Easy Cherry Pie Bars: A Simple Cherry Dessert to Savor

Published: September 1, 2025

by Vanessaa

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for last-minute gatherings.
Delicious Flavor: The combination of cherries and almond extract creates a unique taste that everyone will love.
Versatile Dessert: Perfect for parties, potlucks, or just a cozy night at home with family.
Kid-Friendly: Simple enough for kids to help with; they’ll enjoy making and eating these cherry pie bars.
Make Ahead: These bars can be made ahead of time and stored for later enjoyment.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the baking process, gather your essentials to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Mixing bowl
Electric mixer
9×13 inch baking pan
Measuring cups and spoons
Rubber spatula

Importance of Each Tool

Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl helps combine ingredients without spills.
Electric mixer: An electric mixer saves time and ensures even mixing of butter and sugar.
Baking pan: A 9×13 inch pan is ideal for creating uniform bars that are easy to cut.

Ingredients

For the Bars

1 cup softened butter
1 cup sugar
2 large eggs, room temp
1 tsp almond extract
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ tsp salt
1 (21 oz) can premium cherry pie filling

For the Glaze

1 cup confectioners’ sugar
1 tsp almond extract
½ tsp vanilla
Milk as needed

How to Make Easy Cherry Pie Bars: A Simple Cherry Dessert to Savor

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cherry pie bars bake evenly.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a mixing bowl:
* Add softened butter and sugar.
* Use an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Extracts

Once the mixture is fluffy:
* Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
* Stir in the almond extract and vanilla extract until combined.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Next:
* In another bowl, mix together flour and salt.
* Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients until just combined.

Step 5: Prepare the Baking Pan

Now:
* Take half of the dough and press it evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking pan.

Step 6: Add Cherry Filling

Spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the pressed dough layer.

Step 7: Top with Remaining Dough

Dollop spoonfuls of the remaining dough over the cherry filling. It doesn’t need to cover completely; some cherry filling should peek through!

Step 8: Bake

Place the pan in your preheated oven:
* Bake for about 35–40 minutes or until golden brown on top.

Step 9: Cool

Remove from oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan before glazing.

Step 10: Drizzle Glaze

For the glaze:
* In a bowl, mix confectioners’ sugar with almond extract and vanilla. Add milk gradually until you achieve desired consistency.
* Drizzle over cooled cherry pie bars before cutting into squares.

Enjoy your delicious Easy Cherry Pie Bars! They’re sure to be a hit at any occasion!

How to Serve Easy Cherry Pie Bars: A Simple Cherry Dessert to Savor

Serving your Easy Cherry Pie Bars can elevate the dessert experience. Here are some delightful ways to enjoy these cherry-filled treats.

Pair with Ice Cream

Vanilla Ice Cream – The creamy texture complements the tartness of the cherries perfectly.
Almond Ice Cream – Adds a nutty flavor that enhances the almond extract in the bars.

Top with Whipped Cream

Fresh Whipped Cream – Light and fluffy, it adds a touch of elegance and balances sweetness.
Flavored Whipped Cream – Consider adding a hint of vanilla or almond for an extra flavor boost.

Serve with Fresh Fruit

Berries – Strawberries or blueberries provide freshness and contrast nicely with the cherry filling.
Sliced Peaches – Juicy peaches offer a sweet complement that enhances the summer vibe.

Drizzle with Chocolate Sauce

Dark Chocolate Sauce – A rich drizzle adds a decadent touch that pairs well with cherries.
White Chocolate Drizzle – For those who prefer sweetness, white chocolate offers a lovely contrast.

How to Perfect Easy Cherry Pie Bars: A Simple Cherry Dessert to Savor

Perfecting your Easy Cherry Pie Bars can make them even more delightful. Here are some tips to enhance your baking experience.

Bold Flavor Boost: Add a bit more almond extract for an intense flavor that shines through.
Chill Your Dough: Refrigerate your dough before pressing it into the pan for easier handling and better texture.
Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for premium cherry pie filling and fresh eggs for the best taste.
Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your bars; they should be golden brown but not dry.
Let Them Cool: Allow them to cool completely before cutting for clean, beautiful bars.
Experiment with Toppings: Try different glazes or toppings to create variations each time you bake.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Cherry Pie Bars: A Simple Cherry Dessert to Savor

Pairing side dishes with your Easy Cherry Pie Bars can enhance your dessert table. Here are some great options to consider.

Cheese Platter – A selection of cheeses like brie or goat cheese complements the sweetness of cherries beautifully.
Fruit Salad – A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits provides balance and lightness alongside rich desserts.
Chocolate-Covered Strawberries – These sweet treats make an elegant addition that matches well with cherry flavors.
Nut Mix – A blend of nuts offers crunch and savory notes that contrast nicely with sweet desserts.
Mini Pies – Offering bite-sized versions of other fruit pies creates a fun dessert tasting experience.
Coffee or Tea – A warm beverage pairs excellently, enhancing flavors and providing comfort after a meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making easy cherry pie bars can be delightful, but there are common mistakes that can diminish your results. Here are a few pitfalls to watch out for:

Incorrect oven temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can lead to undercooked or burnt bars. Always preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) for the best results.
Using cold ingredients: Cold butter and eggs can affect the texture of your dough. Ensure that your butter is softened and eggs are at room temperature before mixing.
Overmixing the dough: Overmixing can create tough bars instead of tender ones. Mix just until combined for a light and flaky texture.
Not measuring ingredients accurately: Inaccurate measurements can ruin your easy cherry pie bars. Use proper measuring cups and spoons for precise amounts.
Skipping the glaze: The glaze adds a finishing touch that enhances flavor. Don’t skip it; it’s simple to make and takes your dessert to the next level.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

- Duration: Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Containers: Use an airtight container to keep them fresh and prevent drying out.

Freezing Easy Cherry Pie Bars: A Simple Cherry Dessert to Savor

- Duration: These bars freeze well for up to 3 months.
- Containers: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer-safe container or bag.

Reheating Easy Cherry Pie Bars: A Simple Cherry Dessert to Savor

Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place bars on a baking sheet and warm for about 10–15 minutes until heated through.
Microwave: Heat individual bars on a microwave-safe plate for about 15–20 seconds. Be careful not to overheat as they can become too soft.
Stovetop: Place a bar in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 5 minutes, checking frequently to avoid burning.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Easy Cherry Pie Bars?

Easy cherry pie bars are a delicious dessert made with sweet cherry filling baked between layers of buttery dough. They are simple to make and perfect for gatherings or family treats.

Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned filling?

Yes! You can use fresh cherries, but you’ll need to cook them down with sugar and cornstarch to create a thick filling similar to what is found in the canned version.

How do I customize Easy Cherry Pie Bars?

You can customize these bars by adding nuts, using different extracts, or substituting other fruit fillings like blueberry or peach for variety.

How do I know when my Easy Cherry Pie Bars are done baking?

The edges should be lightly golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for delicious results that everyone can enjoy.

Final Thoughts

Easy cherry pie bars offer a delightful mix of flavors and textures that appeal to everyone. Their simplicity makes them perfect for any occasion, from picnics to family dinners. Feel free to experiment with different fruits or add-ins, making this dessert versatile enough for every taste preference. Give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!

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