1. Home
  2. Recipes
  3. Cherry Pie Bars

Buttery Cherry Pie Bars

Featured in Sweet Treats to Satisfy Any Craving.

Get all the cherry pie flavors you love in a fun, hand-held form. A crumbly shortbread bottom, sweet filling, and almond glaze tie it all together beautifully.

Pin it Share it Send it Print it Jump To Recipe
Barbara Chef
Updated on Sat, 12 Apr 2025 00:04:28 GMT
Stacked cherry-filled dessert bars with a crumb topping on display. Pin it
Stacked cherry-filled dessert bars with a crumb topping on display. | cookwithcarla.com

My family can't get enough of these fruity cherry squares at our get-togethers. Everyone goes crazy for the rich, crumbly bottom layer topped with plump cherries and drizzled with my unique almond topping. They're way better than regular pie when you need to feed lots of folks, especially during festive times. Plus, they take half the work!

What Makes These Treats Vanish Quickly

These treats never last at potlucks - they're snatched up fast! The cookie-like base melts in your mouth just before you hit those juicy cherries. That almond drizzle on top adds the perfect touch that makes folks think I spent all day baking, when really they come together in no time flat.

What You'll Need for Cherry Squares

A close-up of two stacked cranberry dessert bars with a crumbly topping and a vibrant red filling, set on a white surface. Pin it
A close-up of two stacked cranberry dessert bars with a crumbly topping and a vibrant red filling, set on a white surface. | cookwithcarla.com

Easy Cooking Guide

Secret Baking Tips

From making these squares so many times, I've learned to always use parchment in the pan for easy removal. The topping might look too crumbly at first but keep working it and it'll come together nicely. When cherry season ends, I often swap in blueberries or peaches. They turn out just as tasty.

Other Square Treats To Try

After you get the hang of these cherry squares, give my other versions a shot. The blueberry ones taste amazing when summer rolls around, and my tangy lemon squares are perfect springtime treats. My kids always beg for the strawberry cream cheese squares on their birthdays too.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How can I keep these bars fresh longer?

To make them last, store in a sealed container at room temperature for about 3-4 days. Make sure they're cooled completely first, or they might go soggy.

→ Can I switch out the cherry filling?

You totally can! Try swapping the cherry filling with apple, blueberry, or even peach. They all go great with the buttery base and glaze.

→ Why is parchment paper important here?

Using parchment paper makes it easy to take the bars out of the pan without crumbling them. It also helps keep the pan clean, saving you some scrubbing time.

→ Can I freeze these treats?

Absolutely! Wrap them tightly and keep them frozen for up to 3 months. For the best texture, wait to glaze them until after they’re thawed.

→ What’s the easiest way to slice them?

Chill the bars first so they firm up. Once cool, use a sharp knife and clean the blade between cuts for neat edges every time.

Cherry Pie Bars

These cherry-filled dessert bars have a soft shortbread crust, fruity layers, crunchy topping, and almond-flavored drizzle.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
40 Minutes
Total Time
55 Minutes

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 15 Servings (15 bars)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1 tsp baking powder.
02 3 cups plain flour.
03 1-2 Tbsp milk.
04 1 cup powdered sugar.
05 ½ tsp salt.
06 1 large egg.
07 1 cup butter, softened.
08 1 cup white sugar.
09 1 tsp almond extract, split.
10 1 (21 oz) can of cherry pie filling.

Instructions

Step 01

Set the oven to 375°F. Either grease a 13x9-inch pan or line it with parchment.

Step 02

Combine sugar, salt, flour, and baking powder in your stand mixer.

Step 03

Toss in butter, a spoonful at a time, until it becomes crumbly.

Step 04

Blend in the egg, stopping when the dough is still crumbly.

Step 05

Take ½ to ⅔ of the dough and press it over the bottom of the pan.

Step 06

Pop it into the oven for 10-12 min until it’s golden and not shiny.

Step 07

Blend ½ tsp almond extract with the cherry pie filling.

Step 08

Spread the cherry mix over the warm base layer evenly.

Step 09

Sprinkle the rest of the dough on top of the cherries.

Step 10

Bake everything for 25-30 min until the top browns and it’s bubbly.

Step 11

Let it cool down to room temp completely on a wire rack.

Step 12

Stir together the powdered sugar, milk, and the rest of the almond extract.

Step 13

Pour the glaze over the cooled bars. Let it firm up before slicing.

Notes

  1. Vanilla extract can take the place of almond extract if needed.
  2. Squeeze crumb topping in your hands for larger chunks before sprinkling.

Tools You'll Need

  • 9x13-inch baking dish.
  • Mixer with a bowl.
  • Paper for lining.
  • Cooling rack.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Milk (butter).
  • Eggs included.
  • Contains wheat (flour).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 184
  • Total Fat: 1 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 41 g
  • Protein: 3 g