Cherry Pie Bars are everything you love about classic cherry pie—sweet-tart filling, buttery crust, and a soft, tender crumb—made easier in bar form. These are perfect for potlucks, holidays, bake sales, or anytime you want pie flavor without the fuss of rolling dough. Simple to make, easy to slice, and always a crowd-pleaser.
Yield and Timing
This recipe makes 12–16 bars.
Prep time is 15 minutes, with 40–45 minutes of baking time.
Ingredients
For the crust and topping:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the filling:
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
For finishing (optional):
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Preparation
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Beat in the vanilla, then add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing just until combined. The batter will be thick.
Spread about two-thirds of the batter evenly into the prepared pan to form the base. Spoon the cherry pie filling over the batter and gently spread it to the edges.
Drop spoonfuls of the remaining batter over the cherry layer, leaving some of the filling visible for a rustic look.
Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and set.
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Cherry Pie Bars at room temperature or slightly chilled. They’re wonderful on their own or paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Perfect with coffee or tea.
Storage
Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 4 days. They also freeze well for longer storage.
Why These Bars Are a Favorite
Cherry Pie Bars deliver classic pie flavor in a simple, no-stress format. The buttery base, sweet cherry filling, and soft topping make them familiar, comforting, and incredibly easy to share. If you love old-fashioned desserts that always work, this recipe deserves a spot in your regular baking rotation.
Enjoy!!
