Description
Cherry Pie Bars are buttery dessert bars layered with sweet cherry pie filling and finished with a light vanilla almond glaze. This easy homemade dessert delivers the classic flavor of cherry pie without the work of making a traditional crust. Perfect for holidays, potlucks, and family gatherings, these soft and tender bars slice beautifully and are always a crowd favorite.
Ingredients
For the Bars
1 cup unsalted butter softened
2 cups granulated sugar
1 teaspoon salt
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon almond extract
3 cups all purpose flour
2 cans cherry pie filling 21 ounces each
For the Glaze
1 cup powdered sugar
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon almond extract
2 to 3 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 15 x 10 x 1 inch baking pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, sugar, and salt until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and almond extract.
- Gradually mix in the flour until a thick dough forms.
- Spread about 3 cups of the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the dough layer.
- Drop the remaining dough by teaspoonfuls across the cherry filling.
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until the top is lightly golden.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.
- In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla extract, almond extract, and milk until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars, slice into squares, and serve.
Notes
Use room temperature butter for easier mixing and a smoother batter.
Allow the bars to cool fully before adding the glaze so it sets properly.
Line the pan with parchment paper for easier removal and cleaner slices.
You can substitute cherry pie filling with blueberry, raspberry, or apple filling for different variations.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American