Cherry Pie Bars

A cherry pie bar with shortbread cookie crust and glaze on top.

4.58 from 7 votes

Delicious Cherry Pie Bars are like a handheld cross between a cookie and cherry pie with a buttery shortbread crust and lots of sweet and tart cherry pie filling. Add a sweet almond glaze on top and you've got dessert for a crowd that's perfect for backyard barbecues, picnics, and bake sales!

Prep Time15

Cook Time50

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Servings: servings

Calories: 199kcal

Author: Amy Nash

Ingredients

Bars

1 ½ cups granulated sugar (300g)
1 cup salted butter, softened (227g)
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour, scooped & leveled (423g)
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 (21-ounce) cans cherry pie filling (or 4 ½ to 5 cups homemade)

Glaze

1 cup powdered sugar
1 Tablespoon milk
½ teaspoon almond extract

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a 9x13-inch baking dish with a parchment paper sling.
Beat sugar and butter together until creamy and smooth, about 2 minutes. Add eggs and vanilla, scraping down the bottom and sides of the bowl and mixing well.
Add flour, baking powder, and salt, stirring until combined to make a soft dough.
Press ⅔ of the dough into the prepared baking dish, then bake for 10-12 minutes.
Add the cherry pie filling to the partially baked bottom crust, spreading into an even layer. Drop remaining dough onto the cherry filling in spoonfuls. You want some of the cherry filling to peek through. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes until golden brown and the center is set. Remove from oven and cool 15 to 20 minutes.
Whisk glaze ingredients together in a bowl until smooth. Drizzle over the bars, then cut into squares and serve.

Video

Notes

Storage: These cherry pie bars will keep well at room temperature for 2-3 days or up to 1 week in the fridge. We actually prefer them chilled and they last longer that way so it's a win-win.
Freezing: You can also freeze the individual bars for up to 2 months. Wrap them in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container. Thaw on the counter before serving.
Variation: These bars work just as well with blueberry pie filling, apple pie filling, strawberry pie filling, raspberry pie filling, or other fruit fillings.

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