Easy Cherry Pie Bars, no-roll dessert

Cherry Pie Bars: A Buttery, Fruity Delight!

by

Advertisement

These Cherry Pie Bars bring the nostalgic taste of homemade cherry pie in an easy, handheld form! With a buttery shortbread crust, sweet cherry filling, and crumbly topping, they’re perfect for potlucks, holidays, or a simple family treat. Even better—they’re easier than pie (no rolling required!).

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ Simple & Quick – No pie crust rolling, just press and bake!
✅ Perfect Texture – Buttery, tender crust with gooey cherry filling.
✅ Crowd-Pleasing – A hit at parties, picnics, and bake sales.
✅ Kid-Friendly – Great for baking with little helpers.

Ingredients & Substitutions

For the Crust & Topping:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened – Salted butter works (reduce added salt to ¼ tsp).
  • 1¾ cups granulated sugar – Adjust to taste (1½ cups works for less sweetness).
  • 4 large eggs – Binds the dough.
  • 1½ tsp vanilla extract – Enhances flavor.
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour – For a tender crumb.

For the Filling:

  • 2 (21 oz) cans cherry pie filling – Or use homemade (see variations).

Optional Garnish:

  • Powdered sugar – For a pretty finish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1️⃣ Prep & Preheat

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Grease a 9×13-inch pan or line with parchment paper.

2️⃣ Make the Dough

  1. Beat butter, sugar, and salt until fluffy (~3 mins).
  2. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla.
  3. Gradually add flour until just combined.

3️⃣ Layer the Bars

  1. Press ⅔ of the dough into the pan (smooth with a spatula).
  2. Spread cherry pie filling evenly over the dough.
  3. Drop remaining dough in small clumps over the cherries (it’ll spread while baking).

4️⃣ Bake & Cool

  • Bake 35-40 mins until golden.
  • Cool completely before slicing (or filling will ooze!).

5️⃣ Serve!

  • Dust with powdered sugar (optional).
  • Cut into squares and enjoy!

Pro Tips for Perfect Bars

🔪 Clean Cuts – Chill briefly before slicing.
🍒 Extra Cherry Flavor – Add ½ tsp almond extract to the dough.
🔥 Avoid Overbaking – Top should be lightly golden (not dark brown).

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

❄ Room Temp – Keeps 2 days covered.
⛄ Fridge – Stores 5 days (great for meal prep!).
🍽 Freezer – Freeze unbaked or baked (up to 3 months).

Delicious Variations

🫐 Mixed Berry Bars – Use blueberry or strawberry pie filling.
🍫 Chocolate-Cherry – Add ½ cup cocoa powder to the dough.
🥜 Almond Crunch – Sprinkle sliced almonds on top before baking.

Final Thoughts

These Cherry Pie Bars are buttery, fruity, and irresistibly easy—the ultimate dessert for cherry lovers!

Try them today and share your creations! 📸 #CherryPieBars

Leave a Comment