These Easy Cherry Pie Bars are a delightful twist on the classic cherry pie, offering all the nostalgic flavors you love in a much simpler and more convenient form. Perfect for casual get-togethers, family picnics, or just a cozy evening treat, this dessert blends the sweetness of cherries with a buttery, cake-like crust and a drizzle of vanilla glaze for a finish that’s both elegant and delicious. The recipe is straightforward, requires minimal prep, and uses common pantry staples. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner looking for a dependable treat to whip up, these bars will become a go-to favorite in your kitchen. Moist, fruity, and irresistibly sweet, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 2 cups granulated sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 4 large eggs

• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract

• 3 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 (21-ounce) can cherry pie filling

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 2–3 teaspoons milk

Directions

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.

• In a mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

• Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla and almond extract.

• In another bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Gradually add dry mixture to wet mixture until well combined.

• Spread two-thirds of the batter into the prepared pan.

• Spoon cherry pie filling evenly over the batter.

• Drop spoonfuls of remaining batter on top, leaving some cherry filling exposed.

• Bake for 35–40 minutes or until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.

• Cool completely in the pan before glazing.

• To make the glaze, combine powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth, then drizzle over the cooled bars.

• Allow glaze to set before slicing and serving.

Nutrients

• Calories: ~270 per bar

• Total Fat: 12g

• Saturated Fat: 7g

• Cholesterol: 55mg

• Sodium: 160mg

• Total Carbohydrates: 38g

• Dietary Fiber: 1g

• Sugars: 25g

• Protein: 3g

Why This Recipe Stands Out

What truly makes these cherry pie bars stand out is their perfect balance between simplicity and indulgence. Unlike traditional cherry pies, which require a fair amount of time and technique to execute well, this recipe takes just minutes to put together and uses ingredients most people already have in their pantry. The transformation of a beloved dessert into portable, sliceable bars makes them ideal for sharing and storing. These bars also shine because they look impressive on a platter—golden and slightly crisp on top, with rich cherry red swirled throughout, and finished with a delicate drizzle of glaze. They offer a satisfying contrast in textures with a moist, cake-like base and the gooey, slightly tart cherry filling. It’s everything people love about cherry pie, made faster and easier without compromising on taste or visual appeal.

The Benefits of the Ingredients

Every component in this recipe is chosen not just for taste, but for function. The butter contributes to the rich, tender crumb, giving the bars their signature soft and indulgent base. Sugar not only sweetens but helps to create a slight crust on top, which adds a gentle crunch. Eggs act as binders, holding everything together while also adding moisture and body to the batter. Vanilla and almond extracts bring aromatic depth and complexity that enhance both the crust and the filling. Almond extract, in particular, pairs exceptionally well with cherries, creating a flavor combination that feels nostalgic and classic. The all-purpose flour gives structure without being heavy, allowing the cherry filling to shine through without overpowering the dessert. The cherry pie filling itself brings fruity brightness and color, while also simplifying the process—no need to cook or pit fresh cherries. Lastly, the powdered sugar glaze not only adds sweetness but also visually elevates the bars, giving them a polished, bakery-style finish. These thoughtfully chosen ingredients make this dessert as functional as it is flavorful.

Cooking Tips

To make the most of this recipe, a few tips can ensure your bars come out perfect every time. First, make sure your butter is properly softened—not melted—to achieve the right texture when creaming it with the sugar. This step is crucial for a light and airy base. When incorporating the flour, mix just until combined to avoid overworking the batter, which can lead to a denser result. Spreading the bottom layer evenly in the pan helps ensure the bars bake uniformly, while dolloping the top layer in spoonfuls rather than trying to spread it flat allows the cherry filling to peek through, creating that beautiful swirled look. If you want cleaner edges when slicing, chill the bars in the refrigerator for an hour after glazing. This helps the glaze firm up and makes the bars easier to cut into neat squares. For those looking to customize, you can easily swap the cherry filling for other canned fruit fillings like blueberry, apple, or peach, depending on your preference or what’s in season. You can even add a sprinkle of sliced almonds or a dusting of cinnamon sugar on top before baking for a more personalized touch. These small tweaks allow you to make the recipe your own without straying from its simple and effective base.

Serving Suggestions

These cherry pie bars are extremely versatile when it comes to serving. They’re perfect at room temperature but can also be enjoyed chilled, especially during warmer months. For a more indulgent presentation, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side or a dollop of whipped cream on top. If you’re serving them at a brunch or tea party, pair them with coffee or black tea to complement the sweet and tart flavors. For a dessert tray, cut them into smaller, bite-sized squares and mix them with brownies, lemon bars, and cookies for variety. They also pack well for school lunches, potlucks, or picnic baskets since they hold their shape and don’t require refrigeration. To dress them up a bit more, drizzle additional glaze right before serving or dust them with powdered sugar for a festive touch. If you’re feeling creative, you can even turn them into a plated dessert by stacking a couple of pieces with whipped cream and a cherry on top. No matter how you serve them, these bars always leave a lasting impression.

Conclusion

Easy Cherry Pie Bars are more than just a quick dessert—they’re a testament to how a simple recipe can bring joy and nostalgia with every bite. With minimal ingredients and steps, this recipe allows bakers of all levels to achieve a beautiful, delicious treat that looks and tastes like it came from a professional bakery. The balance of buttery base, fruity cherry filling, and smooth glaze makes it a standout at any event or as an everyday indulgence. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll keep coming back to—not just because it’s easy, but because it always delivers. The beauty of these bars lies in their flexibility and timeless flavor profile, making them perfect for everything from birthdays to holiday gatherings or just a casual weeknight dessert. If you’re looking for a no-fuss, crowd-pleasing sweet that checks all the boxes, these cherry pie bars deserve a spot in your dessert rotation. Sweet, simple, and undeniably satisfying, they’re the kind of homemade treat that brings smiles to every table.