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Cherry Pie Bars – A Deliciously Easy Dessert for Any Occasion

If you love cherry pie but don’t want to fuss with making a traditional pie crust, these Cherry Pie Bars are the perfect solution!

They’re easy to make, bursting with sweet cherry flavor, and have a soft, buttery crust that pairs beautifully with the fruity filling.

Whether you’re looking for a dessert to bring to a gathering, a sweet treat for the holidays, or just something to enjoy with your afternoon coffee, these cherry pie bars will hit the spot.

Why You’ll Love These Cherry Pie Bars

• Easy to Make – No rolling out pie crusts or complicated techniques required.
• Great for a Crowd – Perfect for potlucks, holidays, or parties.
• Sweet and Buttery – The combination of a soft, buttery crust and sweet cherries is simply irresistible.
• Customizable – Swap out the cherry filling for blueberry, apple, or even peach for a fun twist!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These simple pantry ingredients come together to make a dessert that tastes like it came straight from a bakery.

• 2 sticks of butter – Softened for easy mixing and a rich, buttery flavor.
• 2 cups of sugar – Adds sweetness and helps create a tender texture.
• 2 eggs – Provides structure and helps bind the dough together.
• Pinch of salt – Enhances the flavors.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds a warm, sweet aroma.
• 3 cups all-purpose flour – Forms the base of the dough.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder – Helps the bars rise slightly and stay soft.
• 1/4 cup milk – Creates a smooth and spreadable batter.
• 2 cans of cherry pie filling – The star of the show!
• Extra sugar for sprinkling – Adds a light, sweet crunch.
• Extra flour for pressing dough into the dish – Helps prevent sticking when spreading the batter.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare Your Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy slicing later.

2. Make the Batter

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy. This step helps create a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Next, add the flour, salt, and baking powder, and mix until a smooth dough forms. Finally, pour in the milk and blend until fully combined.

3. Spread the First Layer

Take half of the batter and spread it evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. This will form the base of your cherry pie bars. Since the batter is thick, you may need to dip a spoon in flour to help spread it without sticking.

4. Add the Cherry Filling

Once the bottom layer is spread, sprinkle a little sugar over it for added sweetness. Then, pour one can of cherry pie filling evenly across the batter, followed by the second can, ensuring every bite is packed with juicy cherry goodness. Lightly sprinkle more sugar over the top.

5. Add the Top Layer

Using a spoon, drop heaping tablespoons of the remaining batter over the cherry filling. If needed, use the back of a spoon or your fingers to gently spread the dough, but don’t worry if it doesn’t fully cover the cherries – the beauty of these bars is their rustic look!

6. Bake to Perfection

Sprinkle a little more sugar over the top before placing the dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the dough comes out clean. The top should be golden brown, and the cherry filling should be bubbling around the edges.

7. Cool and Serve

Let the bars cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before slicing. For clean, neat slices, chill them in the refrigerator before cutting. Serve warm or cold, and enjoy!

Variations & Substitutions

• Try Different Pie Fillings – Swap out the cherries for blueberry, apple, peach, or raspberry filling.
• Add a Glaze – Drizzle with a simple powdered sugar glaze for an extra touch of sweetness.
• Make it Crunchy – Add chopped almonds or pecans to the top before baking for a bit of crunch.
• Use Almond Extract – Replace the vanilla with almond extract to enhance the cherry flavor.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

• Room Temperature: These bars can sit at room temperature for up to 2 days, covered with plastic wrap.
• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Wrap bars individually in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Perfect Occasions for Cherry Pie Bars

These bars are a hit no matter when you serve them! Some perfect occasions include:

🍒 Holiday Gatherings – A great alternative to traditional cherry pie. 🍒 Potlucks & Parties – Easy to transport and serve. 🍒 Summer BBQs – A refreshing, fruity dessert. 🍒 Family Dinners – A simple yet special treat after a meal. 🍒 Valentine’s Day – Their vibrant red color makes them perfect for the holiday!

These Cherry Pie Bars are an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert that combines the best parts of cherry pie with the simplicity of a bar cookie.

With their buttery crust, luscious cherry filling, and just the right amount of sweetness, they’ll quickly become a favorite in your household.

Give this recipe a try and let me know what you think! Do you have a favorite fruit filling variation? Share in the comments!