Homemade Cherry Pie Bars Recipe: Irresistibly Sweet & Tangy Treats

Sweet summer memories flood back when I crafted these delectable cherry pie bars that promise pure delight.

Memories of grandma’s kitchen sparked this recipe’s creation.

Bursting with juicy cherries and a buttery crumbly crust, these bars blend nostalgia with irresistible flavor.

Tart and sweet notes dance across your palate with each incredible bite.

Simple ingredients transform into a dessert that feels both rustic and elegant.

Soft, golden layers melt in your mouth, creating a symphony of textures.

You’ll want to savor every single crumb of this classic treat.

Sweet Reasons to Make Cherry Pie Bars

• Craft Seasonal Delights: Celebrate summer's bounty with these vibrant cherry pie bars that transform fresh cherries into a mouthwatering dessert everyone will adore.
• Master Simple Baking Techniques: Beginners can confidently create this recipe by following straightforward steps, requiring minimal baking experience and basic kitchen tools.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, and casual celebrations, these bars offer a delightful twist on traditional cherry pie with an irresistible crumble topping.
• Versatile Treat Options: Serve warm with vanilla ice cream, pack in lunchboxes, or enjoy as an afternoon snack that appeals to both kids and adults with its sweet-tart cherry flavor.

Cherry Pie Bar Ingredients You’ll Need

• All-Purpose Flour: The base component that provides structure for the pie bar foundation.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness to the crust base.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the crust.
• Cold Butter: Creates a flaky and tender texture in the crust.
• Egg: Helps bind the crust ingredients together for a cohesive dough.

• Fresh Cherries: The star ingredient that provides a sweet and tangy fruit base.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cherry filling and helps create a syrupy consistency.
• Cornstarch: Acts as a thickening agent for the cherry filling.
• Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and helps balance the sweetness of the cherries.
• Almond Extract: Provides a complementary nutty flavor to the cherry filling.

• All-Purpose Flour, Brown Sugar, Butter, Cinnamon: Creates a sweet, crumbly texture that adds a delightful layer of complexity to the bars.
• Powdered Sugar: Used for a final decorative dusting on the finished dessert.

How to Make Cherry Pie Bars from Scratch

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring extra paper hangs over the sides for easy removal later.

Step 2: Make Pie Crust Dough

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Salt

Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter until the mixture looks like rough, sandy crumbs. Add an egg and mix until the dough holds together smoothly.

Step 3: Form Crust Base

Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Use your fingers to create a compact, smooth bottom layer that covers the entire pan surface.

Step 4: Prepare Cherry Filling

• Granulated sugar
• Cornstarch
• Fresh lemon juice
• Almond extract

Ensure all cherries are thoroughly coated with the sweet mixture.

Step 5: Spread Cherry Layer

Distribute the cherry mixture uniformly across the prepared crust. Spread carefully to cover the entire surface evenly.

Step 6: Create Crumble Topping

• All-purpose flour
• Brown sugar
• Cold butter
• Ground cinnamon

Mix until the ingredients form a loose, sandy texture that will become a delightful crumbly top.

Step 7: Add Crumble Topping

Sprinkle the crumble mixture generously over the cherry layer. Aim to cover most of the fruit with the sweet, crunchy topping.

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven. Bake for 45-50 minutes until the top turns a beautiful golden brown and the cherry filling bubbles around the edges.

Step 9: Cool and Rest

Remove the pan from the oven. Let the bars cool completely in the pan for about one hour, allowing the filling to set and flavors to meld.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Lift the bars out using the parchment paper overhang. Dust with powdered sugar, slice into squares, and serve these delectable cherry pie bars to eager guests.

Tips to Nail Your Cherry Pie Bars

• Prevent Soggy Crust: Pat cherries dry with paper towels before mixing with sugar to reduce excess moisture and maintain a crisp bottom layer.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Add a pinch of ground cardamom or vanilla bean powder to the cherry filling for a subtle, sophisticated taste profile.
• Ensure Perfect Crumble: Freeze butter for 10 minutes before cutting into the topping mixture, creating more distinct, crunchy crumb texture.
• Substitute Fresh Cherries: Use frozen or canned cherries when fresh are unavailable, draining thoroughly to prevent excess liquid in the filling.
• Boost Make-Ahead Potential: Store cooled bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness.

