If you’ve ever wished you could have all the delightful flavors of cherry pie in a convenient, portable treat, then this Cherry Pie Bars Recipe is about to become your new best friend. Bursting with bright, tart cherry pie filling, nestled between a buttery, crumbly crust and a golden crumble topping, these bars offer the perfect balance of sweet and tart with every bite. To top it all off, a smooth, luscious glaze drizzled on top adds a final touch of elegance and a whisper of extra sweetness. Whether you’re serving up dessert at a family gathering or simply craving a homemade treat, these cherry pie bars deliver that classic pie flavor with none of the fuss, making them irresistible for all occasions.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a clean layout of baking ingredients on a white marbled surface. There are eleven containers arranged neatly: a large white bowl filled with flour at the bottom left, a small clear bowl with a white egg placed above it, two small bowls with clear liquids above and to the right of the egg, a small bowl with a brown powder to the right, and a can of cherries in syrup with bright red fruit floating in dark liquid at the top right. Below, there is a small bowl with white milk, a smaller white bowl filled with powdered sugar next to two sticks of butter in paper wrapping to the far right, and two very small bowls with salt and baking powder near the center. The image captures the ingredients in bright, natural light on a flat white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering simple, pantry-friendly ingredients is the first step to creating these mouthwatering Cherry Pie Bars Recipe. Each component plays a crucial role, from the tender crust that provides structure to the luscious cherry filling and the sweet glaze that seals the deal with a silky finish.

3 cups all-purpose flour: This is the base that creates the perfect crumbly crust and topping.
1 cup granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness and helps the crust brown beautifully.
1 teaspoon baking powder: Gives a light lift to the crust and crumble topping for a softer texture.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon: A subtle warmth that complements the cherry filling brilliantly.
1 cup butter, cut into cubes: The star of the crust and crumble, bringing richness and flaky delight.
1 large egg, beaten: Binds the crust ingredients together without weighing it down.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a cozy, aromatic depth to the dough.
1/4 teaspoon almond extract: A perfect hint of nuttiness that pairs beautifully with cherry flavors.
21 ounces cherry pie filling: The luscious, tangy centerpiece that fills these bars with vibrant flavor.
For the glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons milk, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/4 teaspoon almond extract—these create a silky, sweet finish that brightens every bite.

How to Make Cherry Pie Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and lining a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Make sure the parchment hangs over the longer sides to help you lift the bars out easily later. This simple setup sets the stage for perfectly baked bars without sticking or mess.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients and Cut in the Butter

In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Then, cut the cold butter into this mixture until it looks like coarse crumbs. This step is key because the cold butter creates that ideal crumbly texture in both the crust and topping. Using your fingers or a pastry blender here makes all the difference for achieving that flaky finish you want.

Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients and Form the Dough

Stir in the beaten egg, vanilla, and almond extract using a fork. The dough will still be crumbly—not smooth—because you want to maintain those lumps of butter for tenderness. This crumbly dough is what will transform into both a sturdy base and a delightful crumble topping.

Step 4: Press the Crust into the Pan and Partially Bake

Press just over half of the crumb mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Baking it for 10 to 12 minutes until it turns lightly golden and is no longer shiny sets a firm but tender foundation for your cherry filling. The partial bake ensures it doesn’t get soggy later.

Step 5: Spread the Cherry Filling and Add the Topping

Spoon the entire 21-ounce cherry pie filling evenly over the warm crust, smoothing it gently so it’s level. Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the top, and if you like, press some crumbs together to create bigger clumps—this variation makes the topping even more interesting with a lovely mix of textures.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Bubbling

Return the pan to the oven and bake for about 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the topping turns a beautiful golden color and the cherry filling bubbles invitingly around the edges. This bubbling is a yummy sign that all those flavors are melding beautifully.

Step 7: Cool and Drizzle with Glaze

Once your bars are out of the oven, transfer the pan to a wire rack to cool completely. While cooling, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and almond extracts until smooth for the glaze. Drizzle this over the cooled bars and let it set. This glaze adds a lovely sweetness and a glossy finishing touch that makes these bars truly irresistible.

Step 8: Slice and Enjoy!

Using the parchment paper lifts, carefully remove the bars from the pan. Slice into 15 to 18 generous squares, and get ready to enjoy a bite of pure, cherry-filled happiness.

How to Serve Cherry Pie Bars Recipe

A rectangular cherry crumble bar sits in a white baking pan lined with parchment paper that folds over the edges. The bar has three visible layers: the bottom layer is a golden brown crust, the middle layer is a deep red cherry filling with whole cherries, and the top layer is a crumbly golden topping scattered unevenly. White icing is drizzled wildly across the surface, adding a glossy contrast. The pan rests on a white marbled surface with a beige and white striped cloth next to it, and a stack of two white plates with two forks on top is placed nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an extra pop of beauty and flavor, consider a light dusting of powdered sugar or a few fresh cherries on top. A sprinkle of toasted sliced almonds can add a delightful crunch and nutty note that complements the almond extract in the bars.

Side Dishes

Cherry pie bars are fantastic on their own, but pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream elevates the treat to dessert perfection. Fresh berries or a cup of hot coffee or tea make lovely accompaniments, creating a cozy and inviting snack or dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving these at a party, arrange your Cherry Pie Bars Recipe squares on a pretty platter lined with parchment or lace doilies. Drizzle extra glaze artistically or sprinkle with edible flowers for a sophisticated look. You can also cut them into bite-sized pieces and serve on toothpicks for easy, mess-free entertaining.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your cherry pie bars fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 to 3 days. If your kitchen is warm, it’s better to refrigerate them. The bars maintain their wonderful texture and flavor well, making for delicious leftovers.

Freezing

These bars freeze beautifully! Wrap the whole slab tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or freeze individual slices in airtight containers or freezer bags. Frozen, they stay tasty for up to 3 months and thaw quickly at room temperature.

Reheating

For warm, comforting bites after refrigeration or freezing, heat individual bars in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds. If you want to reheat a larger portion, use a low oven setting to gently warm without drying out the crumb topping or melting the glaze.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned pie filling?

Absolutely! When using fresh cherries, you’ll want to cook them down slightly with sugar and a thickener like cornstarch to mimic that luscious pie filling consistency. This will give you the fresh cherry flavor with the right texture for the bars.

Is it possible to make these bars gluten-free?

Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that is suitable for baking. Just make sure it includes xanthan gum or a similar binder to keep the crumb structure intact.

How long do the glaze and almond extract flavors last?

The lovely almond extract and vanilla flavors in the glaze and dough are best enjoyed fresh, but they remain noticeable and pleasant for a few days after baking. Avoid storing bars for too long to keep those lovely aromatic notes vibrant.

Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?

Definitely. This Cherry Pie Bars Recipe scales well. Just use two 9×13 pans or a larger baking dish and adjust baking times if needed. Keep an eye on the bars to ensure they bake evenly without overbrowning.

What’s the best way to get clean cuts when slicing bars?

Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry before each cut. This helps slice through the glaze and crumb topping smoothly without dragging or tearing, giving you those perfect picture-worthy squares.

Final Thoughts

This Cherry Pie Bars Recipe is an absolute game-changer for anyone who loves the classic comfort of cherry pie but craves a quicker, simpler way to enjoy it. With its buttery crust, tangy cherry filling, and irresistible glaze, this treat brings warmth and smiles every time. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a new favorite for your family and friends!