Craving something sweet, buttery, and bursting with cherry flavor? These Cherry Pie Bars are just what you need! Featuring a buttery shortbread crust, luscious cherry pie filling, a golden crumb topping, and a sweet almond glaze, this easy-to-make dessert is a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a holiday party, or just treating yourself, this cherry pie bars recipe is sure to impress. Unlike a traditional cherry pie, these bars are handheld, easy to serve, and require no rolling of dough—making them simple yet irresistibly delicious!
In this post, we’ll go through:
✔️ Why you’ll love this cherry pie bars recipe
✔️ Step-by-step instructions to make them perfect every time
✔️ Tips for the best texture and flavor
✔️ Storage & freezing tips for ultimate convenience
Let’s dive in and bake up something amazing! 🍒✨
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Why You’ll Love These Cherry Pie Bars
If you love classic cherry pie, these bars will quickly become your new favorite dessert. Here’s why:
✅ Easy to Make: No need to roll out pie dough—just press, spread, and crumble!
✅ Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for potlucks, picnics, and family gatherings.
✅ Handheld & Mess-Free: Easier to serve than a traditional pie.
✅ Delicious Texture: Buttery crust, juicy cherries, and a sweet glaze for the perfect bite!
✅ Customizable: Swap out cherry pie filling for another fruit or adjust the flavors to your liking.
Now, let’s get baking!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before starting, gather all your ingredients:
For the Crust & Crumb Topping:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup butter, room temperature
- 1 large egg
For the Filling:
- 21 oz can cherry pie filling
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
Tools You’ll Need:
✔️ 13×9-inch baking pan
✔️ Parchment paper or non-stick spray
✔️ Stand mixer (or hand mixer)
✔️ Wire cooling rack
How to Make Cherry Pie Bars (Step-by-Step Guide)
1. Preheat & Prepare the Pan
- Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line a 13×9-inch pan with parchment paper or grease it lightly with butter.
2. Make the Crust & Crumb Topping
- In a stand mixer, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add butter one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the texture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Mix in the egg, keeping the mixture slightly crumbly.
3. Press & Pre-Bake the Crust
- Press ½ to ⅔ of the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of the pan.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until it turns light golden brown and looks matte.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
4. Prepare the Cherry Filling
- In a small bowl, mix the cherry pie filling with ½ teaspoon almond extract.
- Spread the cherry mixture evenly over the pre-baked crust.
5. Add the Crumb Topping & Bake
- Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture evenly over the top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the cherry filling is bubbling.
6. Cool Completely
- Let the bars cool completely on a wire rack before adding the glaze.
How to Make the Almond Glaze
- In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars using a spoon or piping bag.
- Let the glaze set before cutting the bars into 15 squares.
Tips for the Best Cherry Pie Bars
✨ For Bigger Crumbs: Squeeze the crumb topping in your hands before sprinkling it over the cherries.
✨ Want More Almond Flavor? Add chopped almonds to the crumb topping for extra crunch.
✨ Prefer Vanilla? Swap the almond extract for pure vanilla extract if you’re not a fan of almond flavor.
✨ Make Them Extra Crispy: Chill the dough for 15 minutes before pressing it into the pan.
✨ Homemade Cherry Filling Alternative: If you prefer making your own cherry filling, cook 3 cups of fresh or frozen cherries with ½ cup sugar and 1 tablespoon cornstarch until thickened.
Storage & Freezing Instructions
How to Store Cherry Pie Bars
- Keep bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerate for a longer shelf life (up to 1 week).
How to Freeze Cherry Pie Bars
- Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
- Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- To thaw, leave at room temperature for 1 hour before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use a Different Fruit Filling?
Absolutely! This recipe works with blueberry, apple, peach, or raspberry pie filling.
What If I Don’t Have a Stand Mixer?
You can use a hand mixer or a pastry cutter to combine the crust ingredients.
Can I Double the Recipe?
Yes! Simply use a larger baking sheet and double the ingredients.
Can I Make These Gluten-Free?
Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.
How to Make Homemade Cherry Pie Filling for Cherry Pie Bars
While using canned cherry pie filling is convenient, making your own homemade cherry pie filling takes these cherry pie bars to another level! Fresh or frozen cherries combined with a few simple ingredients create a rich, naturally sweet, and slightly tart filling that enhances the overall flavor.
Why Make Your Own Cherry Filling?
✔️ More Flavor Control: Adjust the sweetness or tartness to your preference.
✔️ No Artificial Ingredients: Avoid preservatives and excess sugar found in canned pie filling.
✔️ Fresh & Natural: Uses real cherries for an authentic, vibrant taste.
