient, easy-to-share form. Imagine that perfect balance of sweet and tart cherries combined with a golden crumbly topping that melts in your mouth—this recipe captures it all effortlessly.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Cherry Pie Bars Recipe plays a crucial role in creating the perfect texture and flavor harmony. From the richness of the butter to the tart sweetness of the cherry pie filling, these simple pantry staples come together beautifully.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened): Provides a rich, tender crumb and helps bind the bars together.
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the bars and contributes to a slight caramelization on top.
- 4 large eggs: Give structure and moisture to the batter.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a warm, inviting aroma and depth of flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract: Enhances the cherry flavor with a subtle nutty note.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the base of the bar’s tender crumb.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the bars rise slightly for a light texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all flavors.
- 1 (21-ounce) can cherry pie filling: The star of the show—the juicy, sweet-tart cherries make these bars irresistible.
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional): Adds a delicate finishing touch and a hint of extra sweetness.
How to Make Cherry Pie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Cream
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing or lining a 9-by-13-inch baking pan with parchment paper—this ensures your bars come out cleanly. Then, in a large bowl, cream the softened butter with granulated sugar until your mixture turns light and fluffy, which takes about 3 to 5 minutes. This step is essential for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 2: Add Eggs and Extracts
Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. This careful addition helps maintain a smooth batter. Then stir in the vanilla and almond extracts—their combined aroma will start filling your kitchen with sweet anticipation.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisking helps to evenly distribute the leavening agent and salt, ensuring every bite has the perfect balance. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing gently until everything is just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep your bars tender.
Step 4: Assemble the Bars
Spread about two-thirds of your batter evenly into the prepared pan—this layer will become the base. Spoon the cherry pie filling over the batter, smoothing it out gently so those gorgeous cherries are evenly distributed. Finish by dropping spoonfuls of the remaining batter over the cherries—it’s okay if it doesn’t completely cover the filling, as that creates a rustic, inviting look once baked.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake your creation for 35 to 40 minutes, until the top is lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The aroma of buttery crust and cherries will tell you you’re close! Once baked, allow the bars to cool completely in the pan—this resting time helps them set, making slicing much easier and prettier.
How to Serve Cherry Pie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar adds elegance and a gentle sweetness without overpowering the cherry filling. For extra flair, consider a drizzle of vanilla glaze or even a dollop of whipped cream on each bar to elevate this charming treat into a dessert that wows your guests.
Side Dishes
Serve these cherry pie bars alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea. The creamy richness of ice cream complements the tartness of the cherries beautifully, making it a match made in dessert heaven.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress at a party? Cut the bars into small squares and arrange them on a decorative platter with fresh cherries and mint leaves. Or, layer them in dessert parfaits with whipped cream and crushed nuts for a delightful twist on presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your fresh-baked bars, keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them moist and delicious without drying out, ready for an anytime snack.
Freezing
If you want to make a batch ahead or save extras, these bars freeze beautifully. Wrap individual bars or the entire pan tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Simply thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
To revive the fresh-baked taste, warm individual bars in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes. This warming will bring back that soft, buttery texture and enhance the cherry filling’s aroma.
FAQs
Can I substitute the cherry pie filling with other fruit fillings?
Absolutely! Blueberry, raspberry, or apple pie fillings all make delicious alternatives in this Cherry Pie Bars Recipe, each adding their own unique flavor twist while keeping the core texture intact.
Do I need both vanilla and almond extracts?
Using both extracts creates a more complex, layered flavor—vanilla adds warmth, while almond brings out the cherry’s natural nuttiness. However, if you don’t have almond extract, vanilla alone will still yield tasty results.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that includes xanthan gum for structure. Keep in mind the texture may vary slightly, but the cherry flavor will still shine.
How thick will the bars be?
The bars are about an inch thick once baked, providing a perfect balance of crust to cherry filling in every bite—big enough to be satisfying but easy to handle.
Is it possible to add a glaze on top?
Yes, mix 1/2 cup powdered sugar with 1 to 2 teaspoons of milk to form a simple glaze. Drizzle it over cooled bars for a shiny, sweet finish that complements the cherries beautifully.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly comforting about a homemade dessert that’s both nostalgic and new—and this Cherry Pie Bars Recipe hits that sweet spot beautifully. Whether you’re making them for a family gathering, a potluck, or simply to treat yourself, these bars bring a delightful cherry twist to your baking repertoire. Go ahead and give this recipe a try—you might just find it becomes a beloved staple in your dessert collection!
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Cherry Pie Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cherry Pie Bars combine a buttery cake-like base with a luscious cherry pie filling, creating an easy-to-make dessert perfect for any occasion. With a crisp golden top and sweet cherry center, these bars are delicious, portable, and can be customized with different fruit fillings for variety.
Ingredients
For the Batter
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Filling
- 1 (21-ounce) can cherry pie filling
Optional
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the bars.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step incorporates air to create a tender texture.
- Add Eggs and Extracts: Beat in the eggs one at a time to fully incorporate, then mix in the vanilla and almond extracts for added flavor depth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agent and seasoning.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined to avoid overmixing which can toughen the bars.
- Assemble Layers: Spread about two-thirds of the batter evenly into the prepared pan to form the base layer. Spoon the cherry pie filling over the batter, spreading it evenly. Drop spoonfuls of the remaining batter over the cherries; it will not fully cover the filling but that is desired for texture and appearance.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into 24 bars. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar for an elegant finishing touch before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute cherry pie filling with blueberry, apple, or raspberry pie filling for variety.
- For an added glaze, mix 1/2 cup powdered sugar with 1–2 teaspoons of milk and drizzle over the cooled bars.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
