The Sweetest Cherry Pie Bars Recipe for Your Dessert Table

Sweet summer memories flood back when you bite into these delightful cherry pie bars that combine nostalgic flavors with modern baking simplicity.

Memories of grandma’s kitchen drift through every crumbly, fruity layer.

Carefully selected ingredients dance together, creating a dessert that feels both comforting and exciting.

Fresh cherries bring vibrant color and tangy brightness to each delectable square.

Buttery crust provides a perfect golden foundation for the luscious fruit filling.

Minimal effort yields maximum satisfaction with this straightforward recipe.

You’ll find these bars irresistible and want to share them with everyone at your next gathering.

FAQs About Cherry Pie Bars Explained

• Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can use frozen cherries. Thaw and drain them completely before mixing with sugar and cornstarch to prevent excess moisture.

• How do I know if the crust is properly mixed?

The mixture should resemble coarse crumbs and hold together when gently squeezed. Avoid overmixing to keep the texture light and crumbly.

• What if I don't have a pastry cutter?

Use two knives or your fingertips to cut the cold butter into the dry ingredients. The key is to work quickly to keep the butter cold.

• How ripe should the cherries be for this recipe?

Choose cherries that are firm and deep red. Overripe cherries can make the filling too watery and affect the bar’s texture.

Why Cherry Pie Bars Are So Sweet And Simple

• Quick and Simple Baking: Create delightful cherry bars with minimal kitchen skills, perfect for novice bakers looking to impress.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Suitable for potlucks, family gatherings, or casual dessert moments, these bars appeal to all age groups and taste preferences.
• No-Fuss Ingredient Preparation: Uses common pantry staples and fresh cherries, eliminating complicated shopping trips or specialized ingredient hunting.
• Customizable Dessert Option: Easy to adapt with different fruit variations or adjust sweetness levels, making it a flexible recipe for creative home cooks.

What You’ll Need For Cherry Pie Bars

• Flour: A key ingredient that provides structure and texture to the cherry bars.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps in creating a golden-brown crust.
• Baking Powder: Ensures the base rises and becomes light and fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the base.

• Cold Butter: Creates a flaky, rich texture in the crust and adds a creamy flavor.
• Egg: Binds the ingredients together and provides richness.

• Pitted Cherries: The star ingredient that brings a sweet and tangy flavor to the bars.
• Sugar: Helps to sweeten and balance the tartness of the cherries.
• Cornstarch: Thickens the cherry filling and prevents it from becoming too runny.
• Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and helps to enhance the cherry flavor.

• Powdered Sugar, Milk, Vanilla Extract: Creates a smooth, sweet drizzle that adds a finishing touch to the cherry bars.

Easy Steps To Make Cherry Pie Bars

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Warm up the oven to 375°F and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, letting extra paper hang over the edges for easy bar removal later.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Grab a large mixing bowl and blend flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until everything looks perfectly combined and smooth.

Step 3: Create Crumbly Texture

Chop cold butter into the dry mixture using a pastry cutter or fingertips. Work the butter until the mixture looks like rough, uneven crumbs with a sandy consistency.

Step 4: Form Soft Dough

Crack an egg into the crumbly mixture and gently stir until a soft, slightly sticky dough develops.

Step 5: Build First Layer

Take about two-thirds of the dough and press it firmly and evenly into the prepared baking pan, creating a solid foundation for the cherry bars.

Step 6: Prepare Cherry Filling

• Pitted cherries
• Sugar
• Cornstarch
• Lemon juice

Toss ingredients until cherries are completely coated and glossy.

Step 7: Spread Cherry Layer

Distribute the cherry mixture across the prepared crust, making sure every inch is covered with fruity goodness.

Step 8: Add Crumble Topping

Scatter the remaining dough over the cherry filling, creating an intentionally uneven and rustic-looking surface.

Step 9: Bake To Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. Watch for a golden-brown top and bubbling cherry filling that signals deliciousness is ready.

Step 10: Cool Completely

Remove from oven and let the bars rest in the pan for about an hour, allowing everything to set and cool down.

Step 11: Make Vanilla Glaze

Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until you have a smooth, drizzle-ready glaze.

Step 12: Remove From Pan

Lift the bars out using the parchment paper overhang and transfer to a cutting surface.

Step 13: Add Finishing Touch

Drizzle the vanilla glaze generously over the bars, letting it cascade and create beautiful patterns.

