Irresistible Cherry Pie Bars: All the Flavor of Pie with Half the Effort

 Irresistible Cherry Pie Bars: All the Flavor of Pie with Half the Effort

There’s something timeless and comforting about freshly baked pie, especially when cherries are involved. But let’s be honest—traditional pie-making can feel like a daunting task, especially on busy days. That’s where these Cherry Pie Bars come in. Bursting with luscious cherry flavor, wrapped in a soft, buttery crust, and topped with a sweet vanilla glaze, these bars are every bit as delicious as homemade cherry pie—but with a fraction of the work. Perfect for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or just a cozy family dessert, these easy cherry pie bars will win hearts in just one bite.

---

🛒 Ingredients & Why They Matter

For the Cherry Pie Bars:

1½ cups butter, softened

The foundation of the dough, butter adds richness, moisture, and that signature melt-in-your-mouth texture.

3 cups granulated sugar

This gives the bars their sweetness and helps create a golden crust as it caramelizes during baking.

1½ teaspoons salt

Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of the dough.

5 large eggs

Eggs provide structure and moisture, giving the bars a light, cake-like texture.

1½ teaspoons vanilla extract

Adds a warm, comforting flavor that pairs beautifully with cherries.

1½ teaspoons almond extract

The secret weapon! Almond extract elevates the cherry flavor, giving it that classic pie-shop taste.

5 cups all-purpose flour

The bulk of the dough, flour gives the bars their structure and soft, chewy bite.

1½ teaspoons baking powder

Helps the dough rise slightly for a tender, light texture.

2 cans (21 oz each) cherry pie filling

Sweet, tangy, and vibrant—cherry pie filling brings all the nostalgic pie flavor without any of the fuss.

---

For the Glaze:

1½ cups powdered sugar (confectioners' sugar)

Creates a smooth, sweet drizzle that finishes the bars with a touch of elegance.

2–3 tablespoons milk

Helps achieve the perfect pourable consistency for the glaze.

---

🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep Your Pan and Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12×17 jelly roll pan with aluminum foil and lightly coat it with nonstick spray. This ensures easy release and cleanup.

2. Make the Dough

In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together the butter and sugar on medium speed for 1–2 minutes until light and fluffy. Add the salt, eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract, and beat until fully combined.

3. Add Dry Ingredients

Gradually mix in the flour and baking powder just until incorporated—do not overmix. The dough should be soft and thick.

4. Assemble the Bars

Set aside 1¾ cups of the dough for the topping. Press the remaining dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.

Spoon the cherry pie filling evenly over the dough layer, making sure it’s well-distributed. Then, drop small spoonfuls of the reserved dough on top of the cherries. Don’t worry if it doesn’t cover completely—those peekaboo cherries are part of the charm!

5. Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 50–60 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and set.

6. Cool Completely

Remove from the oven and place the pan on a wire rack to cool completely. This helps the bars set properly and makes cutting much easier.

7. Glaze & Serve

In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled bars. Once the glaze is set, cut into 35 squares and serve.

---

❤️ Why Everyone Loves These Cherry Pie Bars

These bars strike the perfect balance between sweet, buttery crust and tart cherry filling. They’re easier than pie, make enough to feed a crowd, and transport beautifully for gatherings or events. Unlike pie, you don’t need a knife and fork—just grab a square and go.

---

💡 Pro Tips for Perfect Cherry Pie Bars

Don’t skip the almond extract. It’s a game-changer that brings out the best in cherry desserts.

Let them cool completely before glazing and cutting for clean, neat bars.

Try homemade cherry filling for an extra-special touch if you have the time.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

---

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

These bars are a hit on their own, but you can also:

Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Add a dollop of whipped cream and a fresh cherry on top for a plated dessert.

Pair with coffee or tea for a sweet afternoon pick-me-up.

---

✨ Final Thoughts: Easy, Elegant, and Utterly Delicious

These cherry pie bars are everything you love about traditional cherry pie—sweet, fruity, and buttery—without the rolling, chilling, and pie drama. Whether you're baking for a crowd or just want a low-effort treat that delivers high-end flavor, this recipe is your new go-to. Simple enough for weeknights, impressive enough for holidays, and absolutely irresistible every time.

So go ahead—save this recipe now. Your future self (and everyone you share these bars with) will thank you.

---

Keyword-rich summary for SEO: Easy cherry pie bars recipe, quick cherry dessert, cherry bars with almond glaze, homemade cherry pie bars, buttery cherry dessert squares

, best cherry pie bars for a crowd, easy holiday desserts

Let me know if you want a printable version or a Pinterest-style graphic!