If you’re craving a dessert that’s sweet, fruity, and easy to make, Cherry Pie Bars are the perfect solution! These bars feature a buttery, shortbread-like crust topped with sweet cherry filling and a crispy, crumbly topping. They’re a fun and convenient twist on classic cherry pie, and they make a great addition to any dessert table. Whether you’re serving them for a family gathering, picnic, or holiday celebration, these cherry pie bars are sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love Cherry Pie Bars

✔ Easy to Make – No need to fuss with pie crusts! These bars are simple to prepare and bake.
✔ Perfect for Any Occasion – From casual family dinners to special holidays, these cherry pie bars are a hit for any event.
✔ Deliciously Sweet – The combination of tart cherries and a sweet, buttery crust makes every bite irresistible.
✔ Customizable – You can adjust the sweetness, make it with fresh or canned cherries, or even try different fruits!

Ingredients

For the crust and topping:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter (cold and cut into cubes)
• 1 large egg (beaten)

For the cherry filling:

• 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling (or use fresh or frozen cherries)
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (optional, for a little extra zing)
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (optional, depending on sweetness preference)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.

Step 2: Make the Crust and Topping

1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingers to blend the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add the egg and stir until the dough starts to come together. It will be crumbly, but that’s okay!
4. Press about 2/3 of the dough into the bottom of your prepared baking pan to form the base. This will act as the bottom crust.

Step 3: Prepare the Cherry Filling

1. If you’re using canned cherry pie filling, just spread it evenly over the crust.
2. If you’re using fresh or frozen cherries, add them to a saucepan with 2 tablespoons of sugar (if using), lemon juice, and cornstarch. Stir everything together and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and becomes bubbly. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
3. Once your cherry filling is ready, pour it evenly over the pressed dough crust in the pan.

Step 4: Add the Topping

1. Crumble the remaining 1/3 of the dough over the cherry filling. You want to create a rustic, crumbly topping that will bake into a golden, crispy layer.
2. If desired, sprinkle a little sugar over the top for extra sweetness and a slightly crunchy finish.

Step 5: Bake

1. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cherry filling is bubbling.
2. Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting into bars.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once the bars have cooled, cut them into squares and serve! They can be enjoyed as-is or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence.

Cook Notes

• Fruit Filling Variations: You can use other pie fillings like apple, blueberry, or peach if you prefer. Fresh fruit can also be used—just make sure to adjust the sugar and cornstarch accordingly.
• Make-Ahead Tips: These bars can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. They can also be frozen for longer storage (up to 2 months). To freeze, simply cut the bars and wrap them individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer bag.
• Crispier Crust: For an extra crispy crust, bake the base for about 10 minutes before adding the cherry filling and topping. This will help prevent the crust from becoming too soggy.

Variations and Add-Ins

• Almond Flavor: Add a teaspoon of almond extract to the filling or dough for a delicious almond flavor that pairs perfectly with cherries.
• Oat Crumble: For a more textured topping, try adding 1/2 cup rolled oats to the crumble mixture for an oat-based streusel topping.
• Lemon Zest: Add a tablespoon of lemon zest to the cherry filling to brighten up the flavor and add a refreshing twist.
• Whipped Cream: Serve these bars with a dollop of fresh homemade whipped cream for a rich and creamy complement to the tart cherry filling.

Keto Version

If you’re following a keto diet, you can make these bars keto-friendly by swapping out a few ingredients:

• Use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour.
• Replace granulated sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener like stevia or monk fruit.
• Choose a sugar-free cherry pie filling or make your own with fresh cherries and sweetener.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use frozen cherries for the filling?

Yes, you can use frozen cherries in place of fresh cherries. Be sure to thaw and drain them well before cooking, as they tend to release more juice when thawed.

Can I make Cherry Pie Bars with a different kind of fruit?

Absolutely! These bars can be made with any type of fruit filling, including blueberries, apples, peaches, or mixed berries. Just adjust the sugar and cornstarch as needed for the fruit you’re using.

How should I store leftover Cherry Pie Bars?

Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. You can also refrigerate them for a longer shelf life (up to 1 week), or freeze them for up to 2 months.

Can I make these Cherry Pie Bars gluten-free?

Yes! You can use gluten-free flour in place of regular all-purpose flour for the crust and topping. Make sure to use certified gluten-free pie filling if you’re aiming for a completely gluten-free dessert.

Cherry Pie Bars are a deliciously simple way to enjoy the flavors of cherry pie in a convenient, bar-style dessert. With a buttery crust, sweet cherry filling, and crumbly topping, these bars are sure to be a hit at your next gathering. Whether you’re baking for a holiday or just a weeknight treat, these bars are an easy and flavorful dessert th