There is nothing quite like the irresistible charm of cherry-infused sweets to brighten your day, and this Cherry Pie Bars Recipe captures that magic perfectly. Imagine a luscious layer of tangy cherries tucked under a buttery, crumbly crust with a sweetly drizzled glaze on top that will have you reaching for seconds before you know it. Easy to slice and share, these bars bring the comforting flavors of a classic cherry pie into a portable, casual treat that’s perfect for potlucks, picnics, or any time you crave a little cherry bliss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Cherry Pie Bars Recipe plays a vital role in bringing together the perfect harmony of flavors and textures. From the rich, buttery crust to the juicy cherry filling and the sweet glaze, these simple staples make all the difference.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted: Provides a rich, tender base for the crust and crumbly topping.
- 1 cup granulated sugar (for dough): Adds essential sweetness and helps bind the crust.
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar: Offers a subtle molasses flavor that enhances depth.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings warmth and fragrance to the dough.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: Creates the sturdy yet tender structure of the crust and topping.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
- 4 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted: The star ingredient, providing fresh, fruity tartness.
- 1 cup granulated sugar (for filling): Sweetens the cherry layer perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch: Thickens the cherry filling to a luscious consistency.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brightens the cherry flavor with a hint of citrus zing.
- 1 teaspoon almond extract: Enhances the cherries’ natural flavor and adds a delightful depth.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: For the glaze, to finish with a sweet touch.
- 2-3 tablespoons milk: To adjust glaze consistency for drizzling.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze): Adds smooth richness to the glaze.
How to Make Cherry Pie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). This step ensures your oven is the perfect temperature once your bars are assembled. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, making sure to leave enough overhang on the sides. This handy trick will make lifting out the bars for cutting so much easier and keeps your slice neat and clean.
Step 2: Create the Crust Dough
In a large bowl, combine melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth and fragrant. Adding the flour and salt gradually, stir until a thick, cohesive dough forms. This dough is the backbone of your bars, providing a tender base with just the right amount of chew and crumble. Don’t forget to save one cup of this dough to crumble over the cherry filling later.
Step 3: Prepare the Cherry Filling
In another bowl, toss together the pitted cherries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and almond extract. The cornstarch acts as a magical thickener here, while the lemon juice cuts through the sweetness for balance. The almond extract pairs beautifully with the cherries, lending a hint of nutty sweetness that sets these bars apart from your average fruit dessert.
Step 4: Assemble the Layers
Press the majority of your crust dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan, creating a sturdy, golden base. Next, distribute the cherry filling evenly across the crust, making sure every bite gets a burst of juicy fruit. Finally, crumble the reserved dough over the cherries to form a crumbly, golden topping that will bake up crisp and delightfully textured.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pop the bars in the oven and bake for 45 to 55 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the crumb topping is a light golden brown and you can see the cherry filling bubbling through. If you notice the top browning too quickly, cover loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning while allowing the filling to finish cooking beautifully.
Step 6: Cool and Glaze
Once baked, set the cherry bars aside to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This cooling step is crucial for the filling to set properly so the bars hold their shape when cut. While waiting, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to create a glossy glaze. Drizzle this decadent finishing touch over the bars right before slicing into squares for a beautiful and delicious presentation.
How to Serve Cherry Pie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a dusting of extra powdered sugar or add a few fresh cherries on top to make the bars look as amazing as they taste. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can elevate the dessert experience even further.
Side Dishes
These bars are satisfying on their own but pair wonderfully with a cup of hot coffee or tea. For gatherings, consider serving alongside a fresh green salad to balance out the sweetness and keep things light.
Creative Ways to Present
You can turn these bars into elegant mini desserts by cutting them into smaller squares and placing each on a decorative plate with a drizzle of extra glaze or a sprig of mint. Alternatively, stack a few to create a charming layered presentation that’s perfect for parties or gift boxes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cherry pie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If your kitchen is warm, refrigerate them, tightly wrapped, for up to 5 days to keep the filling fresh and the crust crisp.
Freezing
These bars freeze beautifully! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or place them in an airtight freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating
To enjoy warm cherry pie bars, reheat individual pieces in a microwave for about 15-20 seconds or warm them in a low oven (around 300°F or 150°C) for 10 minutes. This will revive the delicious gooey texture of the filling and crisp the topping just right.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cherries for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen cherries are a fantastic option when fresh cherries aren’t in season. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well to prevent excess liquid from making the crust soggy.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suited for baking. Be mindful that different blends absorb liquids differently, so adjust the dough’s consistency if needed.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
You can prepare the dough a day in advance and keep it refrigerated, wrapped tightly. Bring it to room temperature before assembling the bars for easier handling.
What if I don’t have almond extract?
While almond extract adds a lovely flavor boost, you can omit it or replace it with a bit of vanilla extract instead. The bars will still be delicious!
How should I cut the bars for serving?
Use a sharp knife and cut the bars into 16 equal squares. For neater edges, chill the bars slightly before slicing, and wipe the knife clean between cuts.
Final Thoughts
This Cherry Pie Bars Recipe is truly a treasure to have in your baking repertoire. It’s a reliable crowd-pleaser that blends nostalgic cherry pie flavors with an easy-to-make bar format that suits any occasion. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just savoring a cozy moment alone, these bars bring joy baked into every bite. Give this recipe a try, and I promise it will become a beloved favorite you’ll return to again and again.
Print
Cherry Pie Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious Cherry Pie Bars featuring a buttery crust, a juicy cherry filling, and a sweet vanilla glaze. These bars combine the classic flavors of cherry pie in an easy-to-serve, handheld form perfect for dessert or snacks.
Ingredients
Crust and Topping
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Cherry Filling
- 4 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to easily lift the bars out after baking.
- Prepare Dough: In a large bowl, mix the melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until combined. Add the flour and salt, stirring until a thick dough forms. Set aside 1 cup of this dough for the topping, and press the remaining dough evenly into the prepared baking pan to form the crust layer.
- Make Cherry Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the pitted cherries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and almond extract. Stir well to coat the cherries evenly with the filling mixture.
- Assemble Bars: Spread the cherry filling evenly over the crust in the baking pan. Crumble the reserved 1 cup of dough over the cherry layer as topping.
- Bake: Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the topping is lightly golden and the cherry filling is bubbly. If the topping browns too quickly, cover loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
- Cool and Glaze: Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Meanwhile, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to create the glaze. Drizzle the glaze evenly over the cooled bars before cutting into 16 squares.
Notes
- Use fresh cherries for best flavor, but frozen cherries work well too—just thaw and drain excess liquid before using.
- To make cutting easier, chill the bars in the fridge after glazing.
- The glaze can be adjusted in consistency by adding more or less milk.
- For a nut-free version, omit the almond extract.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
