Classic Cherry Pie Bars

Embrace that irresistible sweet cherry flavor with these effortless Cherry Pie Bars! Savor all the luscious taste of a classic cherry pie without the extensive effort. Whether you opt for a convenient store-bought sweet cherry pie filling or prefer to craft your own for an extra special touch, these bars are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

While nothing quite compares to the nostalgic charm of a meticulously crafted homemade cherry pie, these cherry pie bars undeniably come in a very close second. Let's be honest, achieving a perfectly crimped and presentable pie dough can be quite the challenge for even seasoned bakers. But with this fantastic recipe, you can indulge in all the glorious sweetness of ripe cherries enveloped in a delightful crust without the pressure of a flawless traditional pie shell.

Once cooled and expertly sliced into individual bars, they transform into the ultimate festive treat. Perfect for adorning your holiday cookie tray, bringing to a potluck, or simply enjoying as a heartwarming dessert throughout the Christmas season, these bars are as beautiful as they are delicious.

Welcome to 2025’s 12 Days of Cookies!
Day 5 of our 12 Days of Cookies are these Cherry Pie Bars.
Be sure to check out all of the other days for more goodies!

Day 1 – Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies
Day 2 – Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
Day 3 – Chai Biscotti
Day 4 – Haystacks
Day 5 – You’re on it!
Day 6 – Cookies and Cream Cookies
Day 7 – Cranberry Orange Cookies
Day 8 – Brown Butter Shortbread
Day 9 – Buckeye Cookies
Day 10 – Ricotta Cookies
Day 11 –
Day 12 –

Cherry Pie Bars vs. Cherry Cobbler: What's the Difference?

At first glance, these delightful cherry pie bars might remind you of a classic cherry cobbler, and indeed, they share many similarities, especially their abundance of delicious cherry flavor. However, there's a key distinction that sets them apart. A traditional cherry cobbler typically features a fruit filling topped with a biscuit-like or streusel topping, but it lacks a bottom crust. Cherry pie bars, on the other hand, are designed to emulate the full pie experience in a convenient bar format. They boast a rich, buttery shortbread crust both on the bottom and as a crumbly topping, sandwiching the sweet cherry filling. This dual-crust approach gives them the unmistakable texture and taste of a cherry pie, making them an instant hit with cherry enthusiasts who appreciate that satisfying bite of pastry with every spoonful or slice. Get ready to delight all the cherry fans in your life with this irresistible dessert!

Essential Ingredients for Your Cherry Bars

Crafting these delectable dessert bars requires only a handful of common pantry staples. High-quality ingredients are always recommended for the best flavor, so gather these basic components to create your next favorite sweet treat:

• Unsalted Butter: Ensure it's at room temperature for optimal creaming. If using salted butter, remember to omit the added salt in the recipe to avoid over-salting. Butter contributes to the rich, buttery flavor and tender texture of the crust.
• Shortening: This often-underestimated ingredient is key to achieving a wonderfully tender and flaky crust. It helps create that delicate crumb that melts in your mouth.
• Granulated White Sugar: Provides the perfect level of sweetness for both the crust and the overall bar, balancing the tartness of the cherries.
• Baking Powder: A leavening agent that gives a slight lift and tenderness to the crust portion of the bars.
• Salt: A pinch of salt enhances all the other flavors, making the butter taste richer and the cherries brighter.
• Large Eggs: Bind the dough together, add moisture, and contribute to the structure and richness of the crust.
• Pure Vanilla Extract: A crucial flavor enhancer that complements the buttery crust and the cherry filling beautifully.
• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our delicious shortbread-like crust, providing structure and body.
• Canned Cherry Pie Filling: The star of the show! Using store-bought pie filling makes this recipe incredibly quick and easy. For an elevated experience or if you have an abundance of fresh cherries, consider making your homemade cherry pie filling.

Simple Powdered Sugar Glaze Ingredients

To finish your cherry pie bars with a touch of elegance and extra sweetness, you'll whip up a quick and easy glaze using just a few ingredients:

• Powdered Sugar (Confectioners' Sugar): Forms the base of our smooth, pourable glaze.
• Milk: Used to thin the glaze to the perfect drizzling consistency. You'll add it gradually to achieve your desired thickness.
• Pure Almond Extract: A fantastic pairing with cherry flavor, almond extract elevates the taste profile. If you prefer, pure vanilla extract can be used as a delicious alternative.

For a comprehensive recipe complete with precise amounts and detailed instructions, scroll down to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post!

