Delicious Cherry Pie Bars — A Crowd-Pleasing Birthday Treat 🍒
Before we get baking, I just want to say thank you for being here — truly. Every message, every recipe shared, and every photo you tag me in means the world. It’s what makes this little food community so special!
And today’s recipe? Oh, it’s a good one. These Delicious Cherry Pie Bars are everything I love about classic cherry pie — buttery crust, sweet-tart filling, and a golden crumbly topping — all in an easy, portable bar form. Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any time you want to wow a crowd without breaking a sweat.
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What Are Cherry Pie Bars?
Think of Cherry Pie Bars as the playful cousin of your favorite fruit pie. Instead of rolling out crusts or wrestling with pie plates, everything comes together in a single 9x13-inch pan.
The base and topping are made from the same buttery dough — soft, crumbly, and rich like shortbread. In between? A thick, ruby-red layer of cherry pie filling that’s as glossy as it is delicious. Once baked and cooled, you can slice them into bars that are easy to serve, share, and devour!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
🍒 All the flavor of cherry pie — no pie pan required!
🧈 Buttery and crumbly: The crust is golden, rich, and melts in your mouth.
🎂 Perfect for parties: Easy to slice, stack, and serve.
🧁 Make-ahead friendly: These bars taste even better the next day!
🕒 Quick to prep: Ready for the oven in just 20 minutes.
What Do Cherry Pie Bars Taste Like?
Imagine buttery shortbread meeting juicy, sweet-tart cherries. The edges are crisp and golden, while the center stays soft and jammy. Every bite has that comforting homemade flavor of cherry pie — only lighter, easier, and more snackable.
Benefits of Making These Bars
No rolling pin, no pie crust stress.
Easily portable for potlucks, picnics, or bake sales.
Customizable — swap cherries for blueberries, peaches, or apples.
Beautiful on dessert tables — they look as good as they taste!
Ingredients
For the Crust & Topping
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Filling & Finish
1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Tools You’ll Need
9x13-inch baking pan
Mixing bowls
Hand mixer or stand mixer
Spatula
Cooling rack
Knife for slicing into bars
Ingredient Additions & Substitutions
Swap cherry pie filling for apple, blueberry, or peach — the base stays the same!
Add a hint of almond extract for that classic cherry-almond combo.
Use gluten-free all-purpose flour for a celiac-friendly version.
Sprinkle sliced almonds or crumble topping over the cherries before baking.
How to Make Cherry Pie Bars (Step-by-Step)
How to Make Cherry Pie Bars (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal later.
Step 2: Prepare the Crust & Topping
In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Cut in the softened butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until a crumbly dough forms.
Step 3: Create the Layers
Press about two-thirds of the dough firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan to form the crust.
Spread the cherry pie filling evenly on top. Add the lemon juice here if using — it brightens the flavor beautifully.
Sprinkle the remaining dough over the filling as a crumbly topping.
Step 4: Bake
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and the edges start to brown.
Step 5: Cool & Slice
Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack (about 1–2 hours).
Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar, slice into bars, and serve!
What to Serve With Cherry Pie Bars
A scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
A hot cup of coffee or black tea.
For a festive touch, drizzle with white chocolate or a light almond glaze.
Tips for Perfect Cherry Pie Bars
Make sure the butter is softened, not melted — it gives the crust its signature crumble.
Let the bars cool completely before cutting for neat, clean slices.
Use real butter — it makes all the difference!
If you love a tangier flavor, mix a bit of fresh lemon zest into the filling.
Storage Instructions
Room temperature: Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Refrigerator: Store for up to 5 days.
Freezer: Freeze in layers (separated by parchment) for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
General Information
Yield: 18–24 bars
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 35–40 minutes
Cooling Time: 1–2 hours
Total Time: ~2 hours, 15 minutes
FAQ – Cherry Pie Bar Questions Answered
Q: Can I use homemade cherry filling?
A: Definitely! Just be sure it’s thick enough to hold up between the crust and topping.
Q: Can I make these ahead for a party?
A: Yes — they’re even better the next day once the flavors meld!
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Of course. Just use two 9x13 pans or one large sheet pan and adjust bake time slightly.
Q: What if I want to make them less sweet?
A: Reduce the sugar in the crust by ¼ cup or use tart cherries for the filling.
Conclusion
These Delicious Cherry Pie Bars are everything you love about homemade pie — made easier, prettier, and more shareable. Perfect for birthdays, bake sales, or any occasion where dessert needs to impress without the fuss.
If you loved these, try my Scottish Tablet or Crinkle Cake next — both are perfect for serving a crowd and just as irresistible!
Join the Conversation
Have you tried these Cherry Pie Bars?
📸 I’d love to see your creations! Share your photos on Pinterest and tag me so I can see your beautiful bakes!
Nutritional Information (Per Bar)
Calories: 210
Fat: 9g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Sugar: 20g
Protein: 2g
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