Easy Cherry Pie Bars: A Simple Cherry Dessert to Savor Recipe
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.
- Author: Hannah
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
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)
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to heat up while you prepare the crust and filling.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Spread cherry filling: Spoon the cherry pie filling evenly over the dough layer, ensuring a consistent filling spread for every bite.
- 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.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the top is golden and set.
- Cool completely: Remove from the oven and let cool entirely in the pan to allow the filling to set and make slicing easier.
- 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.
- 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
- Serving Size: 1 bar (based on 16 bars)
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Keywords: Cherry pie bars, easy cherry dessert, cherry bars recipe, simple fruit bars, almond vanilla glaze cherry bars