Name: Cherry Pie Bars Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup butter, softened; 1/2 cup shortening; 1 cup sugar; 1 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 3 eggs; 1 tsp vanilla; 3 cups all purpose flour; 2 cups cherry or sour cherry pie filling; 1 cup powdered sugar; 3 tbsp milk; 1 tsp vanilla

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 58 reviews

If you have a soft spot for cherry desserts that strike the perfect balance between tart and sweet, then this Cherry Pie Bars Recipe is going to be your new obsession. Imagine buttery, tender bars layered with luscious cherry pie filling and finished off with a smooth vanilla glaze that makes every bite feel like a little celebration. These bars offer all the familiar flavors of a classic cherry pie but in a more portable, easy-to-share form that’s perfect for potlucks, afternoon tea, or an anytime treat. Plus, they’re surprisingly simple to make, yet impressively delicious — a true crowd-pleaser that’s bound to become a favorite in your dessert rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a rectangular metal baking tray with a dessert inside, placed on a cooling rack over a white marbled surface. The dessert has a bottom layer of bright red cherry filling with whole cherries visible, topped with uneven dollops of light golden dough that is baked but soft in texture. A white glaze is being poured over the dessert, pooling in some cherry spots and dripping slightly down the sides of the dough pieces. The red cherry filling contrasts with the pale golden dough and white glaze, creating a mix of smooth and textured surfaces. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Cherry Pie Bars Recipe starts with a handful of straightforward, kitchen-friendly ingredients. Each one brings something special to the table, creating a lively texture, rich flavor, and that gorgeous red cherry pop we all love. Having quality staples on hand really makes the difference in bringing this dessert to life.

Butter (1/2 cup, softened): This adds richness and tenderness to the dough, giving the bars that melt-in-your-mouth quality.
Shortening (1/2 cup): Helps create the perfect texture by contributing a subtle flakiness and holding the structure.
Sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the bars to balance the tart cherry filling.
Baking powder (1 1/2 tsp): Provides a gentle lift so the dough is light but sturdy.
Salt (1/2 tsp): Enhances all the flavors and keeps everything well-rounded.
Eggs (3): Bind the ingredients together and add moisture.
Vanilla (1 tsp): Infuses a warm aromatic note that beautifully complements the cherries.
All-purpose flour (3 cups): The base for the dough, giving it structure and the right chewiness.
Cherry pie filling (2 cups): The star ingredient — sweet-tart cherries that bring color and juicy flavor.
Powdered sugar (1 cup): For the glaze, adding delicate sweetness and a smooth finish.
Milk (3 tbsp): Used in the glaze to achieve that perfect drizzle consistency.

How to Make Cherry Pie Bars Recipe

Step 1: Preparing the Dough

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to get everything ready. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, cream together the softened butter and shortening until fluffy—this is the secret to that dreamy texture. Then, add the sugar, baking powder, and salt, beating until everything is well combined and smooth, creating the perfect base for the bars.

Step 2: Incorporating Eggs and Vanilla

Next, one by one, whisk in the eggs followed by the vanilla extract. This adds moisture and a lovely aroma that will take your bars from simple to spectacular. Make sure the mixture is smooth and homogenous before moving on.

Step 3: Mixing in the Flour

Gradually whisk the flour into the wet ingredients, mixing until you have a soft dough. It’s important not to overmix here, so just combine gently to preserve tenderness. Then scoop out 1 cup of this dough and cover it to set aside — you’ll use this part later to top the bars.

Step 4: Baking the Crust

Press the remaining two cups of dough evenly into the bottom of an ungreased 9 by 13-inch baking pan. Bake this crust for about 15 minutes until it’s slightly set but not browned. This step ensures a sturdy foundation to hold all that luscious cherry filling.

Step 5: Adding the Cherry Filling and Topping

Spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the warm crust. Then, with the reserved dough, pinch off tablespoon-sized pieces and dot them over the cherry layer in little mounds. This uneven, rustic topping adds texture and visual appeal.

Step 6: Final Baking

Pop the pan back in the oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the bars are a lovely light golden color. Once baked, you’ll want to cool them in the pan on a wire rack for around 20 minutes before glazing.

Step 7: Glazing and Cooling

To create the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk (adding one tablespoon at a time to get the right consistency), and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle this glaze all over the bars while they are still slightly warm, then allow them to cool completely before cutting. This creates a sweet and shiny finish that’s just irresistible.

How to Serve Cherry Pie Bars Recipe

The image shows two square slices of a fruit dessert stacked on a white marbled surface, each with three layers: a light golden-brown cake base, a thick middle layer of glossy red cherries, and a top layer of glaze or icing that drips slightly down the sides. The top slice has a bite taken out, revealing the soft texture of the cake and juicy cherry filling. In the background, there is a blurred white cake stand with more slices of the dessert and a glass bottle of milk. The scene looks bright and fresh, with a soft focus on the main dessert stack. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

These Cherry Pie Bars look lovely when dusted lightly with extra powdered sugar or topped with fresh cherries for an extra burst of color and freshness. A sprig of mint can also add a surprising pop and a gentle herbal note that pairs beautifully with cherries.

Side Dishes

Serving these bars alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream instantly transforms them into a decadent dessert experience. If you want something lighter, a cup of hot tea or coffee complements the flavors wonderfully and balances the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, consider arranging the bars on a pretty platter lined with parchment paper and sprinkled with edible flowers or chopped nuts. You can also cut them into bite-sized pieces for party platters or stack them between layers with cream cheese frosting for a fun, layered treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cooled, keep any leftover Cherry Pie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps them moist and delicious without drying out.

Freezing

These bars freeze beautifully! Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep well frozen for up to two months, making them perfect for preparing ahead for holidays or special events.

Reheating

When you’re ready to enjoy frozen or refrigerated bars, warm them in a 300-degree oven for 10 to 15 minutes to bring back their fresh-baked charm. Avoid microwaving if possible to maintain the perfect texture and prevent sogginess.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned pie filling?

You can, but fresh cherries will require cooking down with sugar and a thickener like cornstarch to achieve the right consistency. Using ready-made pie filling is a great shortcut for this recipe and guarantees wonderful flavor and texture.

Is it possible to make these bars gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Keep in mind that some adjustments might be necessary for texture, but the bars should still come out delicious.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! Feel free to prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance and keep it wrapped tightly in the fridge. Just let it come to room temperature before assembling the bars for easier spreading and mounding.

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

Use a sharp knife warmed slightly under hot water and wiped dry between cuts. This helps to slice through the bars smoothly without dragging or crumbling.

Are Cherry Pie Bars recipe suitable for kids?

Definitely! They’re a kid-friendly treat with familiar flavors, fun textures, and just the right amount of sweetness, making them a great bake for family gatherings or school events.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about a dessert that feels both classic and effortlessly inviting, and this Cherry Pie Bars Recipe delivers just that. It’s a recipe you’ll come back to time and time again whether you’re looking for an easy crowd-pleaser or a sweet moment to brighten your day. So go ahead, bake a batch and share the joy—these bars are sure to become a cherished favorite for everyone lucky enough to have a taste.