Sweet, buttery, and bursting with cherry flavor, these cherry pie bars are the perfect dessert when I want something comforting, easy to make, and sure to please a crowd. The soft cake-like base, luscious cherry filling, and a simple vanilla-almond glaze come together for a bar that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love how these cherry pie bars give me all the nostalgic vibes of homemade pie without the fuss of rolling out dough. They’re simple to prepare but look and taste impressive enough for holidays, potlucks, or just an indulgent weekend treat. The almond extract in the batter and glaze pairs perfectly with the cherries, giving each bite that classic, slightly nutty flavor that I can’t get enough of. Plus, they store and freeze well—so I can always have a batch on hand.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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1 cup unsalted butter, softened
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2 cups granulated sugar
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1 teaspoon salt
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4 large eggs
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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¼ teaspoon almond extract
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3 cups all-purpose flour
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2 (21‑ounce) cans cherry pie filling
For the glaze:
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1 cup powdered sugar
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½ teaspoon vanilla extract
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½ teaspoon almond extract
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2–3 tablespoons milk
Directions
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I preheat the oven to 350 °F (175 °C).
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In a large bowl, I cream together the softened butter, sugar, and salt until light and fluffy.
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I add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla and almond extracts.
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Gradually, I mix in the flour until just combined.
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I spread 3 cups of the dough into a greased 15×10×1‑inch baking pan.
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Then I spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the dough layer.
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I drop the remaining dough by teaspoonfuls over the filling, creating small dollops across the top.
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I bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the top is golden brown.
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I let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
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While they cool, I whisk together the glaze ingredients in a small bowl until smooth, then drizzle it over the cooled bars.
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I slice and serve!
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 12 large cherry pie bars.
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Prep time: 25 minutes
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Cook time: 30–35 minutes
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Total time: 55–60 minutes
Variations
I like to switch things up by using different pie fillings—blueberry, apple, or peach all work great here. If I want a slightly more citrusy note, I sometimes add a touch of lemon zest to the dough or glaze. And for a bit of crunch, sprinkling sliced almonds on top before baking adds a beautiful finish.
Storage/Reheating
I store the bars in an airtight container in the fridge, and they stay fresh for about 4 days. If I want to keep them longer, I freeze them in individual slices and thaw as needed. The glaze sets up nicely, so they travel and store well without becoming messy. I enjoy them chilled or let them come to room temperature for a softer texture.
FAQs
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
I look for a golden-brown top and slightly firm edges. A toothpick inserted in the dough portion should come out clean. The cherry filling will still be soft, which is perfect.
Can I use homemade cherry pie filling?
Yes, I can definitely use homemade filling if I prefer. I just make sure it’s thick enough to hold up during baking and not too runny.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
I can substitute a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make them gluten-free. I just make sure the mix includes xanthan gum for structure.
Do I need to refrigerate the bars?
Yes, since they contain fruit filling and glaze, I store them in the fridge for freshness. I let them sit out for a few minutes before serving if I want a softer texture.
Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Absolutely! I just use two pans or a larger sheet pan if I have one. I make sure the dough and filling are spread evenly so they bake properly.
Conclusion
These cherry pie bars are one of my go-to desserts for a reason—they’re easy to make, crowd-pleasing, and deliciously satisfying. Whether I’m baking for a party, holiday, or just craving something sweet and fruity, these bars never disappoint. With their rich buttery base, sweet cherry center, and lovely almond-kissed glaze, they check all the boxes for a perfect treat.
