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Cherry Pie Bars – Sweet, Tangy, and Irresistibly Delicious!
Introduction and Origin
Cherry Pie Bars are a modern twist on the classic American cherry pie. Instead of forming and crimping a traditional pie crust, this dessert uses a simple buttery batter that’s spread in a pan and layered with cherry pie filling, then topped with more batter or a crumble. The result is a dessert that delivers all the flavor of cherry pie in a portable, party-friendly bar. These bars likely evolved from the mid-century trend of simplifying beloved desserts for casual entertaining and bake sales, making them a staple in church cookbooks and potluck gatherings.
Cultural Significance
In American baking culture, especially throughout the Midwest and South, pie bars represent warmth, sharing, and convenience. They’re often made for large gatherings, family reunions, and celebrations. The cherry version, in particular, resonates with festive occasions like the Fourth of July and Christmas, thanks to its vibrant color and nostalgic flavor. These bars offer the perfect balance of practicality and indulgence—easy to make, transport, and enjoy without utensils.
Ingredients & Quantity
Makes about 20 bars in a 9×13-inch pan
For the crust and topping:
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1¾ cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon almond extract (optional but highly recommended)
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
For the filling:
1 can (21 ounces) cherry pie filling
For the glaze (optional):
1 cup powdered sugar
2–3 tablespoons milk or cream
½ teaspoon vanilla or almond extract
Optional Additions
Fresh or frozen cherries for extra fruit texture
A sprinkle of sliced almonds or streusel topping for crunch
Swap in other pie fillings (blueberry, raspberry, peach)
Lemon zest in the batter for a bright flavor contrast
White chocolate chips added to the batter or glaze
Tips for Success
Use room temperature butter and eggs for the smoothest batter
Don’t overmix the batter once you add flour—just until combined
Spread half the batter in the pan as the base; dollop the rest on top of the cherries for a marbled look
Use parchment paper for easy removal and clean slices
Let bars cool completely before glazing or cutting
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla and almond extract
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture until just combined
- Spread about ⅔ of the batter into the prepared pan
- Evenly spoon the cherry pie filling over the base
- Drop spoonfuls of the remaining batter over the cherry layer. It won’t cover completely—that’s okay
- Bake for 35–40 minutes or until the top is lightly golden and a toothpick comes out clean
- Cool completely in the pan
- Mix glaze ingredients and drizzle over cooled bars. Let set before slicing
Description
These Cherry Pie Bars are rich, tender, and bursting with flavor. The buttery vanilla-almond crust cradles the sweet-tart cherry filling, and the drizzled glaze adds just the right touch of sweetness. They’re soft yet sturdy, making them ideal for stacking on a dessert platter or wrapping up as gifts. Every bite offers the perfect balance of fruit and pastry, much like a slice of cherry pie but with far less fuss.
Nutritional Information (Per bar, approx.)
Calories: 240–280
Fat: 10–12g
Carbohydrates: 36g
Sugar: 22g
Protein: 3g
Fiber: 1g
Sodium: 120mg
Note: Nutritional values will vary slightly depending on added glaze and optional ingredients
Conclusion and Recommendation
Cherry Pie Bars are a crowd-pleasing dessert that brings the nostalgia of homemade pie into an easy-to-serve format. They’re perfect for gatherings, holiday trays, or a weekday treat. The ingredients are simple, the method is straightforward, and the result is utterly delicious. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, these bars are sure to become a go-to favorite.
Embracing Healthful Indulgence
To make these bars a bit more wholesome without sacrificing flavor, try these tweaks:
Use white whole wheat flour for added fiber
Reduce sugar by ¼ cup in the batter
Choose a no-sugar-added or homemade cherry filling using fresh or frozen cherries
Use Greek yogurt or applesauce to replace part of the butter
Cut into smaller squares for portion control
Healthful indulgence is about balance—these bars offer satisfaction with a side of nostalgia, and a few small changes can make them even better for you and your loved ones