Cherry Pie Bars

If you love the sweet, buttery taste of classic cherry pie but want something quicker and easier, these Cherry Pie Bars are the perfect treat! Featuring a soft, tender cookie-like crust, a juicy cherry pie filling, and a sweet glaze on top, these bars are the ultimate fruity dessert for holidays, potlucks, or whenever you’re craving a slice of summer.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Easier Than Pie – All the flavor of cherry pie with no rolling pin required.
Perfect for a Crowd – Sliceable bars make serving a breeze.
Buttery and Sweet – Soft crust, sweet filling, and a light glaze create the perfect balance.
Customizable – Swap in your favorite pie filling or add a touch of almond flavor.
Great for Make-Ahead – These bars store beautifully for several days.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Bars:

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

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tbsp milk (or as needed for drizzling consistency)
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

Optional Add-Ins:

• ½ tsp almond extract (pairs beautifully with cherries)
• Fresh cherries or chopped nuts for topping

Tools You’ll Need
Large mixing bowl
Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
9×13 inch baking dish
Spatula or spoon
Measuring cups and spoons
Wire rack for cooling

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or line with parchment paper.

Step 2: Make the Batter

1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract.
3. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until just combined.

Step 3: Assemble the Bars

1. Spread about ⅔ of the batter evenly in the prepared baking dish.
2. Spoon the cherry pie filling evenly over the batter layer.
3. Drop small spoonfuls of the remaining batter randomly over the cherry layer (it won’t cover completely, and that’s okay!).

Step 4: Bake

1. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
2. Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

Step 5: Make the Glaze

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
2. Adjust the consistency with more milk if needed—it should be easy to drizzle.

Step 6: Drizzle and Serve

1. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars.
2. Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before slicing into squares or rectangles.
3. Serve and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Cherry Pie Bars
Don’t Overmix – Mix just until ingredients are combined for a soft texture.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients – Helps the batter mix more evenly.
Line Your Pan – Parchment paper makes it easier to lift and slice the bars.
Let Cool Completely – Slicing is easier when bars are fully cooled.
Try Other Flavors – Blueberry, apple, or strawberry pie filling are fun twists!

Serving Suggestions
Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.
Top with fresh cherries and mint for a beautiful presentation.
Pair with coffee, tea, or lemonade for a delightful afternoon snack.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerate for longer freshness (up to 5 days).

Freezing:

• Freeze bars (unglazed) in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
• Thaw and glaze before serving.

Reheating:

• No need to reheat—these are delicious at room temperature!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use homemade cherry pie filling?
   Absolutely! Fresh homemade filling adds a lovely touch.
2. Can I use other pie fillings?
   Yes! Try blueberry, apple, peach, or even mixed berry.
3. Can I make these bars ahead of time?
   Definitely. They’re even better the next day after the flavors settle.
4. How do I prevent the bars from sticking?
   Use parchment paper or grease your pan well for easy removal.

Final Thoughts
These Cherry Pie Bars are a heavenly combination of soft, buttery crust, sweet-tart cherries, and a delicate glaze—making them a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday, hosting a gathering, or just craving a fruity dessert, these bars come together easily and taste absolutely amazing.

Bake a batch today and enjoy a little slice of happiness!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 290 | Protein: 3g | Carbohydrates: 41g | Fat: 13g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 120mg

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