Cherry pie bars are the perfect answer when you love classic cherry pie but don’t want to fuss with rolling out multiple crusts. They’re buttery, sweet, slightly tart, and much easier to slice and serve for gatherings. Imagine all the flavors of a traditional cherry pie—bright fruit filling, tender crust, and a light glaze—transformed into convenient handheld squares.
Below is a unique, detailed guide to making irresistible cherry pie bars from scratch.
Why You’ll Love Cherry Pie Bars
Cherry pie bars combine three simple layers:
A soft, buttery base
A luscious cherry filling
A tender crumble or top layer finished with glaze
They’re perfect for:
Potlucks
Holiday dessert tables
Summer picnics
Weekend baking projects
Unlike traditional pies, these bars bake in a single pan and are cut into squares, making them beginner-friendly and party-ready.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Crust and Topping
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
For the Cherry Filling
2 cans (21 oz each) cherry pie filling
or4 cups fresh or frozen cherries
¾ cup sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Glaze (Optional but Recommended)
1 cup powdered sugar
2–3 tablespoons milk
½ teaspoon vanilla extract