The Recipe Critic

Cherry Pie Bars

July 23, 2019

Cherry pie in the best form possible: cherry pie bars! You can whip up a whole pan of these bars in minutes using cherry pie filling. They’re pretty, easy to make, and always a hit to serve!

Here are some more fruity desserts: strawberry shortcake, berry cheesecake salad, or strawberry pie.

Up close shot of cherry pie bars stacked on top of each other

Cherry Pie Bars

My favorite pie is cherry pie; I’ve never loved pumpkin pie, so cherry pie is my top choice for the holidays.

And these cherry pies have everything I love about cherry pie but in an easier bar form! It’s like biting into cherry pie AND cookies. These bars are incredible — they’re soft, chewy, flavorful, and the glaze on top is the perfect finishing touch. Serve these with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for the ultimate dessert!

process of making bars

How do you make Cherry Pie Bars?

  • Cream together butter and sugar. Add eggs and beat well. Beat in extracts.
  • In a separate bowl combine flour and salt. Add to the creamed mixture. Mix until combined.
  • Grease a 15x10x1 pan and spread 3 cups batter. Spread pie filling on top. Drop remaining batter on top of pie filling.
  • Bake at 350 for 30-35 minutes or until toothpick comes clean. Cool on wire rack. Combine glaze ingredients and drizzle over the bars.

process of making bars

Cherry Pie Bars Tips

  • Use the right temperature of ingredients: when at room temperature, eggs and butter form an emulsion which traps air. While baking in the oven, that trapped air expands and produces a fluffy baked good. If possible, use room temperature eggs for this recipe. Soaking refrigerated eggs in a bowl of warm (not hot) water for about 5-10 minutes is a quick way to get eggs to room temperature.
  • Measure carefully: the most important measurement is the flour. If you press a measuring cup into a bag of flour you are likely packing in way too much flour which will yield less flavorful bars
  • Grease the pan: this will ensure your cherry pie bars come out nice and easily!

Finished up close cherry pie bar

Can I use any pie filling?

Yes! You can make this recipe with any pie filling you have — apple, strawberry, peach and/or blueberry. To make a fall flavored bar, add some cinnamon and nutmeg to the filling!

What pan should I use?

Make sure to use a 10x15x1 for best results and bars that are evenly baked through!
With this pan it takes about 30-35 minutes for the bars to be fully baked through.
cherry pie bars on display

Looking for more desserts to love?! Try these!

Cherry Pie Bars

Cherry pie in the best form possible: cherry pie bars! You can whip up a whole pan of these bars in minutes using cherry pie filling. They're pretty, easy to make, and always a hit to serve!

  • 1 cup butter (softened)
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 4 eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp almond extract
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 21 ounccherry pie filling 2 if you like cherries (highly recommend

Glaze

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp almond extract
  • 2 Tbs milk
  1. Cream together butter and sugar. Add eggs and beat well. Beat in extracts.
  2. In a separate bowl combine flour and salt. Add to the creamed mixture. Mix until combined.
  3. Grease a 15x10x1 pan or 9×13, whichever one you decide to use. Spread 3 cups batter in a 15x10x1 (Also works with 9×13- baking time will at least be 35 minuteSpread with pie filling. Drop remaining batter on top of pie filling.
  4. Bake at 350 for 30-35 minutes or until toothpick comes clean. Cool on wire rack. Combine glaze ingredients and drizzle over the bars.

 

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