Easy Cherry Pie Bars – A Simple, Crowd-Pleasing Dessert

Craving the sweet, tangy goodness of cherry pie but don’t want to deal with rolling out crusts? Cherry Pie Bars are the perfect solution! These bars have all the flavors of a classic cherry pie—flaky, buttery crust and juicy cherry filling—without the hassle. They’re easy to make, easy to serve, and perfect for any occasion.

Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, bringing dessert to a picnic, or just treating yourself, these bars will quickly become a favorite. Plus, if you love fruit-based desserts, you might also enjoy Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls for another sweet treat.

Why You’ll Love These Cherry Pie Bars

  • All the flavor of cherry pie, no rolling required – Simple yet delicious.
  • Perfect for sharing – Great for potlucks, parties, and bake sales.
  • Customizable – Swap out the filling or add flavors to make it your own.
  • Beginner-friendly – No complicated techniques, just mix, layer, and bake.

If you’re a fan of easy, fruit-based desserts like Crescent Roll Apple Dumplings, you’ll love how simple these cherry pie bars are to make.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Crust and Topping

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder

For the Filling

  • 1 can (or about 2 cups) cherry pie filling (homemade or store-bought)

Optional Glaze

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

For another fruit-filled dessert, check out Peach Glazed Raspberry Cream Cheese Pie.

Step-By-Step Recipe for Cherry Pie Bars

Step-1: Prepare the Crust

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
  4. Mix in the vanilla extract.
  5. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and baking powder.
  6. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.

Step-2: Assemble the Bars

  1. Press about ⅔ of the dough into the bottom of the baking dish to form an even layer.
  2. Spread the cherry pie filling over the crust, leaving a small border around the edges.
  3. Drop spoonfuls of the remaining dough over the filling, allowing some cherries to peek through.

Step-3: Bake to Perfection

  1. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
  2. Let the bars cool completely before cutting.

Step-4: Make the Glaze (Optional)

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
  2. Drizzle over cooled bars before serving.

Variations of Cherry Pie Bars

Gluten-Free Cherry Pie Bars

Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. Check that your baking powder and cherry filling are gluten-free.

Vegan Cherry Pie Bars

Replace butter with vegan butter, and use a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg).

Lemon Cherry Pie Bars

Add the zest of one lemon to the dough and a few tablespoons of lemon juice to the cherry filling for a bright citrus twist.

Looking for another delicious fruit dessert? Try Strawberry Cheesecake for a creamy, indulgent treat.

Pro Tips for Perfect Cherry Pie Bars

  • Use fresh or frozen cherries if making your own filling—just cook them with sugar and cornstarch until thickened.
  • Don’t overbake! The bars should be golden but not dry.
  • Cool before slicing for clean, even bars.

Serving and Presentation Ideas

  • Top with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
  • Garnish with fresh cherries for a decorative touch.
  • Dust with powdered sugar for a simple but elegant finish.

Pair these bars with Old-Fashioned Egg Custard Pie for a classic dessert spread.

Storing and Freezing Cherry Pie Bars

  • Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Refrigerate: Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days.
  • Freeze: Wrap individually in plastic wrap and store for up to 3 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other fruit fillings?

Yes! Try blueberry, apple, or peach for a fun twist.

How long do cherry pie bars last?

They last up to 5 days in the fridge or 3 months in the freezer.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! Bake them a day in advance and store at room temperature or in the fridge.

More Recipes to Try

If you loved these Cherry Pie Bars, here are more delicious desserts to try:

Final Thoughts

Cherry Pie Bars are an easy, delicious dessert that brings together the flavors of classic cherry pie with the simplicity of a bar. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because, they’re guaranteed to be a hit.

If you loved this recipe, you’ll enjoy Buttermilk Chocolate Cake for another must-try dessert.

Now, grab your ingredients and start baking! Don’t forget to save this recipe on Pinterest for later.

Conclusion

Cherry Pie Bars are an easy, delicious dessert that combines the flavors of a classic cherry pie with the convenience of a bar. With their buttery crust, sweet cherry filling, and crumbly topping, they’re sure to become a favorite at any gathering. For more delicious dessert options, pair these bars with our Buttermilk Chocolate Cake for a sweet and satisfying spread!

Explore more delightful dessert recipes, including variations of cherry pie bars, by visiting Allrecipes, your go-to source for trusted recipes and inspiration.

Enjoy your delicious Cherry Pie Bars, and if you give it a try and like it, we’d love to hear how it turned out—share your experience with us!

 

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Delicious cherry dessert bars

Cherry Pie Bars


  • Author: Dana
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 12 bars 1x

Description

Cherry Pie Bars combine the sweet, tangy flavors of cherry pie with a buttery crust and crumbly topping—no rolling required! Perfect for any occasion.


Ingredients

Scale
  • For the Crust and Topping:
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • For the Filling:
  • 1 can (or about 2 cups) cherry pie filling
  • For the Optional Glaze:
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and baking powder, then gradually add to wet ingredients.
  5. Press about ⅔ of the dough into the baking dish to form an even layer.
  6. Spread cherry pie filling over the crust, leaving a small border around the edges.
  7. Drop spoonfuls of the remaining dough over the filling.
  8. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
  9. Let bars cool completely before cutting.
  10. For the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth, then drizzle over cooled bars.

Notes

Use fresh or frozen cherries if making homemade filling. Do not overbake to keep the bars moist. Store at room temperature for up to 3 days, refrigerate for 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bar
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 24g
  • Sodium: 120mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 55mg

Keywords: cherry pie bars, easy dessert, fruit bars, cherry dessert

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