Buttery, soft cookie-style bars layered with sweet cherry pie filling and finished with a light vanilla glaze. These bars combine the flavors of a classic cherry pie with the ease of a simple sheet dessert—perfect for gatherings, holidays, or an everyday sweet treat.
📝 Ingredients
For the Crust & Topping
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon almond extract
4 large eggs
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
For the Filling
2 cans (21 oz each) cherry pie filling
For the Glaze
1 cup powdered sugar
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon almond extract
2–3 tablespoons milk
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2️⃣ Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3–4 minutes using a hand mixer.
Add the vanilla extract and almond extract, mixing until incorporated.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to create a smooth batter.
Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a thick dough forms. Avoid overmixing so the bars stay soft and tender.
3️⃣ Assemble the Bars
Spread about two-thirds of the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish, pressing it gently to create a smooth base layer.
Spoon the cherry pie filling evenly over the dough, spreading it to cover the surface.
Drop the remaining dough by small spoonfuls over the cherry layer. It does not need to cover completely—the cherries should peek through.
4️⃣ Bake
Place the pan in the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the top turns light golden brown and the edges are set.
Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before adding the glaze.
5️⃣ Prepare the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, almond extract, and milk. Add milk gradually until you reach a smooth drizzling consistency.
6️⃣ Finish the Bars
Drizzle the glaze evenly over the cooled bars. Allow it to set for about 10–15 minutes before slicing.
Cut into squares or rectangles and serve.
📊 Recipe Info
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 30–35 minutes
Total Time: ~50 minutes
Servings: 16 bars
Calories: ~320 per bar
These Cherry Pie Bars are soft, buttery, and bursting with sweet cherry flavor—an easy dessert that tastes just like homemade pie but with far less effort.