There’s something undeniably enchanting about the moment a cherry pie bar melts on your tongue, like discovering a hidden café down a cobblestone alley in Lisbon where the scent of warm pastry meets ocean air.
The crust is buttery yet firm, almost shortbread-like — a base that nods to British traybakes — while the filling leans into the rich, tart pop of cherries, reminiscent of Austria’s beloved Weichselkuchen.
When I first made these bars in a friend’s Alabama kitchen, we folded local sour cherries into a vanilla-scented custard. Chef’s Tip: For bakery-level results at home, use a pastry cutter to work cold butter into your crust.. Don’t skip chilling the base; it locks in structure and flavor.
Perfect for Any Sweet Delights!
- The first time I served these bars at a picnic, someone asked if I’d secretly trained in Vienna. That sweet-tart balance really makes an impression — perfect for impressing friends without the stress of making a full pie.
- They became my go-to recipe during busy weeks when I craved something nostalgic. You can prep the dough in advance and assemble later — ideal for a weeknight indulgence.
- I’ve adapted them for a lighter twist by using Greek yogurt in the filling. Surprisingly, it added a slight tang and cut the sugar — and yes, it even helped a bit with my weight loss goals!
- They’ve been a lifesaver for potlucks and family gatherings where pies are too messy to slice. Bars hold their shape, travel well, and still deliver that comfort-food hug.
- Once, I swapped the cherries for macerated plums after a trip to Istanbul. It gave the bars a sultry, spiced flavor — proof this recipe is a passport to delicious experimentation.
Cherry Pie Bars Recipe
Cherry Pie Bars are a sweet and crowd-pleasing dessert made with buttery sugar cookie dough, cherry pie filling, and a light almond glaze. Perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or weeknight treats, they combine the ease of bars with the flavor of homemade pie.1
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Hand or stand mixer
- Measuring cups
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Rubber spatula
- 15x10x1-inch baking pan
- Wire cooling rack
- Small bowl
Ingredients
Glaze
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 3 tbsp milk
- ½ tsp almond extract
Bars
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 cans cherry pie filling
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ tsp almond extract
- 1 tsp salt
- 4 large eggs
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter, sugar, and salt until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Beat in vanilla and almond extracts. Gradually add the flour, mixing just until incorporated.
- Spread about 3 cups of the dough into a greased 15x10x1-inch baking pan, smoothing it into an even layer.
- Spoon the cherry pie filling evenly over the dough.
- Use the remaining dough over the top of the filling and bake for 30–35 minutes or until the bars are golden brown.
- Let them cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, almond extract, and enough milk to reach a drizzling consistency.
- Drizzle over the cooled bars.
- Let the glaze set before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For neater slices, chill the bars briefly before cutting with a sharp knife.
- Lightly wet your hands or spoon to help spread the sticky dough evenly in the pan.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon to the dough or glaze for a cozy, warm twist.
| Nutrition | Value |
| Calories | 556kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 95g |
| Fibre | 1g |
| Fat | 17g |
| Protein | 5g |
Variations To Help You Customize This Dish!
- Chocolate Drizzle – Replace the vanilla glaze with a simple chocolate drizzle made from melted chocolate chips and a touch of cream for a decadent touch.
- Cream Cheese Layer – Swirl in a sweetened cream cheese layer (4 oz cream cheese + 2 tbsp sugar) between the dough and pie filling for added creaminess.
- Citrus Zing – Add 1 teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the dough or glaze to brighten the flavor and balance the sweetness.
- Nutty Crunch – Sprinkle chopped almonds, pecans, or walnuts over the pie filling before adding the top layer of dough for extra texture and richness.
- Spiced Dough – Add a dash of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spiced variation that pairs beautifully with cherries.
