Looking for the best cherry dessert bar recipe that’s both easy to make and irresistibly delicious? These Cherry Pie Bars are your answer! With a soft, buttery base, sweet cherry pie filling, and a golden-baked topping, this crowd-pleasing treat is perfect for potlucks, holidays, and everyday indulgences. Whether you’re baking for family or impressing guests, this recipe is guaranteed to satisfy every sweet tooth.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to make – No pie crust rolling required!
Perfect for sharing – Great for parties, bake sales, or holiday gatherings.
Versatile – Swap out cherry filling for apple, blueberry, or peach.
Buttery & delicious – A rich, tender crust with a sweet-tart cherry center.

Ingredients Breakdown:

Unsalted Butter (1 cup, softened) – Provides richness and a tender texture to the bars.
Granulated Sugar (2 cups) – Sweetens the batter and helps create that golden-brown finish.
Almond Extract (1 tsp) – Adds a subtle nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with cherries.
Large Eggs (4) – Help bind the batter and add structure and richness.
All-Purpose Flour (3 cups) – Gives the bars their soft yet sturdy structure.
Salt (1/2 tsp) – Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness.
Cherry Pie Filling (21 oz can) – The juicy, fruity centerpiece of these bars, full of sweet-tart cherry flavor.

Tips and Tricks

Room Temperature Butter – Ensures a smooth, lump-free batter.
Even Spreading – Use an offset spatula for a uniform base layer.
Don’t Overbake – Bars should be lightly golden; overbaking can dry them out.

Variations and Customizations

Different Fillings – Try blueberry, apple, or strawberry pie filling.
Nutty Crunch – Add chopped almonds or pecans to the batter.
Glaze Drizzle – Mix powdered sugar and milk for a sweet finish.

Pairing Suggestions

Coffee or Tea – Perfect with a hot cup for breakfast or dessert.
Vanilla Ice Cream – Serve warm with a scoop for an extra treat.

Storage Instructions

Room Temperature – Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Refrigerate – Extends freshness for up to 5 days.
Freeze – Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.

Cherry Pie Bars

Author: easysweetmeal
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 24 bars 1x

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Description

These 🍒 Cherry Pie Bars are soft, buttery, and bursting with sweet cherry flavor. Made with a simple almond-scented batter and cherry pie filling, they’re easy to whip up and perfect for slicing into shareable treats!

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups granulated sugar
1 teaspoon almond extract
4 large eggs
3 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease or line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix the Batter

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the almond extract.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients

Stir in flour and salt gradually until the batter is fully incorporated.

Step 4: Assemble the Bars

Spread about 3 cups of the batter evenly in the pan.
Spoon cherry pie filling over the batter.
Drop remaining batter in small spoonfuls over the top.

Step 5: Bake

Bake for 45–50 minutes or until the top is lightly golden.
Allow to cool completely before slicing into bars

Notes

For a glossy, bakery-style look, drizzle a simple powdered sugar glaze over the top after cooling.
These bars are great for bake sales, gifting, or weekend baking projects.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45–50 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American