Cherry Pie Bars

Sweet, buttery, and bursting with cherry pie flavor, these Cherry Pie Bars are a dessert lover’s dream. They take all the goodness of a classic cherry pie—sweet-tart filling, tender crust, and a hint of almond—and turn it into an easy-to-make bar that’s perfect for sharing. Whether you’re baking for a picnic, holiday, or just a cozy night in, these bars are a guaranteed hit.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Easy to Make – No rolling pins or pie crust skills needed.
Perfectly Portable – Great for potlucks, bake sales, and parties.
All the Flavors of Cherry Pie – Sweet, fruity, and comforting.
Beautiful for Any Occasion – Glazed and golden, they look as good as they taste.
Freezer-Friendly – Make ahead and store for future cravings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Dough:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1¾ cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp almond extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt

For the Filling:
1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling (use premium or homemade if you prefer)

For the Glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tbsp milk (plus more as needed)
¼ tsp almond extract (optional, for a classic flavor twist)

Tools You’ll Need
9×13-inch baking dish
Mixing bowls
Electric mixer or hand whisk
Spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Cooling rack

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Lightly grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Make the Dough
In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Mix in vanilla and almond extracts.
Gradually stir in flour and salt until a soft dough forms.

Step 3: Assemble the Bars
Spread about two-thirds of the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.
Pour cherry pie filling over the dough and spread to cover the entire surface.
Drop small spoonfuls of the remaining dough over the top of the cherry filling. The dough will spread and bake into a beautiful, golden topping.

Step 4: Bake the Bars
Bake for 35–40 minutes or until the top is lightly golden and the cherry filling is bubbly around the edges.
Let bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before glazing.

Step 5: Make the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract (if using) until smooth and pourable.
Drizzle the glaze evenly over the cooled bars.

Step 6: Slice & Serve
Once the glaze has set, slice into bars and serve.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container.

Tips for the Best Cherry Pie Bars
Don’t Overbake – Remove once the top is golden and set.
Use Real Butter – For a rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Add Almond Slices – Sprinkle sliced almonds on top before baking for extra crunch.
Chill Before Slicing – Makes cleaner cuts and easier serving.
Make It Yours – Swap cherry for blueberry, apple, or raspberry filling.

Serving Suggestions
With Coffee or Tea – A sweet complement to your morning cup.
Topped with Ice Cream – Vanilla or almond ice cream pairs beautifully.
Dressed for Dessert – Add a dollop of whipped cream or drizzle of melted chocolate.
For Brunch – These bars make a festive addition to brunch spreads.
Gift-Worthy – Wrap them up in parchment and twine for homemade gifts.

How to Store & Freeze

Storing:
Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Refrigerate: For longer freshness, refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Freezing:
Freeze individual bars or the entire pan (un-sliced) for up to 2 months.
Wrap tightly in plastic and foil, then thaw at room temperature before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use homemade cherry pie filling?
   Absolutely! Use about 2 cups of your favorite homemade filling.
2. Can I make these gluten-free?
   Yes, substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
3. What other fillings can I use?
   Try blueberry, strawberry, peach, or even apple pie filling for a seasonal twist.
4. Can I reduce the sugar?
   You can cut back slightly on the sugar in the dough and glaze, but the bars may be less golden and sweet.
5. Do these bars need to be refrigerated?
   Not immediately, but refrigeration helps them last longer and keeps the glaze firm.

Final Thoughts
Cherry Pie Bars are the ultimate easy dessert that delivers the nostalgic flavor of cherry pie with none of the hassle. The buttery crust, vibrant cherry filling, and sweet glaze come together for a treat that’s both beautiful and delicious. Whether you’re baking for a party or just treating yourself, these bars will hit the spot every time.

Try them out, and don’t forget to tag your creations or leave a review. I’d love to see how your Cherry Pie Bars turn out!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Bar – yields 24):
Calories: 220 | Protein: 2g | Carbohydrates: 30g | Fat: 10g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 95mg

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