Print

Easy Cherry Pie Bars: A Simple Cherry Dessert to Savor Recipe

Easy Cherry Pie Bars: A Simple Cherry Dessert to Savor Recipe

5.3 from 24 reviews

These Easy Cherry Pie Bars combine a buttery, tender crust with a luscious cherry pie filling and a delicate almond-vanilla glaze. Perfect for a simple yet indulgent dessert, they are quick to prepare and ideal for sharing at any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Crust and Filling

  • 1 cup softened butter
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 tsp almond extract
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 (21 oz) can premium cherry pie filling

For the Glaze

  • 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
  • 1 tsp almond extract
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • Milk as needed (about 1-2 tablespoons)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to heat up while you prepare the crust and filling.
  2. Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter together with the sugar until light and fluffy, which will help create a tender, buttery crust.
  3. Add eggs and extracts: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, followed by the almond extract and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined to infuse the dough with flavor.
  4. Mix in dry ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the wet mixture. Stir until the dough just comes together, taking care not to overmix for a tender texture.
  5. Press half the dough into the pan: Evenly press half of the dough into a greased or parchment-lined 9×13-inch baking pan to form the bottom crust layer.
  6. Spread cherry filling: Spoon the cherry pie filling evenly over the dough layer, ensuring a consistent filling spread for every bite.
  7. Dollop remaining dough on top: Drop small spoonfuls of the remaining dough over the cherry filling; it will bake into a delicious crumbly top layer.
  8. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the top is golden and set.
  9. Cool completely: Remove from the oven and let cool entirely in the pan to allow the filling to set and make slicing easier.
  10. Prepare and drizzle glaze: Whisk together confectioners’ sugar, almond extract, vanilla extract, and enough milk to reach a drizzle consistency. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars.
  11. Serve and enjoy: Cut into bars and serve as a sweet treat perfect for dessert or any festive occasion.

Notes

  • Use room temperature eggs for better mixing and smoother dough.
  • Press the dough gently but firmly for an even crust that holds the filling well.
  • Allow bars to cool completely before glazing to prevent glaze from melting.
  • Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend.
  • Optional: Add a sprinkle of sliced almonds on top before baking for extra crunch.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cherry pie bars, easy cherry dessert, cherry bars recipe, simple fruit bars, almond vanilla glaze cherry bars