If you have a soft spot for cherry desserts that combine the cozy goodness of pie with the ease of a bar, then this Sweet Cherry Pie Bars Recipe is about to become your new obsession. This delightful treat layers buttery, tender dough with luscious cherry pie filling, all topped with a sweet glaze that perfectly balances tart and sweet flavors. Every bite offers a satisfying texture contrast and fruity brightness that feels like summer sunshine on your plate. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering, a picnic, or just craving a comforting dessert, these bars are guaranteed to bring smiles and leave everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Sweet Cherry Pie Bars Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, from the rich, buttery base that gives the bars their softness to the vibrant cherry filling that delivers that signature fruity punch.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened): Creates a rich, tender crust and adds moisture to the bars.
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and balances the tartness of the cherries.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors for a well-rounded taste.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warm, aromatic notes that deepen the flavor.
- 4 large eggs: Binds the ingredients while contributing to a soft and cakey texture.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives structure to your bars.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the bars rise just enough for a light bite.
- 1 (21-ounce) can cherry pie filling: Brings juicy, sweet-tart cherries front and center.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar: For the delicate glaze that finishes the bars beautifully.
- 1–2 tablespoons milk: Thins the glaze to the perfect drizzle consistency.
How to Make Sweet Cherry Pie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Cream Butter with Sugar
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking pan to ensure your bars don’t stick. Then, in a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy—this step is key for that perfect tender crumb.
Step 2: Add Flavor and Eggs
Next, mix in the salt and vanilla extract for that subtle depth of flavor. Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. This guarantees a smooth, well-emulsified batter.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients and Form Dough
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder. Gradually add this dry mixture into your wet ingredients, stirring just until everything comes together into a soft dough—overmixing here can lead to tough bars, so be gentle.
Step 4: Assemble the Bars
Spread about two-thirds of the dough evenly across the bottom of your greased baking pan, creating the base layer. Spoon the cherry pie filling evenly over this dough, making sure it’s spread out nicely for every bite to have cherries. Drop spoonfuls of the remaining dough over the cherry layer, distributing them evenly—it’s okay if it’s a bit rustic; that’s part of the charm!
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place the pan in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know the bars are done when the top turns a lovely light golden color and the center is set, not jiggly. Let the bars cool completely before glazing, which helps the glaze set nicely without melting off.
Step 6: Add the Glaze
In a small bowl, combine powdered sugar with 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk until the glaze is smooth and pourable. Drizzle this sweet finish over the cooled bars, letting some of it pool in the crevices for extra sweetness and visual appeal. Slice into 24 bars and get ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Sweet Cherry Pie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Sweet Cherry Pie Bars Recipe, consider fresh garnishes like a sprinkle of toasted almond slivers or a few fresh cherries on top. A light dusting of powdered sugar right before serving adds a beautiful shimmer and a hint of sweetness that makes these bars stunningly tempting.
Side Dishes
Pair these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream for a classic pairing. For a fruity twist, serve alongside a fresh berry salad or a simple citrus sorbet to add refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
These bars look as delightful as they taste when arranged on a rustic wooden board or a colorful ceramic plate. You can create mini versions by cutting them smaller and presenting them on decorative sticks for an easy party treat or pack them in cute boxes as a thoughtful homemade gift.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any bars left, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Keeping them sealed ensures they stay moist and flavorful without drying out, making them perfect for enjoy-at-home snacks or quick afternoon treats.
Freezing
Want to save some for later? These cherry pie bars freeze beautifully. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-lock bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months—just thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
Reheating
To enjoy your bars warm, simply microwave a slice for 15–20 seconds or reheat in a low oven (around 300°F) for 5–7 minutes. This brings back that fresh-baked softness and lets the cherry filling warm through, making each bite as irresistible as the first.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned pie filling?
Absolutely! Fresh cherries can be cooked down with some sugar and a bit of cornstarch to thicken the filling. This adds a wonderful homemade touch and lets you control the sweetness and texture.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that measures cup-for-cup, you can enjoy these bars without gluten. Just ensure your baking powder is gluten-free as well.
How long do these bars keep well at room temperature?
Stored properly in an airtight container, these bars stay fresh and tasty for about 3 days. Beyond that, they might start to dry out, so refrigeration or freezing is a better option for longer storage.
Can I use other fruit fillings in this recipe?
Definitely. This Sweet Cherry Pie Bars Recipe also works wonderfully with flavors like blueberry, peach, or mixed berries. Just swap the cherry filling for your preferred fruit to switch things up.
What if I don’t have a 9×13-inch pan?
You can use a slightly smaller or larger pan; just keep an eye on the baking time. A smaller pan will make thicker bars and may require a few extra minutes to bake through, while a larger one will do the opposite.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the combination of buttery crust, sweet yet tart cherries, and a delicate glaze that makes this Sweet Cherry Pie Bars Recipe a standout dessert. It’s easy enough to whip up on a weekday but elegant and inviting enough for a special occasion. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own classic—once you do, it’ll be one of those recipes you revisit time and again with joy.
Print
Sweet Cherry Pie Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these Sweet Cherry Pie Bars, combining a buttery, soft crust with luscious cherry pie filling and a sweet glaze. Perfect for a summer dessert or any occasion, these bars are easy to make and offer a fruity twist on classic pie flavors in a convenient handheld form.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
For the Filling
- 1 (21-ounce) can cherry pie filling
For the Glaze
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the dough.
- Add Eggs and Flavorings: Incorporate the salt, vanilla extract, and eggs one at a time into the creamed mixture, beating well after each addition to ensure full integration.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour and baking powder together to distribute the leavening evenly.
- Form the Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms, ensuring not to overmix.
- Assemble the Bars: Spread about two-thirds of the dough evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking pan, creating a solid base layer.
- Add Cherry Filling: Spoon the cherry pie filling evenly over the dough layer, spreading it gently to cover.
- Top with Remaining Dough: Drop the remaining dough by spoonfuls over the cherry filling for a rustic topping.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top turns lightly golden and the center is set.
- Cool the Bars: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan to ensure the filling firms up and makes slicing easier.
- Prepare and Drizzle Glaze: Mix the powdered sugar with 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk in a small bowl until smooth, then drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars.
- Slice and Serve: Cut into 24 bars and serve as a delightful dessert or snack.
Notes
- You can use homemade cherry filling if desired for a fresher taste.
- These bars also work well with other fruit fillings like blueberry or peach for variety.
- Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
