Pin It These tender bars feature a buttery vanilla dough base spread with sweet cherry pie filling, then topped with dollops of remaining dough and finished with a vanilla glaze. The result is an irresistible handheld dessert thats simpler than a traditional pie but just as satisfying. Ready in under an hour, these bars are ideal for potlucks, holidays, or everyday treats.
Last summer, my neighbor brought over a container of these cherry pie bars after I helped her watch her dog for the weekend. One bite and I was texting her at midnight demanding the recipe. They have this perfect balance of tender cakey dough and sweet cherry filling that just hits different when it's warm from the oven.
I made these for my sister's birthday potluck instead of a regular pie, and honestly I think they were more popular. People kept asking who brought the bars and three different friends messaged me afterward for the recipe. Now they are my go-to whenever I need something that looks impressive but is actually incredibly simple.
Ingredients
- Unsalted butter: Softened to room temperature so it creams easily with the sugar creating that tender crumb
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps create the cake like texture in the dough
- Eggs: Bind everything together and add structure to the bars
- Vanilla and almond extracts: The almond extract is optional but it gives such a nice depth that pairs beautifully with cherries
- All-purpose flour: The base of your dough giving it structure while keeping it tender
- Salt: Balances all the sweetness and enhances overall flavor
- Cherry pie filling: The star of the show creating that luscious fruit layer
- Powdered sugar: Creates the simple glaze that adds the perfect finishing touch
- Milk: Thins the glaze to the perfect drizzling consistency
Instructions
- Get your oven ready:
- Preheat to 350°F and grease a 9x13 inch pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later
- Make the dough base:
- Cream together softened butter and sugar until fluffy then beat in eggs one at a time followed by both extracts
- Combine dry and wet:
- Whisk flour and salt in a separate bowl then gradually mix into the butter mixture just until combined
- Layer it up:
- Press about two thirds of the dough into the bottom of your pan spread cherry filling over top then drop small spoonfuls of remaining dough over the cherries
- Bake to golden perfection:
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the top is lightly golden and edges are set then let cool completely before glazing
- Add the finishing touch:
- Whisk powdered sugar with milk and vanilla until smooth then drizzle over the cooled bars and let the glaze set before slicing
Pin It These bars have become my comfort baking staple through stressful weeks when I need something sweet but do not have the energy for anything complicated. The process is so meditative and the smell filling the kitchen just makes everything feel better.
Making Ahead and Storage
I have learned that these bars actually taste even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld together. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or freeze them unglazed for up to three months.
Serving Suggestions
While these are perfect on their own with a cup of coffee I have found that warming a bar for ten seconds in the microwave and topping it with vanilla ice cream takes them to restaurant quality dessert status.
Recipe Variations
Do not be afraid to play around with different fruit fillings based on the season or what you have on hand. I have made these with blueberry apple and even a mixed berry version and they all work beautifully.
- Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the dough when using blueberry filling
- Sprinkle cinnamon sugar over the top before baking for apple pie bars
- Try swapping almond extract for coconut extract with a cherry filling
Pin It There is something so satisfying about pulling these golden bars out of the oven knowing you are about to make someone really happy with something you made from scratch.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned filling?
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Yes! Cook 4 cups fresh cherries with 1/2 cup sugar and 2 tbsp cornstarch until thickened. Cool before using as filling.
- → How should I store these bars?
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Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. The bars can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
- → Can I make these without the glaze?
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Absolutely! The bars are delicious on their own. You can also dust with powdered sugar instead of making the glaze.
- → What other fruit fillings work well?
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Blueberry, apple, strawberry, or raspberry pie filling all work beautifully. Adjust spices to complement the fruit flavor.
- → Why is my dough too sticky to handle?
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Chill the dough for 15-20 minutes if its too soft. Use floured hands or a greased spatula to spread the dough into the pan.
- → Can I use salted butter?
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Yes, simply reduce the added salt in the dough to 1/4 teaspoon. The bars will still turn out wonderfully.