Ingredients for Homemade Cherry Pie Filling
- 3 cups fresh or frozen cherries (pitted and halved) 🍒
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (or 2 tbsp flour for a thicker filling)
- ¼ cup water
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (for brightness)
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional, but enhances cherry flavor)
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the cherries, sugar, and water.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cherries start releasing their juices.
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water to create a slurry.
- Add the cornstarch mixture and lemon juice to the cherries.
- Stir continuously and cook until the mixture thickens (about 3-5 minutes).
- Remove from heat and stir in almond extract (if using).
- Let cool before spreading over the crust.
By making your own filling, your cherry pie bars will have a fresher, more authentic cherry flavor with the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. 🍒
How to Achieve the Perfect Buttery Shortbread Crust
One of the key elements of delicious cherry pie bars is the buttery, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread crust. Unlike traditional pie dough, shortbread crust is easier to prepare and requires no rolling—just mix, press, and bake!
What Makes a Great Shortbread Crust?
✔️ Right Butter-to-Flour Ratio: Too much butter makes it greasy, too little makes it dry.
✔️ Perfect Sweetness Level: Enough sugar to balance the tart cherries.
✔️ Light & Crumbly Texture: Should be firm enough to hold but still melt in your mouth.
Tips for the Best Shortbread Crust
- Use High-Quality Butter 🧈 – The butter is the star ingredient, so use real, unsalted butter for a rich flavor.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough – Mix just until crumbly; overmixing can lead to a tough crust.
- Pre-Bake the Crust – Bake for 10-12 minutes before adding the cherry filling to prevent sogginess.
- Chill the Dough (Optional) – Chilling for 10-15 minutes before baking makes the crust flakier and more structured.
- Use Parchment Paper for Easy Removal – Line the pan for easy lifting and clean cutting.
A perfect shortbread crust will ensure your cherry pie bars have a crisp, buttery foundation that pairs beautifully with the cherry filling.
How to Make a Crispy and Golden Crumble Topping
The crumb topping is what makes these cherry pie bars truly irresistible! This sweet, buttery layer adds the perfect crunch to complement the soft cherry filling and shortbread crust.
What Makes the Best Crumble Topping?
✔️ Golden & Crunchy: A crisp texture that contrasts the soft filling.
✔️ Buttery & Rich: Enough butter to hold the crumbs together.
✔️ Slightly Sweet, But Not Overpowering: Just enough sugar to balance flavors.
Crumble Topping Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup butter (cold and cut into cubes)
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional for warmth)
How to Make the Crumble Topping
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and cinnamon.
- Add cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until you get pea-sized crumbs.
- Squeeze some of the mixture in your hand to create bigger crumbles.
- Sprinkle evenly over the cherry pie filling before baking.
Pro Tips for a Perfect Crumble
✔️ Use Cold Butter – Keeps the crumbs from melting too quickly in the oven.
✔️ Don’t Overmix – You want a crumbly texture, not a doughy one.
✔️ Press Some Crumbs Together – Creates a mix of small and large chunks for the best texture.
A well-made crumble topping ensures every bite of your cherry pie bars has a crispy, buttery crunch that makes them even more satisfying.
How to Serve & Pair Cherry Pie Bars
Once your cherry pie bars are cooled and glazed, they’re ready to enjoy! But what if you want to elevate your dessert experience? Here are some delicious serving ideas and perfect pairings to make them even better!
Serving Ideas for Cherry Pie Bars
✔️ Warm or Chilled? – Serve them slightly warm for a soft, gooey texture or chilled for a firmer bite.
✔️ Cut Clean Bars – Use a sharp knife, wiping it clean between cuts for neat slices.
✔️ Extra Toppings: Sprinkle with powdered sugar, chopped nuts, or toasted coconut for added texture.
Best Pairings for Cherry Pie Bars
🍦 With Ice Cream: Serve with vanilla, almond, or cinnamon ice cream for a creamy contrast.
☕ With Coffee or Tea: Enjoy with a hot latte, cappuccino, or black tea for a comforting pairing.
🍫 With Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the bars for a decadent twist.
🥛 With Whipped Cream: A dollop of homemade whipped cream enhances the creamy texture.
These small additions can turn your cherry pie bars into a show-stopping dessert that everyone will love! 🍒🍰
Final Thoughts – The Best Cherry Pie Bars Recipe! 🍒
These Cherry Pie Bars are the ultimate quick & easy dessert—combining the classic flavors of cherry pie with a buttery crust, sweet cherries, crunchy crumb topping, and an almond glaze. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them with a cup of coffee, they are guaranteed to be a hit!
If you try this cherry pie bars recipe, let us know in the comments! Don’t forget to save, pin, and share this delicious dessert!