Cherry Bars Recipe – Easy, Scrumptious, and Perfect for Any Occasion

Cherry Bars are the perfect answer for anyone who loves the flavor of cherry pie but wants something easier, faster, and more shareable. These bars combine a rich buttery base, a sweet-tart cherry filling, and a delicate vanilla glaze into a dessert that feels indulgent yet effortless.

Whether you’re baking for holidays, potlucks, bake sales, or a cozy night at home, these bakery-style cherry bars deliver professional results with simple ingredients and straightforward steps. Every bite offers the perfect contrast of tender dough and juicy cherries — a combination that never fails to impress.

Ingredients and Their Role

For the Cherry Bars

• 1 ½ cups butter, softened — Adds richness, moisture, and creates a tender crumb.
• 3 cups granulated sugar — Sweetens the dough and helps it bake golden.
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt — Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
• 5 large eggs — Provide structure, moisture, and stability.
• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract — Adds warmth and aroma.
• 1 ½ teaspoons almond extract — Enhances cherry flavor with a subtle nutty note.
• 5 ½ cups all-purpose flour — Forms the sturdy but tender base.
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder — Keeps the bars light and soft.
• 2 cans (21 oz) cherry pie filling — The star of the recipe: juicy, sweet, and vibrant.

For the Glaze

• 1 cup confectioner’s sugar — Creates a smooth, sweet topping.
• 3 tablespoons milk — Thins glaze to perfect drizzling consistency.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12×17-inch jelly roll pan with foil and lightly spray with nonstick cooking spray.

2. Cream Butter and Sugar

Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 1–2 minutes).

3. Add Eggs and Flavor

Mix in salt, eggs, vanilla, and almond extract until smooth.

4. Add Dry Ingredients

Fold in flour and baking powder until just combined.

5. Reserve Dough

Remove 1¾ cups of dough and set aside.

6. Press Dough Into Pan

Spread remaining dough evenly into prepared pan.

7. Add Cherry Filling

Spread cherry pie filling evenly over dough.

8. Add Top Layer

Drop reserved dough in small pieces over filling.

9. Bake

Bake 50–60 minutes until golden and set.

10. Prepare Glaze

Whisk powdered sugar and milk until smooth.

11. Glaze and Cool

Cool bars for 20 minutes, drizzle glaze, let set, then slice.

Why This Recipe Is Loved

This recipe is adored because it offers the classic cherry pie flavor without the complexity. No rolling dough, no fuss — just layer, bake, and enjoy. The almond extract enhances the cherry beautifully, making the bars taste rich, nostalgic, and irresistible.

Pro Tips for Perfect Cherry Bars

• Use room temperature butter and eggs.
• Press the base evenly to avoid uneven baking.
• If the top browns too fast, tent loosely with foil.
• Cool fully before glazing for a neat finish.
• Store airtight for 3–4 days or refrigerate up to 7 days.

🍽 Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.
• Top with whipped cream and slivered almonds.
• Slice small for party trays and bake sales.
• Dust lightly with powdered sugar for elegance.

Final Thoughts

Cherry Bars prove that simple desserts can be extraordinary. With a buttery crust, luscious cherry filling, and silky glaze, these bars deliver everything you love about pie — in a form that’s easier, neater, and perfect for sharing. Once you make them, they’re guaranteed to become a staple in your baking rotation.