Sweet, buttery bars layered with juicy cherry filling and a golden crumb topping — the perfect dessert for holidays, potlucks, or anytime you crave a fruity treat!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to make — no pie crust rolling required.
Perfectly sweet and tart — cherry filling balances the buttery crumb.
Great for sharing — easy to slice into bars for parties or gifts.
Versatile — top with powdered sugar or a drizzle of glaze for extra flair.

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
½ cup granulated sugar
¼ tsp salt
1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
1 tbsp cornstarch
1 tbsp lemon juice
¼ cup powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 12
Calories: ~320 kcal per bar

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Pan

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper.

Step 2: Make the Dough

Mix flour, sugar, and salt in a bowl. Cut in cold butter until mixture is crumbly.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Whisk egg and vanilla, then stir into the flour mixture until dough forms.

Step 4: Form Crust

Reserve ⅓ of dough. Press remaining dough evenly into the prepared pan to form the crust.

Step 5: Prepare Cherry Filling

Mix cherry pie filling with cornstarch and lemon juice. Spread evenly over the crust.

Step 6: Top the Bars

Crumble the reserved dough evenly over the cherry filling.

Step 7: Bake

Bake for 40–45 minutes, until golden and bubbly.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Cool completely in the pan, then lift out and dust with powdered sugar if desired. Slice into bars and serve.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh or frozen cherries with a bit of sugar and cornstarch if you don’t have canned filling.
Add a streusel topping for extra crunch.
Drizzle with white chocolate or glaze for a festive look.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, they keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for 3–4 days or in the fridge for up to a week.

Can I freeze them?
Yes, wrap individually or as a whole pan in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months and thaw before serving.

Can I use a different fruit filling?
Absolutely! Blueberry, apple, or raspberry pie fillings work just as well.

Final Thoughts

Cherry Pie Bars are a simple, crowd-pleasing dessert that’s both fruity and buttery. Perfect for any occasion, they’re sure to become a family favorite!