How to Effortlessly Make Delicious Cherry Pie Bars

These cherry pie bars are incredibly straightforward to prepare, allowing you to have a warm, sweet treat ready for your family and friends in under an hour. Follow these simple steps for a truly delightful baking experience:

1. Prepare Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your oven is at the correct temperature for even baking from the start.
2. Cream Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the room temperature unsalted butter and shortening. Using an electric mixer, cream these together on high speed until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined. This process incorporates air, making the crust tender. Next, add the granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Continue mixing until all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated. Don't forget to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl with a rubber spatula to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
3. Add Eggs, Vanilla, and Flour: Crack in the large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until fully incorporated. Stir in the pure vanilla extract. Finally, gradually add the all-purpose flour, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can lead to a tough crust. Once the dough comes together, set aside 1 1/4 cups of this dough; this will be used for the delicious crumb topping later.
4. Form and Pre-bake the Bottom Crust: Lightly press the remaining dough evenly into the bottom of an ungreased 9 X 13-inch baking pan. You can use your hands or the back of a spoon for this. Bake this crust in your preheated oven for 12 minutes. The edges should appear lightly golden brown, and the center may still look slightly underdone. Don't worry, this is exactly what we want, as it will continue to bake with the filling.
5. Add Filling and Topping: Remove the pan from the oven. Gently and evenly spread the canned cherry pie filling over the entire pre-baked crust. Now, take the reserved 1 1/4 cups of dough and drop it in small, irregular mounds over the cherry filling. These dough mounds will bake into a beautiful, buttery crumb topping.
6. Final Bake and Cool: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool for at least 10 minutes before applying the glaze. This initial cooling helps the bars set.

Crafting the Perfect Powdered Sugar Glaze

A simple, sweet glaze adds a professional finish and an extra layer of flavor to your cherry pie bars. Here’s how to make it:

1. Mix the Glaze: In a small bowl, combine the powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon of milk, and 1/4 teaspoon of pure almond extract (or vanilla extract, if preferred). Whisk vigorously until the mixture is smooth and lump-free.
2. Adjust Consistency: If the glaze appears too thick to drizzle, add additional milk, one teaspoon at a time, mixing well after each addition, until it reaches a consistency that flows smoothly from your spoon. It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but thin enough to drizzle.
3. Glaze and Serve: Once the bars have cooled on the wire rack for at least 10 minutes, use a spoon to evenly distribute the prepared glaze over the golden-brown topping. Allow the glaze to set completely before slicing the cooled bars into individual servings. Cooling completely is essential for clean cuts and for the bars to hold their shape. Enjoy your homemade cherry pie bars!

Expert Tips for Easy Serving and Enjoyment

• Achieve Clean Slices: For the neatest slices, ensure your cherry pie bars are completely cooled before cutting. A sharp knife works best to slice through the buttery crust and filling. Use a small offset spatula to carefully lift each bar out of the pan.
• Optimal Temperature: These bars are most delightful when served fresh at room temperature. The flavors meld beautifully, and the crust remains tender.
• Sweetness Adjustment: If you prefer a less sweet dessert, you can simply dust the cooled bars with a fine layer of powdered sugar instead of preparing and applying the full glaze. It still adds a pretty touch without the extra sweetness.
• Elevate the Experience: For an extra indulgent treat, serve your warm or room-temperature cherry pie bars with a generous scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream. The cold ice cream provides a wonderful contrast to the sweet cherry and rich crust. A dollop of whipped cream also makes a fantastic topping.
• Portion Control: Since these bars are quite rich, consider cutting them into smaller squares or rectangles, especially if serving as part of a larger dessert spread.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Cherry Pie Bars

Can I make Cherry Pie Bars ahead of time for entertaining?

Absolutely! These cherry pie bars are an excellent make-ahead dessert, perfect for parties, holiday gatherings, or simply enjoying throughout the week. You can prepare them up to one day in advance. To keep them fresh and prevent the glaze from becoming sticky or absorbed, I recommend waiting to add the powdered sugar glaze until just before you plan to serve them. Store the unglazed bars tightly covered in the refrigerator.

How do I properly store leftover cherry bars?

To keep your leftover cherry pie bars tasting fresh, store them covered in an airtight container or simply in their original baking pan, tightly sealed with aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Place them in the refrigerator, where they will stay delicious for 3-4 days. While you can transfer individual bars to an airtight container, keeping them in the pan is often the easiest method.

Can I freeze Cherry Pie Bars?

Yes, you can freeze cherry pie bars! For best results, allow the bars to cool completely and, if using, ensure the glaze has fully set. Cut the bars into individual servings. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, about 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer the bars to an airtight freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To thaw, simply place them in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours. Freezing is a great way to enjoy these delicious treats long after baking!

