Delightful Cherry Pie Bars

Cherry pie bars are one of those treats that feel a little nostalgic and a lot delicious.

They’ve got all the flavor of a homemade pie but without the fuss of rolling dough or pinching edges!

I’ve shared a few cherry recipes before, but this one might be my favorite yet because it’s so easy.

The base is soft and buttery, the cherry layer is juicy and bright, and the crumb topping adds just the right amount of texture.

They slice up beautifully, travel well, and work for just about any occasion that calls for something sweet.

I usually stash a few in the fridge for “just one more bite” moments that turn into three bars.

If you’ve got cherries and a mixing bowl, you’re off to a great start!

What You Need to Make Cherry Pie Bars

  • Unsalted butter – Softened butter makes the base rich and perfectly tender
  • Granulated sugar – Just the right amount of sweetness to balance the tart cherries
  • Eggs – These hold everything together and give the bars structure
  • Vanilla extract – Adds warmth and depth to the batter
  • Almond extract – A little goes a long way and gives that classic cherry-almond combo
  • All-purpose flour – Keeps things simple and sturdy for bar-style layering
  • Salt – Just a pinch to keep the sweetness in check
  • Cherry pie filling – Store-bought works great and saves you the mess of pitting cherries

How to Make Cherry Pie Bars

1. Preheat and Prep

Set your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish, or line it with parchment if you want easy lift-out squares.

This gives you time to mix while the oven gets warm.

2. Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.

It should look pale and a little whipped.

If you’re using a hand mixer, give it a good three minutes for the best texture.

3. Add Eggs and Extracts

Crack in the eggs one at a time, mixing after each, then stir in the vanilla and almond extracts.

The batter will start to look glossy and smooth.

Room temperature eggs mix more evenly, so pull them out a little early if you can.

4. Mix in Dry Ingredients

Add the flour and salt to the bowl and stir until a thick dough-like batter forms.

It’ll feel heavier than cake batter, and that’s exactly what you want.

5. Spread the Bottom Layer

Scoop about two-thirds of the batter into your prepared dish and press it into an even layer.

It doesn’t need to be perfect, just fairly even all the way to the corners.

6. Add the Cherry Filling

Spoon the cherry pie filling over the base and spread it gently so the whole surface is covered.

Try not to press too hard or it’ll mix into the bottom layer.

f you’re using canned filling with whole cherries, break up any big clumps as you go.

7. Drop the Remaining Batter

Take the rest of the batter and drop it over the cherry layer in spoonfuls.

Just dot it across the top.

Those uneven spots will bake up into a pretty, rustic topping!

8. Bake It

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is golden and the edges are slightly crisp.

The cherry filling should bubble around the sides.

9. Cool and Slice

Let the bars cool completely before cutting, so they hold their shape.

Once cool, slice into squares and serve straight up or with a scoop of ice cream.

Cherry Pie Bar Recipe

Sweet, simple, and perfect for potlucks or weekday cravings, these cherry pie bars come together super quick and easy!

Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon almond extract
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 (21 oz) can cherry pie filling

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
  2. Cream the butter and sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy.
  3. Add eggs and extracts, mixing until smooth.
  4. Stir in the flour and salt until a thick batter forms.
  5. Spread two-thirds of the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing it into an even layer.
  6. Spoon the cherry pie filling evenly over the batter.
  7. Drop remaining batter in spoonfuls over the top—no need to cover it completely.
  8. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden and set.
  9. Cool completely before slicing into bars.

Super Easy Cherry Pie Bars

You’ll probably be as surprised as I was when you find out how easy these are to make.

And they won’t leave your kitchen looking like a complete disaster zone!

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