Sweet and Simple Cherry Pie Bars for Any Occasion!

Photo byangie bright

Cherry Pie Bars: The Perfect Dessert for Any Occasion

There's something magical about the combination of buttery crust, sweet cherries, and a touch of almond. These cherry pie bars capture all of that deliciousness in an easy-to-make treat that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you're planning a family gathering, heading to a potluck, or simply craving a homemade dessert, cherry pie bars are a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth without the fuss of making a traditional pie.

Imagine the soft, crumbly layers of buttery dough that melt in your mouth, paired with the tart sweetness of cherry pie filling. Each bite is like enjoying a slice of cherry pie but in the convenient form of a hand-held bar. The drizzle of almond-scented glaze on top adds a beautiful finish, making this dessert a true crowd-pleaser.

If you’ve never made pie bars before, you’re in for a treat. This recipe is straightforward and delivers impressive results. Plus, the combination of flavors will transport you to a warm kitchen, filled with the aroma of fresh-baked goodness. Ready to bake? Let's get started.

Cherry Pie Bars Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 2 cups sugar
• 4 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp almond extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 cans (21 oz each) cherry pie filling
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• ½ tsp vanilla extract (for glaze)
• ½ tsp almond extract (for glaze)
• 2 tbsp milk

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 15x10x1-inch pan with non-stick spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, making sure each one is fully mixed in before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla and almond extracts to enhance the flavor of the bars.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Slowly add this dry mixture to the butter-sugar mixture, stirring until everything is well combined.
5. Assemble Bars: Spread 3 cups of the batter evenly in the prepared pan, making sure the bottom is fully covered. Evenly spread the cherry pie filling over the batter, then drop spoonfuls of the remaining batter on top of the cherries. Don’t worry about it looking perfect—those spoonfuls will create a lovely, rustic topping once baked.
6. Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If using a 9x13-inch pan, it might take a bit longer to bake through, so keep an eye on it.
7. Cool: Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This will make cutting them easier and help the flavors meld.
8. Prepare Glaze: While the bars cool, mix together the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, almond extract, and milk in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth and drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars for an extra touch of sweetness.
9. Cut & Serve: Once the glaze is set, cut the bars into squares and serve. They are perfect as-is or paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

These cherry pie bars are perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to holiday feasts. The best part? You don’t need to worry about making a crust from scratch like with a traditional pie. This dessert combines all the flavor and appeal of cherry pie with the ease and convenience of bars.

Every bite is bursting with the taste of juicy cherries, buttery dough, and the hint of almond. The glaze adds a sweet finish, making these bars a true hit at any table.

Sources for Recipe:

• Allrecipes
• Taste of Home
• Betty Crocker