Can I use other pie filling flavors with this recipe?

Definitely! This recipe is incredibly versatile and works wonderfully with a variety of pie filling flavors. You can easily substitute the cherry pie filling with any other flavor you desire. I highly recommend trying apple pie filling, blueberry pie filling, or peach pie filling for equally delicious results. Just make sure to use the same size can of pie filling as specified in the recipe, and the baking time and texture should remain consistent. Get creative and explore your favorite fruit combinations!

Can I use fresh cherries or frozen cherries instead of pie filling?

While fresh or frozen cherries are fantastic in many desserts, this specific recipe for cherry pie bars is designed to work with pre-made pie filling. Pie filling contains a thickened sauce along with the cooked fruit, which is essential for the bars' texture and prevents them from becoming too watery. If you were to use just plain fresh or frozen fruit, the consistency and flavor would be significantly different, and the bars might not set properly. If you're looking to use fresh cherries, I suggest trying a different recipe specifically formulated for fresh fruit, such as this delightful Cherry Pound Cake or one of these 20+ Fresh Cherry Desserts.

More Delicious Cherry Desserts You'll Adore

If you find yourself with extra cherry pie filling or simply can't get enough of that sweet, tart cherry flavor, here are some other fantastic recipes you'll love. These are perfect for satisfying any cherry craving, whether you're looking for cookies, pies, or cakes:

• Cherry Thumbprint Cookies: Classic shortbread cookies with a delightful cherry jam center.
• Cherry Hand Pies: Individual-sized pies, perfect for on-the-go snacking or a charming dessert.
• Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake: An incredibly easy, rich, and gooey cake that comes together with minimal effort.
• Red Velvet Cherry Dream Bars: A festive and decadent bar dessert combining red velvet and cherry flavors.
• Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Bread Pudding: A comforting and indulgent dessert, perfect for a cozy evening.

Don't forget to come back tomorrow for more festive Christmas cookies as part of our 12 Days of Cookies series! And be sure to Pin or print this easy recipe for Cherry Pie Bars so you'll always have it on hand to satisfy those sudden cherry cravings. Until next time, happy baking!

FOLLOW ME

FACEBOOK ~ PINTEREST
INSTAGRAM ~ TWITTER
YOUTUBE

Keep an eye out for more of my easy recipes each week!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars by 3 users

Created by: Lynne Feifer

Cherry Pie Bars

Course:

Dessert

Cuisine:

American

Prep Time:

15 minutes

Cook Time:

42 minutes

Total Time:

57 minutes

Summary

Embrace that sweet cherry flavor by making a batch of these easy Cherry Pie Bars made with store-bought sweet cherry pie filling! Enjoy all the luscious flavors of cherry pie without all the work.

Yields

24 bars

Ingredients

For the Bars

• ½ cup butter, room temperature (use unsalted; if salted, omit extra salt)
• ½ cup shortening
• 1 ¾ cups sugar
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 21 ounces cherry pie filling (1 standard can)

Powdered Sugar Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon milk (additional milk if needed, 1 teaspoon at a time)
• ¼ teaspoon pure almond extract (can substitute pure vanilla extract)

Instructions

Making the Cherry Pie Bars

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and shortening on high speed until smooth and well combined. Add the sugar, baking powder, and salt, and mix until completely combined. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl to ensure thorough mixing.
3. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well. Gradually add the all-purpose flour and mix until thoroughly combined. Set aside 1 1/4 cups of the dough for the topping.
4. Press the remaining dough evenly into an ungreased 9x13-inch baking pan. Bake for 12 minutes. The edges will be lightly golden, and the middle may appear underdone, which is normal.
5. Gently spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the pre-baked crust. Drop the reserved dough in small mounds over the filling.
6. Bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown. Remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool for 10 minutes before glazing.

Making the Powdered Sugar Glaze

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon of milk, and 1/4 teaspoon almond or vanilla extract.
2. If needed, add milk 1 teaspoon at a time until the glaze reaches a consistency suitable for drizzling.
3. Using a spoon, evenly distribute the glaze over the top of the bars after they have cooled for 10 minutes on the wire rack. Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing into individual servings and enjoying.

Nutrition Information (per bar)

Calories: 243kcal |
Carbohydrates: 39g |
Protein: 3g |
Fat: 9g |
Saturated Fat: 4g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g |
Monounsaturated Fat: 3g |
Trans Fat: 1g |
Cholesterol: 33mg |
Sodium: 93mg |
Potassium: 79mg |
Fiber: 1g |
Sugar: 20g |
Vitamin A: 204IU |
Vitamin C: 1mg |
Calcium: 22mg |
Iron: 1mg