Indulge in the delightful taste of Cherry Pie Bars, a perfect blend of a buttery crust, sweet cherry filling, and a sugary glaze. This easy-to-make dessert will become a favorite for any gathering or a cozy night in. Read on to discover the step-by-step guide to creating this irresistible treat.

What are Cherry Pie Bars?
Cherry Pie Bars are a delectable dessert that combines the classic flavors of cherry pie with the convenience of bar cookies. They feature a crumbly oat crust, a luscious cherry filling, and a drizzle of sweet glaze, making them the perfect dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients List for Cherry Pie Bars
For The Crust:
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup rolled oats
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed (2 sticks)
For The Filling:
- 42 ounces cherry pie filling (2 cans of 21 ounces each)
For The Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Substitutions and Variations
Ingredient Substitutions:
- Butter: Substitute with margarine or a dairy-free butter alternative for a different texture and flavor.
- Cherry Pie Filling: Swap with blueberry, apple, or peach pie filling for a different fruit experience.
- Rolled Oats: Use quick oats if you prefer a finer texture, though this may slightly alter the crust's consistency.
Variations:
- Add Nuts: Incorporate chopped pecans or almonds into the crust mixture for added crunch.
- Spice It Up: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the crust mixture for a warm, spiced flavor.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

How to Cook Cherry Pie Bars: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal and cutting later.
Step 2: Prepare the Crust
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup rolled oats, ½ cup granulated sugar, and ½ teaspoon salt. Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Step 3: Form the Crust
Press about two-thirds of the oat mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust. Ensure an even layer by pressing down with your fingers or a flat-bottomed cup.
Step 4: Bake the Crust
Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until it just begins to turn golden. This step ensures the crust is firm and slightly crispy.
Step 5: Add the Filling
Remove the crust from the oven and spread the 42 ounces of cherry pie filling evenly over the hot crust. Ensure an even distribution of cherries and sauce.
Step 6: Add the Topping
Crumble the remaining oat mixture over the cherry filling. This will form a crumbly topping that bakes to a golden perfection.
Step 7: Bake Again
Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 30 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned and the filling is bubbly.
Step 8: Prepare the Glaze
While the bars cool, whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons milk, and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth.
Step 9: Glaze the Bars
Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars. Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before cutting.
Step 10: Cool Completely and Cut
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, use the edges of the parchment paper to lift the bars out of the pan, then cut into squares.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using Warm Butter: Always use cold butter for the crust to achieve the perfect crumbly texture.
- Skipping Parchment Paper: Lining the baking dish with parchment paper ensures easy removal and clean cuts.
- Cutting Too Soon: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to prevent them from crumbling.
Serving and Presentation Tips
How to Serve Cherry Pie Bars
Serve Cherry Pie Bars as they are, or warm them slightly for an even more comforting treat. Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful dessert.
Presentation Ideas for Cherry Pie Bars
- Dust with Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance.
- Add Fresh Fruit: Garnish with fresh cherries or berries for a vibrant, colorful presentation.
- Serve on a Platter: Arrange the bars on a decorative platter lined with parchment paper for a rustic look.
Cherry Pie Bars Recipe Tips
- Use Cold Butter: This helps create a crumbly, delicious crust.
- Line with Parchment Paper: It makes removing and cutting the bars much easier.
- Cool Completely: Let the bars cool fully before glazing and cutting to avoid crumbling.
- Experiment with Fillings: Try using different fruit fillings like blueberry, apple, or peach for variety.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use homemade cherry pie filling?
Absolutely! Homemade cherry pie filling can be used for a fresher, more personalized touch.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, Cherry Pie Bars can be made a day in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Can I freeze Cherry Pie Bars?
Yes, these bars freeze well. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Can I use other types of flour?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or a gluten-free flour blend, though this may slightly alter the texture.
Is there a way to make these bars vegan?
Yes, substitute the butter with a vegan butter alternative and ensure the pie filling and other ingredients are vegan-friendly.
Conclusion
Cherry Pie Bars are a delightful and versatile dessert that is sure to impress. With a buttery crust, sweet cherry filling, and a luscious glaze, they are perfect for any occasion. Follow this step-by-step guide and enjoy a delicious treat that combines the best of pie and bar cookies. Happy baking!
PrintCherry Pie Bars Recipe
Enjoy these delightful Cherry Pie Bars with a buttery crust, sweet cherry filling, and a perfect glaze. Ideal for dessert lovers!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- For The Crust:
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup rolled oats
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed (2 sticks)
- For The Filling:
- 42 ounces cherry pie filling (2 cans of 21 ounces each)
- For The Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix together the flour, oats, sugar, and salt.
- Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Press ⅔ of the mixture into the bottom of a greased 9x13-inch baking pan.
- Spread the cherry pie filling over the crust.
- Sprinkle the remaining crust mixture on top of the filling.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, until the top is golden brown.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to make the glaze.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars before serving.
Notes
- Use cold butter to achieve a crumbly crust.
- Allow bars to cool completely before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 75mg
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