Irresistible Cherry Pie Bars: A Sweet Delight Recipe

Name: Cherry Pie Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups fresh cherries, pitted; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed; 1 large egg, room temperature; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp salt; Powdered sugar for dusting

Recipe By:

Daniel Lawson

Posted:

January 20, 2026

Updated:

January 20, 2026

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The first bite of cherry pie bars is like a cozy hug from your grandma—sweet, tart, and just the right amount of gooey. Imagine sinking your teeth into a buttery crust that crumbles just perfectly, revealing a luscious cherry filling that dances on your taste buds. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will have everyone wandering in with anticipation, questioning if they should even bother with dinner.

I remember the first time I made these delightful treats for a family gathering. My cousin, who usually claims to dislike cherries, devoured half the pan in record time. That’s right! Cherry pie bars turned my most skeptical relative into a cherry enthusiast overnight. Whether it’s summer picnics or cozy winter nights, these bars are the perfect sweet treat to bring joy to any occasion.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

These cherry pie bars are incredibly easy to whip up, making them perfect for busy bakers

The flavor is a delightful balance of sweet and tart that everyone loves
Their vibrant red color makes them visually stunning on any dessert table

Enjoy them warm or chilled for versatile snacking options!

My friends couldn’t stop raving about how these cherry pie bars brought back childhood memories of summer picnics and family gatherings.

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Fresh Cherries: Use ripe, juicy cherries for the best flavor; pitting can be a fun task if you enlist helpers.
Granulated Sugar: This sweetens the filling; adjust based on the tartness of your cherries.
All-Purpose Flour: Essential for both the crust and thickening the filling; sifted flour yields lighter results.

Unsalted Butter: Use cold butter for a flaky crust; it’s crucial to keep it chilled until mixing.
Eggs: These help bind everything together; room temperature eggs blend more easily into your batter.
Vanilla Extract: A splash adds depth to both crust and filling; homemade vanilla extract works wonders here.

Baking Powder: This leavening agent ensures your crust has that lovely rise and texture.
Powdered Sugar: For dusting on top post-baking; it adds a lovely sweetness and visual appeal.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Preheat Your Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray so nothing sticks during baking.

Create the Crust Mixture: In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs—the golden-brown aroma will fill your kitchen.

Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in one egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. Mix until dough forms—a soft dough means you’re on track!

Press Dough into Pan: Reserve about one cup of dough for topping. Press remaining dough evenly into the prepared pan—this base will hold all that scrumptious filling.

Prepare Cherry Filling: In another bowl, mix pitted cherries with sugar and cornstarch until evenly coated. Pour this beautiful mixture over the pressed dough—those vibrant cherries will shine!

Add Topping and Bake: Crumble reserved dough over cherry filling, creating an even layer. Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden brown on top—the scent will make you want to dive right in.

Let those cherry pie bars cool completely before cutting (if you can resist). Dust with powdered sugar for that extra touch of elegance before serving—trust me; your guests will be impressed!

Now that you’ve made these cherry pie bars from scratch, get ready to bask in compliments while enjoying each delicious bite!

You Must Know

Cherry pie bars are not just dessert; they combine the best of pie and bars!
Their vibrant cherry filling paired with a buttery crust creates a delightful texture

These treats are perfect for any gathering, ensuring everyone leaves with a smile

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare the crust first, letting it chill while you make the filling, ensuring maximum flavor and texture.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap cherries for blueberries or raspberries for a fruity twist. You can also sprinkle some lemon zest into the filling for an extra zing!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover cherry pie bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore freshness.

Chef's Helpful Tips

Always use fresh cherries when possible; frozen ones may release too much moisture
Let the bars cool completely before slicing; this helps maintain their shape

If using canned cherries, drain excess syrup thoroughly for better results

The first time I made cherry pie bars, my friends devoured them so quickly, I hardly got a bite! Now I always double the recipe just in case.

FAQs

FAQ

Can I use frozen cherries for cherry pie bars?

Yes, but thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture.

How do I know when my cherry pie bars are done?

The edges should be golden brown, and the center will feel firm to touch.

Can I make these cherry pie bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! They store well in the fridge and taste even better after a day.

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