If you're looking for a dessert that's as comforting as homemade pie but much easier to make, these Cherry Pie Bars are just what you need. They're soft, buttery dessert bars layered with a sweet-tart cherry filling and topped with a drizzle of almond glaze. It's like classic cherry pie, but baked in a pan and cut into easy-to-serve squares.
What makes this recipe so great is how simple it is. Instead of spending time making pie filling from scratch, you use a can of cherry pie filling, which means you can enjoy this treat any time of year, even when fresh cherries aren't in season. That makes it one of my go-to recipes when I need an easy cherry dessert for a gathering, holiday, or just a weeknight sweet fix.
These cherry pie bars are also perfect for potlucks, bake sales, or family parties since they can be made ahead and travel well. You get all the flavor of cherry pie, without the fuss of rolling and chilling dough. Just mix, layer, bake, and drizzle with a sweet almond glaze. Trust me, this is one of those desserts everyone will want the recipe for!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- An easy cherry dessert - No need to pit fresh cherries or make homemade filling. Canned cherry pie filling keeps this recipe quick and stress-free.
- All the flavors of pie, in bar form - Buttery crust, sweet fruit filling, and glaze, with no pie dish required.
- Feeds a crowd - A 9x13 pan makes plenty of servings, making this a great option for parties or gatherings.
- Year-round baking - Since you don't need fresh cherries, you can enjoy cherry pie bars any time of the year.
- That almond glaze - The finishing touch that pairs perfectly with cherries and makes these bars extra irresistible.
Ingredients You'll Need
To make these cherry pie bars, you'll need just a handful of pantry staples plus a can of cherry pie filling:
- Butter - Softened to create a rich and tender base.
- Granulated sugar - Adds sweetness and balances the tart cherry filling.
- Eggs - Bind the batter and add structure.
- Vanilla & almond extract - Vanilla for warmth, almond for that classic cherry-almond pairing.
- Flour & salt - The dry ingredients that hold everything together.
- Cherry pie filling - The star of the show, giving you sweet, juicy cherry flavor in every bite.
- Powdered sugar, milk, almond extract - For a silky almond glaze to drizzle on top.
How to Make Cherry Pie Bars
This easy cherry dessert comes together in just a few simple steps:
- Make the batter - Cream together butter and sugar until fluffy, then beat in eggs, vanilla, and almond extract. Add in the flour and salt until just combined.
- Layer the bars - Spread two-thirds of the batter in your prepared pan, top with cherry pie filling, and then drop spoonfuls of the remaining batter on top.
- Bake - Bake until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the batter (not the cherry filling) comes out clean.
- Cool and glaze - Let the bars cool, then drizzle with a sweet almond glaze.
- Slice and enjoy - Cut into squares or rectangles and serve!
FAQs
Can I use a different pie filling for these bars?
Yes! These bars are super versatile. Try blueberry, apple, raspberry, or even peach pie filling for a twist on the classic cherry version.
Do I have to use almond extract?
No, but it really enhances the flavor. If you're not a fan, you can stick to vanilla extract in both the batter and the glaze.
How do I store cherry pie bars?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, or refrigerate them for up to a week. They also freeze well,just wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Definitely! These bars are great for making the night before since the flavors meld together beautifully. If you're glazing them, it's best to drizzle the glaze right before serving.
Cherry Pie Bars
These Cherry Pie Bars are buttery dessert squares layered with sweet cherry filling and topped with a silky almond glaze. This easy cherry dessert is perfect for holidays, parties, or anytime you're craving cherry pie without the work.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Category: bar cookies, bars
- Method: Baking
Ingredients
For the bars:
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp almond extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
For the glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
2-3 tablespoon milk
½ tsp almond extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs, one at a time. Mix in vanilla and almond extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Gradually add to the wet ingredients until combined.
- Spread two-thirds of the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Spread cherry pie filling evenly over the batter. Drop spoonfuls of the remaining batter on top of the cherry filling.
- Bake 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the cake portion comes out clean.
- Let cool completely. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract. Drizzle glaze over cooled bars.
- Slice into squares and serve.
Notes
- These cherry pie bars taste even better the next day as the flavors meld.
- For extra crunch, sprinkle sliced almonds on top before baking.
- To freeze: Wrap cooled (unglazed) bars tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw, then glaze before serving.
