Irresistible Cherry Pie Bars Recipe: Sweet Summer Magic

Sweet memories often bloom around a classic cherry pie bars that spark joy in every bite.

Memories of grandma’s kitchen come flooding back with this delightful dessert.

Layers of buttery crust and vibrant fruit filling create a nostalgic treat that feels like a warm hug.

Tart cherries nestled between golden, crumbly pastry promise a delectable experience for anyone who loves homemade sweets.

Simple ingredients combine to craft something magical that makes hearts smile.

Baking these bars connects you to generations of comfort and love.

Cherry Pie Bars You Can Grab And Go

• Quick Family Dessert: Perfect for busy parents needing a simple, crowd-pleasing treat that comes together in under an hour.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Easily adaptable for potlucks, picnics, and casual gatherings where you want a dessert that travels well and serves multiple people.
• Time-Saving Baking: Requires minimal prep work with straightforward steps, making it ideal for home bakers of all skill levels who want delicious results without complex techniques.
• Customizable Treat: Offers flexibility to swap cherry filling with other fruit preserves, allowing creative twists on the classic recipe while maintaining its core deliciousness.

What You Need For Cherry Pie Bars

• All-Purpose Flour, Rolled Oats: Provides sturdy and slightly nutty foundation for the bars, with oats adding extra texture and richness.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a crisp, golden crust.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness.
• Unsalted Butter: Creates flaky, rich texture; cold butter ensures proper crust consistency.

• Cherry Pie Filling: Delivers classic cherry flavor and vibrant color, with pre-prepared filling making the recipe quick and easy.

• Powdered Sugar: Creates smooth, glossy glaze with delicate sweetness.
• Milk: Helps thin and blend the sugar for perfect drizzling consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, aromatic flavor that complements the cherry filling.

Cherry Pie Bars Assembly Steps

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 350°F.

Grab a 9×13-inch baking pan and give it a quick spray with cooking oil or butter it down to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create the Crumbly Base

• All-purpose flour
• Rolled oats
• Granulated sugar
• Pinch of salt

Step 3: Work in the Butter

Slice the cold butter into small chunks and work it into the dry ingredients using a pastry cutter or your fingertips.

Keep mixing until the texture looks like chunky sand or coarse crumbs.

Step 4: Build the First Layer

Press about two-thirds of the crumbly mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.

Make sure it’s evenly distributed and packed down.

Step 5: Add the Cherry Filling

Generously spread the cherry pie filling across the entire surface of the crumb base.

Aim for an even, luscious layer that covers every inch.

Step 6: Top with Remaining Crumbs

Sprinkle the rest of the crumb mixture over the cherry filling, creating a delightful, rustic-looking topping.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes.

You’re looking for a beautiful golden-brown color on top.

Step 8: Prepare the Glaze

• Powdered sugar
• Milk
• Vanilla extract

Stir until smooth and glossy.

Step 9: Finish and Serve

Allow the bars to cool completely.

Once cooled, drizzle the glaze in a zigzag pattern across the top.

Slice into squares and serve.

Handy Advice for Cherry Pie Bars

• Swap cherry pie filling with blueberry, raspberry, or peach for variety and personalized flavor.
• Pat the oat and flour mixture firmly into the pan to create a solid, crisp base that won't become mushy.
• Watch bars closely during last 10 minutes of baking to ensure even, golden-brown coloring without burning.
• Adjust milk quantity gradually to create a smooth, drizzle-friendly glaze that coats bars beautifully.
• Keep bars in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days, or refrigerate for up to a week to maintain freshness.

Cherry Pie Bars – Store Smart, Reheat Without Crumbling

• Store leftover cherry pie bars in an airtight container for up to 5 days, keeping them fresh and delicious in the refrigerator.
• Let bars cool completely before storing at room temperature for 1-2 days, covered with plastic wrap to maintain moisture.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months for long-lasting enjoyment.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed bars in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore their just-baked warmth and texture.

What Complements Cherry Pie Bars

• Pair with Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: The rich, buttery crust and sweet cherry filling find perfect harmony with a cold scoop of vanilla ice cream, creating a delightful temperature and flavor contrast.
• Complement with Almond Champagne: A crisp, slightly sweet almond-infused champagne cuts through the dessert's richness while echoing the fruity cherry notes, elevating the entire tasting experience.
• Match with Whipped Mascarpone Cream: A light, silky mascarpone cream dollop adds elegant creaminess that balances the bars' sweetness and provides a luxurious textural enhancement.
• Enjoy with Earl Grey Tea: The subtle bergamot and tea's gentle warmth beautifully offset the dessert's intense fruity and buttery profile, creating a sophisticated and comforting pairing.

Cherry Pie Bars Recipe Delicious Alternatives

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and ensure oats are certified gluten-free for celiac or wheat-sensitive individuals.
• Vegan Adaptation: Substitute butter with cold coconut oil or vegan margarine, use plant-based milk for glaze, and choose a vegan-friendly cherry pie filling.
• Low-Sugar Option: Reduce sugar content by using a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener, and select a reduced-sugar cherry pie filling to lower overall calories.
• Nutty Crunch Variation: Add chopped almonds or pecans to the crust mixture for extra texture and a nutty flavor profile that complements the sweet cherry filling.

FAQs

• Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned pie filling?

Yes, you can use fresh cherries. Simply pit and chop about 4 cups of fresh cherries and mix with 1/4 cup sugar and 2 tablespoons cornstarch before spreading over the crust.

• How do I know when the cherry pie bars are fully baked?

Look for a golden-brown top and slightly crispy edges. The crust should be set and the filling should be bubbling slightly around the edges when it’s done baking.

• Is it possible to make these bars gluten-free?

Absolutely! Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use certified gluten-free oats to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

• Can I freeze these cherry pie bars?

Yes, these bars freeze wonderfully. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Cherry Pie Bars Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Sweet cherry pie bars combine classic American dessert charm with convenient bar form, offering a delightful twist on traditional pie. Home bakers can enjoy these irresistible treats that deliver rich fruity flavor and buttery crust in every tempting bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1.5 cups (354 ml) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (240 ml) rolled oats
• 2 cans (42 ounces / 1,190 grams) cherry pie filling
• 1 cup (227 grams) unsalted butter, cold and cubed (2 sticks)

Sweeteners and Sugars:

• 0.5 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (120 grams) powdered sugar

Flavor Enhancers and Liquids:

• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare your workspace by positioning an oven rack in the center and heating to 350°F (175°C).
2. Combine flour, oats, sugar, and salt in a spacious mixing bowl, creating a uniform dry foundation.
3. Incorporate cold butter into the dry ingredients using a pastry cutter or fingertips until the mixture transforms into coarse, pebble-like crumbs.
4. Transfer approximately two-thirds of the crumbly mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan, firmly pressing to create an even, compact base layer.
5. Carefully spread the cherry pie filling across the prepared crust, ensuring consistent coverage from edge to edge.
6. Scatter the remaining crumb mixture over the fruity layer, allowing some filling to peek through for visual appeal.
7. Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, watching for a golden-brown transformation of the top crust.
8. While the bars cool, craft a silky glaze by whisking powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and glossy.
9. Once completely cooled, drizzle the glaze in elegant zigzag patterns across the surface, enhancing both flavor and presentation.

Notes

• Customize the filling by using homemade or fresh cherry compote for a more intense fruit flavor.
• Swap traditional flour with gluten-free alternatives to make the bars suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Reduce sugar content by using low-sugar pie filling or adding natural sweeteners like stevia for a healthier version.
• Create a nutty texture by mixing chopped almonds or pecans into the crumb topping for extra crunch and depth.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg