These Bars Are Simply Delicious! A Cherry Pie Filling Treat You’ll Make Again and Again

Every once in a while, a dessert comes along that’s so easy, so reliable, and so downright tasty that it becomes a tradition. For me, that dessert is Cherry Pie Bars. I make them every year for my birthday, and they’ve become a beloved favorite among friends and family. The secret? That sweet, tangy cherry pie filling, nestled between layers of buttery, vanilla-infused cake-like crust. It's like cherry pie meets coffee cake—without the hassle of a pie crust.

The best part? They’re super easy to make and perfect for serving a crowd. Whether you’re baking for a party, potluck, or just because it’s Tuesday, these bars are guaranteed to disappear fast. Let’s walk through the step-by-step method to make them.

🍒 Ingredients You'll Need:

For the base and topping:

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

  • 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar

  • 4 large eggs

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • 1 tsp almond extract (optional but highly recommended!)

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour

  • 1 tsp baking powder

  • ½ tsp salt

For the filling:

  • 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling (or homemade if you're feeling fancy)

For the glaze (optional, but adds a lovely finish):

  • 1 cup powdered sugar

  • 2–3 tbsp milk

  • ½ tsp vanilla or almond extract

🧁 Step-by-Step Method:

1. Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.

2. Make the Batter

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This will take about 2–3 minutes using a hand or stand mixer on medium speed.

Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, mix in the vanilla extract and almond extract if using. That almond extract is a game-changer—it adds a lovely depth and enhances the cherry flavor.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Don’t overmix—just enough to bring everything together into a thick, creamy batter.

3. Layer the Batter and Filling

Spread about 2/3 of the batter into your prepared baking dish. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to evenly smooth it out—it will be thick, so take your time.

Next, spoon the cherry pie filling evenly over the batter. Try to spread it out so there’s cherry in every bite!

Then, drop spoonfuls of the remaining batter over the top of the cherry layer. Don’t worry about covering it completely—some cherry peeking through is part of the charm.

4. Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake the bars in your preheated oven for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the cake part comes out clean. You’ll know it’s ready when the kitchen smells like a cherry orchard in summer.

Let the bars cool completely in the pan before glazing or cutting.

5. Drizzle with Glaze (Optional)

In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and a splash of extract until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars using a fork or spoon.

Let it set for a few minutes before slicing into squares or bars.

🎉 Tips & Variations:

  • Change the fruit: Not a cherry fan? Try blueberry, raspberry, or apple pie filling instead!

  • Go homemade: If you have time, homemade cherry filling with fresh or frozen cherries can take these to the next level.

  • Add texture: Sprinkle slivered almonds or chopped pecans on top before baking for some crunch.

  • Make ahead: These bars actually taste even better the next day—store them in an airtight container at room temp for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer.

🍰 Final Thoughts

There’s something nostalgic and comforting about these cherry pie bars. They’re unfussy, flavorful, and have just the right balance of tart and sweet. Whether it’s your birthday (like me!) or you just want a treat that brings people together, these bars are a go-to dessert that always gets people asking for the recipe.

So next time you need something easy, delicious, and crowd-approved, grab a can of cherry pie filling and get baking. You won’t regret it.