Name: Cherry Pie Bars
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the Bars:; 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), softened; 2 cups sugar; 1 teaspoon salt; 4 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ¼ teaspoon almond extract; 3 cups all-purpose flour; 2 (21 oz) cans cherry pie filling; For the Glaze:; 1 cup powdered sugar; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ teaspoon almond extract; 2–3 tablespoons milk

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

Cherry Pie Bars are a deliciously simple dessert that delivers all the flavor of a homemade cherry pie without the hassle of rolling out dough. With a buttery crust and sweet cherry filling, these bars bake up beautifully and slice perfectly for easy serving. Topped with a light almond glaze, they’re a crowd-pleasing treat for any occasion.

Cherry Pie Bars

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to make: No pie crust required—just a simple dough that doubles as crust and topping.
Versatile: Works with any pie filling—cherry, blueberry, apple, or peach.
Feeds a crowd: Perfect for potlucks, parties, and holidays.
Freezer-friendly: Make ahead and store for later enjoyment.
Sweet and buttery: A delightful blend of cookie-like dough and fruity filling.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the bars:

unsalted butter, softened
sugar
salt
eggs
vanilla extract
almond extract
all-purpose flour
cherry pie filling (or any flavor you like)

For the glaze:

powdered sugar
vanilla extract
almond extract
milk

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 15x10x1-inch baking pan.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, sugar, and salt until light and fluffy.
Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla and almond extracts.
Gradually add flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Spread about two-thirds of the dough evenly into the prepared pan.
Spread the cherry pie filling over the dough in an even layer.
Drop spoonfuls of the remaining dough over the cherry filling.
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla extract, almond extract, and milk until smooth. Drizzle over cooled bars.
Let the glaze set, then slice into squares or rectangles and serve.

Servings and timing

Servings: 12 slices
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

Variations

Different fillings: Try blueberry, strawberry, apple, or peach pie filling.
Add nuts: Sprinkle chopped almonds, walnuts, or pecans on top for crunch.
Gluten-free version: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
Citrus twist: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the dough for a bright flavor.
Chocolate drizzle: Replace the glaze with melted white or dark chocolate for a decadent finish.

Storage/Reheating

Store cooled bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
To freeze, wrap bars individually or in layers separated by parchment paper and store for up to 2 months.
Thaw at room temperature before serving. These bars are best enjoyed at room temperature or slightly chilled—no reheating needed.

FAQs

Can I use homemade pie filling?

Absolutely! Homemade pie filling adds a fresh touch and allows you to control sweetness.

What other fruit fillings work for this recipe?

Any canned or homemade pie filling—blueberry, apple, or peach—will work beautifully.

Can I bake this in a smaller pan?

Yes, use a 9×13-inch pan for thicker bars, but increase baking time by about 5–10 minutes.

How do I know when the bars are done?

The top should be lightly golden and set in the center. A toothpick inserted into the crust (not the filling) should come out clean.

Can I skip the almond extract?

Yes, just use extra vanilla extract for a milder flavor.

How do I make the glaze thicker or thinner?

Add more powdered sugar for a thicker glaze, or more milk for a thinner drizzle.

Can I use salted butter?

Yes, but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe.

How long should I cool the bars before glazing?

Let them cool completely—about 45 minutes—so the glaze doesn’t melt into the bars.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! These bars actually taste better the next day as the flavors meld. Store tightly covered until ready to serve.

Are these bars freezer-friendly?

Yes, they freeze beautifully. Wrap tightly and thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Conclusion

Cherry Pie Bars are a perfect combination of buttery crust, sweet cherry filling, and almond-scented glaze—all in an easy-to-slice dessert bar. Whether you’re baking for a potluck, family gathering, or just to satisfy a craving, this recipe delivers homemade flavor and stunning presentation with minimal effort. Switch up the filling to suit the season and enjoy this classic treat year-round.

Jessica