These Cherry Pie Bars are a delicious, easy-to-make dessert that combines a buttery, flaky crust with a sweet and tangy cherry filling. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or any occasion that calls for a crowd-pleasing treat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Sweet & Tart – The combination of sweet cherries with a tangy filling is irresistible.
- Easy to Make – No pie crust skills required; just layer and bake!
- Perfect for Sharing – Cut into bars, making them perfect for parties or gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- For the crust:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the cherry filling:
- 2 cups canned cherry pie filling (or fresh cherries if preferred)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (if using fresh cherries)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon lemon juice
- For the topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into pieces
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Pastry cutter (for the topping)
- Spoon or spatula
How to Make Cherry Pie Bars
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
Step 2: Make the Crust
In a mixing bowl, combine 1 ½ cups of flour, ½ cup sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the softened butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until a dough forms.
Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, forming the crust. Bake for 15 minutes, or until the crust is slightly golden.
Step 3: Prepare the Cherry Filling
If using fresh cherries, combine them with ¼ cup sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, or until the cherries soften and the sauce thickens. If using canned cherry pie filling, skip this step and proceed with the filling.
Spread the cherry filling evenly over the pre-baked crust once it’s done.
Step 4: Make the Topping
In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup flour, ½ cup sugar, and vanilla extract. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Sprinkle the topping evenly over the cherry filling.
Step 5: Bake the Bars
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the cherry filling is bubbly.
Step 6: Cool and Slice
Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing into squares. This will help the filling set and make for cleaner slices.
Step 7: Serve & Enjoy!
Serve these Cherry Pie Bars at room temperature or chilled for a refreshing treat.
What to Serve With Cherry Pie Bars
- Vanilla Ice Cream – A scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side makes the perfect pairing.
- Whipped Cream – Top with fresh whipped cream for extra indulgence.
- Coffee or Tea – A warm drink complements the sweet tartness of the cherries.
Tips for Success
- For Extra Flavor – Add a pinch of cinnamon to the crust or filling for a warm spice.
- Make Ahead – These bars can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge for easy serving.
- For a Flakier Crust – Use cold butter and avoid overworking the dough.
Storing & Reheating
- Refrigerate – Store any leftover Cherry Pie Bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Freeze – Freeze the bars in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different fruit for the filling?
Yes! Feel free to substitute with blueberry, peach, or apple pie filling for a different twist.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for both the crust and topping.
Can I make the crust ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the crust a day in advance, store it in the fridge, and bake when ready.
Conclusion
These Cherry Pie Bars are a delightful, easy-to-make dessert that everyone will love. With their buttery crust, sweet cherry filling, and crumbly topping, they’re perfect for any occasion!
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Cuisine: American
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 250 | Protein: 2g | Carbohydrates: 36g | Fat: 12g | Sodium: 85mg
Cherry Pie Bars
- Total Time: 1 hour
Description
These Cherry Pie Bars are a delicious, easy-to-make dessert that combines a buttery, flaky crust with a sweet and tangy cherry filling. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or any occasion that calls for a crowd-pleasing treat!
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Ingredients
-
For the crust:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
-
For the cherry filling:
- 2 cups canned cherry pie filling (or fresh cherries if preferred)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (if using fresh cherries)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon lemon juice
-
For the topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into pieces
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
In a mixing bowl, combine 1 ½ cups of flour, ½ cup sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the softened butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until a dough forms.
Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, forming the crust. Bake for 15 minutes, or until the crust is slightly golden.
If using fresh cherries, combine them with ¼ cup sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, or until the cherries soften and the sauce thickens. If using canned cherry pie filling, skip this step and proceed with the filling.
Spread the cherry filling evenly over the pre-baked crust once it’s done.
In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup flour, ½ cup sugar, and vanilla extract. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Sprinkle the topping evenly over the cherry filling.
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the cherry filling is bubbly.
Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing into squares. This will help the filling set and make for cleaner slices.
Serve these Cherry Pie Bars at room temperature or chilled for a refreshing treat.
Notes
- For Extra Flavor – Add a pinch of cinnamon to the crust or filling for a warm spice.
- Make Ahead – These bars can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge for easy serving.
- For a Flakier Crust – Use cold butter and avoid overworking the dough.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Cuisine: American
