Cherry Pie Bars Recipe: A Sweet, Tangy Treat in Every Bite!

If you love the taste of cherry pie but want a quick, sharable treat, these Cherry Pie Bars are perfect for you! These dessert bars have a buttery, soft crust layered with a rich cherry pie filling, topped with a drizzle of almond-scented glaze. They’re easy to make and ideal for parties, potlucks, or cozy nights at home. Get ready to dive into a crowd-pleasing, classic dessert with all the flavors you love from cherry pie!

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Why You’ll Love These Cherry Pie Bars

These Cherry Pie Bars are loved for a reason! Here’s what makes them a must-try:

• Convenience: Easier than making a full pie, these bars offer all the goodness in handheld squares.
• Flavor Combination: The buttery, sweet crust pairs wonderfully with the slightly tart cherry filling, with hints of almond enhancing each bite.
• Versatile Serving: Perfect for gatherings, holidays, or as a simple treat at home.
• A Beautiful Presentation: The vibrant red cherries and glossy glaze make these bars eye-catching and party-ready.

What Do Cherry Pie Bars Taste Like?

Imagine the taste of classic cherry pie but with a soft, buttery crust and a delightful almond glaze. These bars have a perfect blend of sweet and tart, with the cherries adding a juicy burst and the crust adding just the right amount of sweetness and texture. The almond extract in both the batter and glaze adds a unique, nutty flavor, taking these bars to the next level!

Ingredients for Cherry Pie Bars

For the Bars

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 2 cups sugar
• 4 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp almond extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 cans (21 oz each) cherry pie filling

For the Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp almond extract
• 2 tbsp milk

Tools You’ll Need

• 15x10x1-inch pan (or a similar size baking pan)
• Mixing bowls (one large and one medium)
• Hand or stand mixer (for creaming butter and sugar)
• Whisk (for mixing the glaze)
• Spatula or spoon (for spreading batter and filling)

Possible Ingredient Additions and Substitutions

• Fruit Swaps: Try this recipe with blueberry, raspberry, or apple pie filling if you prefer or want to mix things up.
• Lemon Zest: Adding a bit of lemon zest to the batter enhances the tangy cherry flavor.
• Nut Topping: Sprinkle slivered almonds or crushed pecans on top before baking for a crunchy twist.
• Whole Wheat Flour: Substitute up to 1 cup of all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a slightly nutty taste.

How to Make Cherry Pie Bars

1. Preheat Your Oven

Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray your 15x10x1-inch pan with non-stick spray for easy removal.

2. Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This step creates the soft, moist texture of the bars.

3. Add the Eggs

Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully mixed before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla and almond extracts, which enhance the flavor.

4. Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the creamed butter and sugar, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bars soft.

5. Assemble the Bars

Spread 3 cups of the batter evenly over the bottom of your prepared pan. Top with the cherry pie filling, spreading it evenly. Drop spoonfuls of the remaining batter over the cherry filling, leaving some gaps for a marbled look when baked.

6. Bake

Place the pan in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If you’re using a 9×13-inch pan, note that it may take longer to bake (closer to 40-45 minutes).

7. Cool the Bars

Once baked, let the bars cool completely on a wire rack. This helps the bars set and makes them easier to cut.

8. Prepare the Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, almond extract, and milk until smooth. The glaze should be slightly thick but pourable; add a bit more milk if needed.

9. Drizzle and Serve

Once the bars are completely cooled, drizzle the glaze evenly over the top. Allow the glaze to set before cutting into squares. Serve and enjoy!

What to Serve with Cherry Pie Bars

These cherry pie bars are a delightful dessert on their own, but if you’d like to make them part of a dessert spread, here are some pairing ideas:

• Whipped Cream or Ice Cream: A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream complements the bars perfectly.
• Hot Coffee or Tea: The slight bitterness of coffee or tea balances the sweetness of the bars.
• Fruit Salad: Serve alongside a light, fresh fruit salad for a contrast in texture and flavor.

Tips for the Best Cherry Pie Bars

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Letting the butter and eggs reach room temperature ensures a smooth, even batter.
• Watch the Baking Time: Every oven is a little different, so keep an eye on the bars in the last few minutes to avoid overbaking.
• Let Bars Cool Completely: For clean cuts and a neat appearance, allow the bars to cool fully before glazing and cutting.

Storing Cherry Pie Bars

Store any leftovers in an airtight container. They can sit at room temperature for up to 2 days, or keep them in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage; wrap individual squares in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I Make These Bars Ahead of Time?

Yes! Cherry Pie Bars can be made a day or two ahead. Store them in the fridge and drizzle with fresh glaze before serving for the best presentation.

Can I Use Homemade Cherry Pie Filling?

Absolutely! If you have a homemade cherry pie filling recipe you love, feel free to use it here for a personal touch.

Can I Make Cherry Pie Bars Gluten-Free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour. The texture may vary slightly, but the bars should still be delicious!

What’s the Best Way to Reheat Cherry Pie Bars?

If you enjoy these bars warm, reheat them in a 300°F oven for about 5-7 minutes, or microwave individual bars for 10-15 seconds.

Why These Cherry Pie Bars Are a Must-Try

Cherry Pie Bars are the best of both worlds—they offer the sweet and tart experience of a cherry pie in an easy-to-make, shareable form. With their golden crust, juicy cherry filling, and elegant glaze, these bars are irresistible! Whether you’re making them for a gathering or just to treat yourself, they’re bound to become a favorite.

Craving more cherry goodness? Be sure to check out our other cherry-based recipes and dessert ideas!

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