Introduction
If cherry pie and sugar cookie bars had a baby, it would be these Cherry Pie Bars. They’re soft, sweet, buttery, and bursting with luscious cherry filling in every bite. These bars offer all the charm of a classic cherry pie—but with less fuss and more crowd-pleasing power. Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or just because you need a little cherry cheer.
Origin and Cultural Significance
Cherry desserts have a long-standing place in American baking tradition, especially around summer and patriotic holidays. Cherry pie, often served on the 4th of July or Thanksgiving, is a nostalgic staple. These bars take that classic and give it a modern twist—easier to make, easier to share, and just as satisfying. They’re a tribute to old-fashioned flavor with a quick, casual twist.
Ingredients Quantity
For the Crust and Topping:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp almond extract (optional but highly recommended)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
For the Filling:
- 1 (21-ounce) can cherry pie filling
For the Glaze (optional):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp milk
- 1/4 tsp almond or vanilla extract
Optional Additions
- Lemon Zest in the glaze for a bright contrast
- Cream Cheese Swirl for richness
- Drizzle of White Chocolate on top for a pretty finish
- Swap Cherry for Other Flavors: blueberry, raspberry, or apple work beautifully
Tips for Success
- Use room temperature butter and eggs for a smooth batter
- Line your baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal
- Don’t overbake—edges should be golden, but center slightly soft
- Let bars cool before glazing to avoid melting the icing
- Almond extract adds that “bakery” flavor—don’t skip it!
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan. - Make the Batter:
In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla and almond extract. - Add Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add in flour and salt, mixing until combined. - Assemble the Bars:
Spread 2/3 of the batter evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Spoon cherry pie filling over the batter. Drop the remaining batter by spoonfuls over the top of the filling. - Bake:
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. - Cool and Glaze:
Allow bars to cool completely. Mix powdered sugar, milk, and extract in a small bowl until smooth, then drizzle over cooled bars. - Slice and Serve:
Cut into squares or bars and enjoy!
Description
These Cherry Pie Bars are buttery and soft with a sweet, tart cherry filling and a golden, tender crumb. The glaze on top adds the perfect touch of sweetness and shine. They taste like your favorite bakery treat, but they’re easy enough to whip up at home in under an hour.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 210
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Sugar: 20g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Sodium: 115mg
Conclusion
Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just need a sweet fix, Cherry Pie Bars are a beautiful and simple dessert that never fails. They look impressive, taste amazing, and transport you straight to grandma’s kitchen.
Recommendation
Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or alongside coffee for a charming afternoon treat. Store leftovers in an airtight container—they stay soft and delicious for days.
Embracing Healthful Indulgence
While these bars are a sweet indulgence, you can lighten them up a bit:
- Use unsweetened or low-sugar cherry pie filling
- Swap half the butter for applesauce
- Try whole wheat flour for added fiber
But honestly? Sometimes joy is found in a full-flavor bite of something homemade and buttery. And that’s more than okay.