Step 14: Slice And Serve

Wait 10-15 minutes for the glaze to set, then cut into squares and serve at room temperature for maximum enjoyment.

Helpful Tips For Cherry Pie Bars That Work

• Butter Blending Technique: Use cold butter and work quickly to create a flaky, tender crust by cutting it into dry ingredients until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.
• Cherry Coating Pro Tip: Toss cherries with cornstarch and sugar to prevent excess liquid and ensure a perfectly thickened filling that won't make the bars soggy.
• Even Layer Trick: Press the base dough firmly and evenly into the pan to create a stable foundation that supports the cherry filling and prevents crumbling.
• Glaze Perfection Hack: Wait until bars are completely cool before drizzling the vanilla glaze to achieve a smooth, clean finish that sets beautifully.
• Baking Doneness Indicator: Look for a golden brown top and bubbling cherry filling as the key signs that your bars are perfectly baked and ready to come out of the oven.

Tasty Takes On Cherry Pie Bars

• Gluten-Free Cherry Bars: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free blend flour, ensuring same texture and consistent binding.
• Vegan Cherry Delight: Substitute butter with coconut oil, use flax egg instead of regular egg, and select plant-based milk for glaze.
• Low-Sugar Cherry Bars: Swap regular sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reduce overall sugar content while maintaining natural cherry sweetness.
• Tropical Cherry Variation: Add shredded coconut to crumb topping, incorporate crushed macadamia nuts for extra crunch and complementary flavor profile.

Best Pairings For Cherry Pie Bars

• Complement Cherry Crumble Bars with Delightful Pairings
• Enhance Flavor with Chilled Beverage: Pair the sweet and tangy cherry bars with a crisp sauvignon blanc or a light, refreshing moscato that balances the dessert's richness and cuts through its sweetness.
• Match with Creamy Accompaniment: Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream to add a luxurious, cooling contrast to the warm, fruity bars.
• Create Textural Harmony: Add a sprinkle of toasted almond slivers or chopped pistachios on top of the bars to introduce a delightful crunch and nutty depth that complements the soft, gooey cherry filling.

How To Store Cherry Pie Bars Properly

• Store cooled cherry bars in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and maintain freshness.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Preheat oven to 325°F. Place bars on a baking sheet, cover loosely with foil to prevent over-browning. Warm for 8-10 minutes until heated through.
• Heat individual bars on medium power for 15-20 seconds. Check temperature and add additional 5-second intervals if needed. Avoid overheating to maintain texture.

Cherry Pie Bars Recipe

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4.8 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15-20 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Irresistible Cherry Pie Bars blend classic American dessert charm with convenient handheld convenience. Sweet cherry filling nestled between buttery crumble layers promises pure comfort you can savor in every delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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Crust and Topping:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt

Filling:

• 4 cups fresh cherries, pitted
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2–3 tbsp milk
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing excess to hang over the sides for easy removal.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt, creating a uniform dry mixture.
3. Cut the cold butter into the dry ingredients using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Incorporate the egg into the crumbly mixture, gently mixing until a soft dough forms.
5. Press approximately two-thirds of the dough firmly and evenly into the prepared baking pan, creating a compact base layer.
6. In a separate bowl, toss the pitted cherries with sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice until the cherries are thoroughly coated.
7. Spread the cherry mixture evenly over the prepared crust, ensuring complete coverage.
8. Crumble the remaining dough over the cherry filling, creating a rustic, uneven topping.
9. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and the cherry filling becomes bubbly and slightly thickened.
10. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely in the pan for about 1 hour.
11. Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to create a smooth, drizzling glaze.
12. Once cooled, lift the bars out using the parchment paper overhang and transfer to a cutting surface.
13. Drizzle the vanilla glaze generously over the bars, allowing it to set for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
14. Cut into squares and serve at room temperature.

Notes

• Adjust butter temperature carefully to ensure the perfect crumbly texture without overworking the dough.
• Drain cherries well to prevent excess liquid from making the bars soggy and compromising the base’s structural integrity.
• Replace fresh cherries with frozen ones by thawing and patting them dry completely before mixing with sugar and cornstarch.
• Customize the recipe for dietary needs by substituting gluten-free flour blend and using plant-based butter for a vegan-friendly version.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 100 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg