Description
These cherry pie bars taste like a classic cherry pie but in an easy-to-make, shareable bar form! With a buttery shortbread crust, sweet cherry filling, and a crumbly streusel topping, these bars are perfect for any occasion—holidays, potlucks, or just a cozy treat at home.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Crust & Topping:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Filling:
- 1 (21-ounce) can cherry pie filling
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional, for extra warmth)
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preheat & Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Make the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla and almond extract.
- Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until fully combined. The dough will be thick.
Assemble the Bars
- Spread about ⅔ of the dough into the prepared baking dish, pressing it evenly into the bottom.
- Pour the cherry pie filling over the crust, spreading it out evenly. If using cinnamon, sprinkle it over the cherries.
- Crumble the remaining ⅓ of the dough over the cherry layer, creating a streusel-like topping.
Bake
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before adding the glaze.
Prepare the Glaze
- In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars.
Cut & Serve
- Slice into squares or bars and enjoy!
Notes
- Fresh vs. Canned Cherries: If you want to use fresh or frozen cherries, cook them with sugar and cornstarch to thicken before adding to the bars.
- Add Nuts: Chopped almonds or pecans can be sprinkled on top for added crunch.
- Storage: Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg