Easy Cherry Pie Bars
A simple and delightful cherry dessert featuring layers of buttery crust, sweet cherry filling, and a silky glaze, perfect for any occasion.
Servings: 12 bars
Calories: 210kcal
Ingredients
For the crust and filling
- 1 cup softened butter Make sure the butter is at room temperature.
- 1 cup sugar Balances the tartness of the cherries.
- 2 large eggs At room temperature for better texture.
- 1 tsp almond extract
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2.5 cups all-purpose flour Provides structure to the bars.
- 0.5 tsp salt Enhances flavor.
- 1 can (21 oz) premium cherry pie filling The star ingredient of the dessert.
For the glaze
- 1 cup confectioners’ sugar Soft and powdery for the glaze.
- 1 tsp almond extract Reinforces the almond flavor.
- 0.5 tsp vanilla For added flavor in the glaze.
- as needed milk Milk To achieve desired glaze consistency.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream together the softened butter and sugar in a mixing bowl until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs, almond extract, and vanilla extract to the bowl, blending until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, mix the flour and salt together. Gradually incorporate this into the wet mixture until a tender dough forms.
- Press half of the dough into a prepared baking pan, ensuring it covers the bottom evenly.
- Spread the cherry filling evenly over the crust.
- Dollop the remaining dough over the cherry filling.
Baking
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, until the top is golden and the filling is bubbly.
- Once baked, remove from the oven and allow to cool before drizzling the glaze on top.
Glazing
- For the glaze, whisk together confectioners’ sugar, almond extract, vanilla, and enough milk to achieve desired consistency.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars and let it set for a few minutes before slicing into squares.
Notes
Ensure your butter is softened before creaming with the sugar. Don’t skip the cooling step after baking to allow for easier slicing. Adjust your glaze to preferred consistency.