These Cherry Pie Bars are a delightful dessert with a buttery crust, luscious cherry filling, and a sweet glaze. Perfect for potlucks, holidays, or any time you’re craving a fruity treat! They’re easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
For the Crust and Topping:
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar 4 large eggs 1 tsp vanilla extract ¼ tsp almond extract (optional) 3 cups all-purpose flour ½ tsp salt
For the Filling:
1 (21 oz) can cherry pie filling Optional: ½ cup fresh or frozen cherries
For the Glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar 2-3 tbsp milk or heavy cream ½ tsp vanilla or almond extract
Preparation:
1: Prepare the Crust and Topping Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla and almond extracts. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until just combined.
2: Assemble the Bars Spread about 2/3 of the dough evenly into the prepared pan to form the crust. Spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the crust. If using fresh or frozen cherries, scatter them over the filling. Drop small spoonfuls of the remaining dough over the cherry filling, leaving some of the cherries visible for a rustic look.
3: Bake the Bars Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan.
4: Make the Glaze In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk or cream, and extract until smooth.
5: Slice and Serve Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars. Once the bars are completely cooled and the glaze has set, cut them into squares or rectangles. Serve and enjoy!
Cooking Notes:
For a richer flavor, use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar in the crust. Add a sprinkle of chopped nuts to the topping for added texture. You can use different extracts in the glaze, such as lemon or maple.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve the bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Pair them with a glass of milk, coffee, or tea.
Tips for Success:
Custom Filling: Swap cherry pie filling for blueberry, apple, or your favorite fruit filling. Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. Freezing: These bars freeze well! Wrap individual bars tightly and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Prep Time: 20 minutes Bake Time: 40-45 minutes Total Time: 1 hour – 1 hour 5 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving): (See table below – estimates only, use a nutrition calculator for accuracy)
FAQs:
Q: Can I use a different size pan? A: You can use a different size pan, but you may need to adjust the baking time.
Q: Can I use frozen cherries in the filling? A: Yes, you can use frozen cherries. There is no need to thaw them before use.
Q: How do I know when the bars are done? A: The bars are done when the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
Q: Can I make the glaze ahead of time? A: Yes, you can make the glaze ahead of time and store it in an airtight container at room temperature.
Conclusion:
These Cherry Pie Bars deliver all the flavors of cherry pie in an easy-to-make, shareable form. They’re buttery, fruity, and downright addictive! Perfect for any occasion, these bars are sure to be a hit with everyone.
Print
Cherry Pie Bars – A Crowd-Pleasing Fruity Treat
- Total Time: 1 hour - 1 hour 5 minutes
Ingredients
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla and almond extracts.
Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until just combined. Spread about 2/3 of the dough evenly into the prepared pan to form the crust. Spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the crust. If using fresh or frozen cherries, scatter them over the filling. Drop small spoonfuls of the remaining dough over the cherry filling, leaving some of the cherries visible for a rustic look. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk or cream, and extract until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars for a sweet finish. Once the bars are completely cooled and the glaze has set, cut them into squares or rectangles. Serve and enjoy!Notes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Category: Dessert / Bars
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Cherry Pie Bars, Cherry Bars, Pie Bars, Dessert Bars, Cherry Dessert, Easy Dessert, Baking Recipes