If you love the nostalgic taste of classic cherry pie but want a quicker, mess-free way to enjoy those sweet-tart flavors, you are going to adore this Cherry Pie Bars Recipe. These bars pack the perfect balance of a buttery crumbly crust, luscious cherry pie filling, and a delicate glaze that makes every bite a little celebration. They are ideal for sharing at gatherings, packing for lunches, or just indulging yourself whenever the craving hits!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows various baking ingredients neatly arranged on a white marbled surface. There are eleven containers in total: a white bowl filled with sugar at the top left, a small glass bowl with brown liquid next to it, and another small clear bowl with cinnamon. To the right is an open can filled with red cherries in liquid. Below, on the left side, there is a white bowl piled high with flour, beside a small bowl holding an egg, a glass of clear water, a small bowl of salt, and a small bowl of baking powder. Next to these is a small glass with milk. At the bottom right are two sticks of butter alongside a small white bowl full of powdered sugar. All bowls are clear or white except the flour and powdered sugar bowls, which have a pale blue tint. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Cherry Pie Bars Recipe lies in its simple yet carefully chosen ingredients. Each component works together to create a symphony of texture and flavor, from the crisp crust to the gooey cherry center and the sweet finishing glaze.

3 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled: Forms the sturdy but tender crust and crumb topping base.
1 cup granulated sugar: Brings the perfect amount of sweetness to both crust and topping.
1 teaspoon baking powder: Adds a light lift to the crumb mixture, keeping it from being too dense.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors for a balanced taste.
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon: A subtle warmth that complements the cherries beautifully.
1 cup butter, cut into cubes: The key to that irresistible tender, buttery crumb — cold cubes help achieve the perfect texture.
1 large egg, beaten: Binds the crumb components just enough without making the dough tough.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a lovely aromatic note that blends with the almond.
1/4 teaspoon almond extract: Elevates the cherry flavor with its nutty, sweet essence.
21 ounces cherry pie filling: The star of the show—juicy, tart cherries in a luscious, thick sauce that fills each bar with joy.
For the glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons milk, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/4 teaspoon almond extract — the finishing touch that adds sweetness and charm.

How to Make Cherry Pie Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Crust and Crumb Mixture

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and lining a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper for easy removal later. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Cut in the butter using a fork, pastry blender, or your hands until the texture turns into coarse crumbs—this step is essential to get that wonderfully crumbly yet buttery base and topping. Next, stir in the beaten egg and extracts; the dough should remain crumbly but will hold together slightly when pressed.

Step 2: Bake the Base Layer

Press just over half of the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the baking pan. This forms the crust that will hold the cherry filling and topping beautifully. Bake the crust for 10-12 minutes until it’s just starting to lightly brown and loses its wet shine. This partial baking prevents the crust from becoming soggy under the filling.

Step 3: Add the Cherry Filling and Topping

Spoon the cherry pie filling evenly over the hot crust, making sure it’s spread gently but thoroughly. Then sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the cherries, pressing some together to form larger, chunkier pieces if you like extra texture. Leaving bits of the filling exposed creates those beautiful pockets of juicy fruit throughout the bars.

Step 4: Final Bake

Return the assembled bars to the oven for about 25-30 more minutes. Keep an eye out for a lightly golden topping and bubbling filling—this signals that your bars are perfectly baked and ready to cool.

Step 5: Prepare and Drizzle the Glaze

While the bars cool completely on a wire rack, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and almond extracts until smooth to make the glaze. Adjust the milk if necessary to get a drizzle-friendly consistency. Once cool, drizzle the glaze evenly over the bars and let it set before slicing. This finishing touch adds a gorgeous shine and a little sweet zing that pulls everything together.

How to Serve Cherry Pie Bars Recipe

The image shows a rectangular white baking dish filled with a cherry crumb bar. The bottom layer is a golden crust, topped with bright red cherry filling that has a shiny, slightly chunky texture. On top, there are uneven, crumbly golden pieces of streusel scattered across, with white icing drizzled loosely over the entire surface in thin and thick lines. The baking dish is sitting on a white marbled surface with a striped beige and white cloth nearby, along with two clear drinking glasses. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

These bars shine on their own but can be made extra special by adding a dusting of powdered sugar or a few fresh cherries on top. A sprinkle of crushed toasted almonds also boosts the almond flavor from the extract and adds crunch.

Side Dishes

Pair Cherry Pie Bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream to capture that classic ice cream-and-pie experience in a handheld form. A hot cup of coffee or tea is also a wonderful companion, balancing the sweetness beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a crowd-pleasing dessert platter, arrange the bars with colorful berries and mint sprigs scattered around. Or serve them in pretty paper liners for an easy grab-and-go treat at parties. The glaze’s delicate drizzle also makes them picture perfect for sharing on social media!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled and glazed, store your cherry pie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If your kitchen is warm, the refrigerator works too, but bring bars to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Freezing

These bars freeze wonderfully. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and enjoy as if freshly baked.

Reheating

If you prefer warm bars, reheat slices in the microwave for about 20 seconds or in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes. The crust crisps up nicely, and the filling gets that comforting, gooey texture everyone loves.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cherries instead of canned pie filling?

Absolutely! If you want a fresher cherry flavor, you can make your own filling using frozen or fresh cherries cooked down with sugar and a thickener like cornstarch. Just ensure the filling thickens well to avoid soggy bars.

Is almond extract necessary in the Cherry Pie Bars Recipe?

While almond extract is optional, it adds a beautiful depth of flavor that enhances the cherry and vanilla notes. If you don’t have it, you can omit it or replace it with an extra ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract.

Can I substitute butter with a dairy-free alternative?

Yes! Use a solid plant-based butter substitute that performs well for baking. It’s essential for achieving that crumbly texture and rich flavor, so avoid oils or liquid substitutes if possible.

How do I get the crumb topping to stay crispy?

The key is to cut the butter cold into the dry ingredients so the mixture bakes into lovely crumbs instead of blending too much. Also, avoid over-mixing once the egg goes in to keep the crumbly texture intact.

Can I make the Cherry Pie Bars Recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend that includes xanthan gum for structure. Keep in mind texture might slightly differ but the overall taste will still be delightfully satisfying.

Final Thoughts

This Cherry Pie Bars Recipe is one of those delightful treats that brings a smile to any occasion. Its simplicity, balanced flavors, and crumbly textures make it a go-to dessert for busy days and special moments alike. So grab your ingredients, and I promise once you try these bars, they’ll become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire. Happy baking!