- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- 2–3 tablespoons milk (adjust for desired consistency)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat & Prep
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour (or spray with non-stick spray) a 15x10x1-inch baking pan. If using a 9x13-inch pan, note that the bars will be thicker and require additional baking time.
2. Cream Butter & Sugar
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
3. Add Eggs & Extracts
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla and almond extracts until fully incorporated.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
5. Assemble Bars
- Spread 3 cups of the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan, creating the bottom crust.
- Spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the crust.
- Drop spoonfuls of the remaining batter over the cherry filling, spreading gently to cover as much as possible (it’s okay if some filling shows through).
6. Bake
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If using a 9x13-inch pan, bake for 40–45 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely on a wire rack.
7. Prepare Glaze
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, almond extract, and milk until smooth. Adjust the milk for your desired consistency.
8. Drizzle & Serve
- Once the bars are completely cooled, drizzle the glaze evenly over the top.
- Let the glaze set for about 15–20 minutes before cutting the bars into squares.
- Enjoy every bite of these sweet, tangy, and indulgent Cherry Pie Bars!
- Perfect as a standalone dessert or paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
Tips for Success
- Use Fresh Ingredients: High-quality butter and fresh extracts make a noticeable difference in flavor.
- Experiment with Fillings: Try blueberry, apple, or peach pie filling for variety.
- Store Properly: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week.
- Freeze for Later: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Why This Recipe Works
These Cherry Pie Bars combine the buttery richness of a shortbread-like crust with the sweet-tart goodness of cherry pie filling into a dessert that’s both satisfying and portable. The straightforward preparation ensures consistent results without requiring advanced baking skills, while the customizable options allow you to tailor the recipe to your taste. Whether served as a standalone dessert or customized with your favorite fruit fillings, this recipe delivers big on taste and simplicity.
Conclusion: A Dessert Everyone Will Love
Whether you’re craving something sweet and tangy, looking for a way to simplify pie-making, or simply want to indulge in a homemade treat, these Cherry Pie Bars are sure to delight. Their bold flavors, satisfying textures, and practical preparation make them a standout recipe that’s as versatile as it is delicious. Plus, their adaptability means you can tailor them to suit any occasion.
We’d love to see your creations! Tag us in your photos or share your favorite variations—your take on these bars might just inspire others to try them too! 🍴✨