Variations to Make Cherry Pie Bars Your Own

• Rustic Berry Blend: Replace cherries with a mix of seasonal berries like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for a vibrant, tangy variation.
• Tropical Paradise Bars: Swap cherries for diced mangoes and pineapples, adding a splash of coconut extract to the filling for a summery twist.
• Spiced Apple Crumble Bars: Use thinly sliced apples instead of cherries, incorporate warm spices like nutmeg and ginger into the crumble topping for a cozy autumn feel.
• Peach Lavender Dream: Substitute cherries with ripe peaches and sprinkle dried lavender buds into the filling for an elegant, fragrant dessert bar.

Great Pairings for Cherry Pie Bars

• Pair Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: Cool, smooth vanilla ice cream perfectly balances the warm, rich cherry pie bars, creating a delightful temperature and flavor contrast.
• Complement with Aged Port Wine: A sweet, robust port wine enhances the deep cherry flavors, offering a sophisticated and elegant drinking experience that matches the dessert's complexity.
• Serve Alongside Almond Cappuccino: The nutty espresso drink echoes the almond extract in the recipe, while its creamy texture and slight bitterness cut through the dessert's sweetness, providing a harmonious pairing.
• Refresh with Sparkling Rosé: A light, effervescent rosé wine brings a bright, fruity note that complements the cherries and cleanses the palate between bites, adding a playful touch to the dessert.

The Best Way to Store Cherry Pie Bars

• Store cooled cherry pie bars in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and maintain freshness.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. Freeze for maximum 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Keep bars at room temperature in a sealed container for 2 days maximum. Ensure the area is cool and dry to prevent moisture buildup that could make the crust soggy.
• Cut bars into squares before storing to make portioning easier. This approach helps maintain the structural integrity and prevents crumbling when you want to retrieve a serving.

Cherry Pie Bar FAQ You’ll Want to Read

• Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can use frozen cherries. Thaw and drain them completely before mixing with sugar and other filling ingredients to prevent excess moisture.

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

Look for a golden brown crumble topping and bubbling cherry filling around the edges. The bars should be set but still slightly soft when touched.

• What can I do if my crust seems too dry or crumbly?

Add a tiny bit more cold butter or a teaspoon of cold water to help the dough bind together more effectively during mixing.

• Is it necessary to pit the cherries before making the filling?

Yes, pitting cherries ensures a smoother texture and prevents biting into hard cherry pits while enjoying the bars.

Cherry Pie Bars Recipe

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4.5 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sweet cherry pie bars bring classic American dessert comfort to handheld perfection. Buttery crumble layers and rich fruit filling create an irresistible treat you’ll crave with morning coffee or evening relaxation.

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Ingredients

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Pie Crust:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 large egg

Cherry Filling:

• 4 cups fresh cherries
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 3 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/4 tsp almond extract

Topping:

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
• 2 tbsp powdered sugar (for dusting)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing overhang for easy removal.
2. Create the pie crust by combining flour, sugar, and salt in a mixing bowl, then cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Mix in the egg until the dough comes together, then press evenly into the prepared baking pan, creating a smooth, compact base.
4. Prepare the cherry filling by pitting and halving fresh cherries, then tossing with sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and almond extract until thoroughly coated.
5. Spread the cherry mixture uniformly over the prepared crust, ensuring even distribution.
6. For the crumble topping, blend flour, brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon in a separate bowl until it forms a loose, sandy texture.
7. Sprinkle the crumble topping generously and evenly over the cherry layer, covering most of the fruit.
8. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and the cherry filling bubbles around the edges.
9. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely in the pan for about 1 hour.
10. Lift the bars out using parchment paper, dust with powdered sugar, and slice into squares before serving.

Notes

• Always use ripe, sweet cherries for the most intense flavor and natural sweetness in your bars.
• Consider pitting cherries ahead of time to prevent messy preparation and save cooking time.
• Chill the butter and egg before mixing to ensure a flakier, more tender crust that won’t become tough.
• Substitute frozen cherries if fresh aren’t available, but drain excess liquid to prevent soggy bars.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 260
• Sugar: 16 g
• Sodium: 70 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg