Easy Cherry Pie Bars: A Simple Cherry Dessert to Savor Recipe

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that captures all the nostalgic, sunny flavors of cherry pie without any of the stress, these Easy Cherry Pie Bars: A Simple Cherry Dessert to Savor are your new go-to recipe. With a buttery, soft base, a vibrant layer of cherry pie filling, and a sweet almond glaze, each bar offers a glorious bite of comfort. Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or whenever you crave a sweet, fruit-forward dessert, this recipe brings all the magic of a homemade cherry pie in a simple, sharable format.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things refreshingly simple, relying on classic pantry staples and one irresistible can of cherry pie filling. Each ingredient plays a starring role, lending buttery richness, tender bite, or that signature jammy cherry center that everyone loves.

• Butter (1 cup, softened): Provides a rich, tender crumb and that bakery-fresh flavor throughout every bite.
• Sugar (1 cup): Adds just the right amount of sweetness, balancing the tartness of the cherries.
• Eggs (2 large, room temp): Bind the dough beautifully, ensuring moist, cake-like bars.
• Almond extract (1 tsp): The secret ingredient that pairs beautifully with cherries and brings a subtle, aromatic twist.
• Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Lends warmth and enhances the overall dessert flavor profile.
• All-purpose flour (2 ½ cups): Forms the sturdy, yet soft structure of your bars.
• Salt (½ tsp): Balances out the sweetness and brings the other flavors to life.
• Premium cherry pie filling (1 can, 21 oz): The heart of these bars, bursting with juicy cherries in every bite.
• For the glaze: 1 cup confectioners’ sugar, 1 tsp almond extract, ½ tsp vanilla, and enough milk for a creamy drizzle—this ties everything together with sweetness and shine.

How to Make Easy Cherry Pie Bars: A Simple Cherry Dessert to Savor

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy clean-up. Trust me, future you will thank you when it’s time to lift out those lovely, glossy bars!

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and sugar until it’s pale and fluffy—this usually takes about 2–3 minutes. The creaming step ensures your bars are tender and rich, rather than heavy or dense.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Extracts

Crack in your room-temp eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Pour in both the almond and vanilla extracts and stir until they’re fully incorporated. This duo of flavors turns the basic dough into something intensely aromatic and crave-worthy!

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

Add the flour and salt to the wet mixture. Mix on low until just combined; don’t overwork the dough or the bars can turn tough. You’ll have a soft, scoopable dough that’s perfect for layering.

Step 5: Layer the Dough and Filling

Press about half of the dough into the bottom of your prepared pan, smoothing it out into all the corners. Spread the cherry pie filling evenly across the dough, making sure there’s cherry goodness in every bite. Then, dollop spoonfuls of the remaining dough over the top—no need for perfection, rustic is beautiful here.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and the edges are set. The hardest part? Letting them cool completely before glazing, so the bars hold their shape and the glaze sets just right.

Step 7: Glaze and Enjoy

Whisk together the confectioners’ sugar, almond and vanilla extracts, and just enough milk to create a smooth, thick drizzle. Zigzag the glaze over the cooled bars, then cut and serve. These Easy Cherry Pie Bars: A Simple Cherry Dessert to Savor always impress, whether you’re serving them up for dessert or sneaking one as a midday treat!

How to Serve Easy Cherry Pie Bars: A Simple Cherry Dessert to Savor

Garnishes

A light dusting of powdered sugar or a few toasted almond slivers can elevate these bars to bakery-chic status. If you want to add a pop of color, a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh mint or a quick zest of lemon can complement the cherry so nicely.

Side Dishes

Pair your bars with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for that classic cherry pie a la mode experience. On chilly days, serve with a mug of hot coffee or tea for the coziest afternoon pick-me-up.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, try cutting your Easy Cherry Pie Bars: A Simple Cherry Dessert to Savor into bite-sized squares and stacking them on a pretty tiered stand. You can also package them in treat bags with a ribbon for a sweet homemade gift, or serve alongside other fruit desserts for a colorful dessert table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate for up to five days. They stay surprisingly soft and flavorful, making them an ideal make-ahead dessert for busy weeks.

Freezing

Easy Cherry Pie Bars: A Simple Cherry Dessert to Savor can be frozen for longer storage. Allow them to cool and glaze fully, then wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll hold up for up to three months; just defrost at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

If you love slightly warm bars, pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds per bar. The glaze will soften ever so slightly and the filling becomes deliciously gooey, almost like a fresh-baked pie straight from the oven.

FAQs

Can I use homemade cherry pie filling instead of canned?

Absolutely! If you have a favorite cherry pie filling recipe or access to fresh cherries, homemade filling adds an extra layer of flavor and lets you control the sweetness and texture.

Can I substitute another fruit filling?

Yes! Blueberry, raspberry, or even apple pie filling can be used for delicious variations; just be sure to use the same quantity as listed in the original Easy Cherry Pie Bars: A Simple Cherry Dessert to Savor recipe.

What’s the best way to cut the bars cleanly?

Let the bars cool fully, then use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between cuts. This will help you get neat, bakery-style squares every time.

Can I make these gluten-free?

You can swap in a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. The bars turn out slightly more delicate but just as flavorful and satisfying.

Do I need to refrigerate the bars with glaze?

If your kitchen is particularly warm or you’re storing them for more than two days, it’s best to keep them in the fridge. Otherwise, they’re safe at room temperature for up to two days and still taste amazing.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving the taste of homemade cherry pie without all the fuss, you can’t go wrong with Easy Cherry Pie Bars: A Simple Cherry Dessert to Savor. They’re easy, crowd-pleasing, and perfect for any season. Give them a try soon—you might discover your new favorite cherry dessert!

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