Cherry Pie Bars
Introduction
Cherry Pie Bars are a delightful twist on the traditional cherry pie — combining all the rich, fruity flavor of cherries and the buttery goodness of pie crust into a simple-to-make dessert bar. Perfect for gatherings, holidays, or an afternoon treat with coffee, these bars deliver nostalgia and comfort in every bite. They’re soft, sweet, slightly tart, and incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients Quantity
For the Crust and Topping:
- 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional but enhances cherry flavor)
- 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Filling:
- 1 can (21 oz / 595g) cherry pie filling (or homemade — see tip below)
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (adjust for consistency)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven:
Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 15×10-inch baking pan with parchment paper. - Prepare the batter:
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla and almond extract. - Combine dry ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually add the dry mixture to the creamed butter mixture. Stir until fully combined. - Assemble the bars:
- Spread about ⅔ of the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
- Spoon the cherry pie filling evenly over the batter.
- Drop spoonfuls of the remaining batter over the cherries (it doesn’t have to cover completely).
- Bake:
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. - Cool and glaze:
Let bars cool completely in the pan.
Mix powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over cooled bars. - Cut and serve:
Slice into squares or rectangles. Enjoy at room temperature or slightly chilled.
Origin and Cultural Significance
Cherry pie is a beloved American classic, tracing its roots to early settlers who adapted European fruit tarts using locally available cherries. Cherry Pie Bars emerged later as a modern, easy-to-share version of the original pie — popularized in church gatherings, bake sales, and family potlucks throughout the Midwest. They reflect the American spirit of convenience without sacrificing homemade charm.
Description
Each bite delivers a tender buttery crust, luscious cherry filling, and a sweet drizzle of vanilla glaze. The texture is soft yet sturdy, with a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness. These bars embody the taste of homemade cherry pie — without the hassle of rolling dough.
Optional Additions
- Use different fillings: Blueberry, raspberry, or apple pie filling.
- Add texture: Sprinkle sliced almonds or oats on top before baking.
- For extra richness: Replace half the milk in the glaze with heavy cream.
- Homemade cherry filling: Simmer 2 cups cherries with ½ cup sugar and 2 tbsp cornstarch until thickened.
Tips for Success
- Ensure butter is fully softened before mixing — it makes a fluffier batter.
- Don’t overmix after adding flour; overmixing can toughen the crust.
- Cool completely before glazing or cutting — this keeps edges clean and prevents sogginess.
- Use a glass baking dish for more even browning.
Nutritional Information (per bar, makes about 24)
- Calories: ~220
- Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Sugar: 20g
- Protein: 3g
Conclusion
Cherry Pie Bars offer all the flavor of a homemade cherry pie in a quicker, more crowd-friendly form. They’re easy to make, travel well, and stay moist for days — perfect for family gatherings or cozy weekends.
Recommendation
Serve these bars slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an irresistible treat.
Embracing Healthful Indulgence
Enjoying Cherry Pie Bars occasionally is a lovely reminder that balance is key — indulge mindfully, savor the flavor, and let it add joy to your day. Homemade desserts like this connect us to tradition, creativity, and comfort — one sweet bite at a time.