Cherry Bars – Sweet, Buttery & Perfect for Any Occasion

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s simple to make yet guaranteed to impress, these Cherry Bars are the answer. Buttery, soft, and bursting with sweet-tart cherry filling, they strike the perfect balance between a cookie bar and a fruit-filled pastry. Whether you need a holiday treat, a summer picnic dessert, or just something to satisfy your sweet tooth, cherry bars are a crowd-pleasing favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cherry bars are easier than pie but just as delicious. Instead of fussing with pie crusts or layering multiple components, this recipe comes together quickly with a buttery dough, cherry pie filling, and a simple glaze. The result is a dessert that looks beautiful, slices easily, and can feed a crowd without much effort.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 2 cups granulated sugar

• 4 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 teaspoon almond extract (optional but highly recommended)

• 3 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 (21 oz) can cherry pie filling

For the glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 2–3 tablespoons milk

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat oven – Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line with parchment paper.

2. Prepare the dough – In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs, one at a time, then stir in vanilla and almond extract.

3. Mix dry ingredients – Add flour and salt gradually, mixing until just combined.

4. Assemble bars – Spread about two-thirds of the dough into the prepared baking pan. Top evenly with cherry pie filling. Drop the remaining dough by spoonfuls over the cherries.

5. Bake – Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until golden brown. Cool completely.

6. Glaze – In a small bowl, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over cooled bars before slicing.

Tips for Success

• Use almond extract – It pairs beautifully with cherries and gives that bakery-style flavor.

• Cool before glazing – If the bars are too warm, the glaze will melt instead of setting.

• Make it festive – Use red and green sprinkles for the holidays, or dust with powdered sugar for a simple finish.

• Switch the filling – Swap cherry pie filling for blueberry, raspberry, or apple for variety.

Serving Suggestions

Cherry bars are great for potlucks, bake sales, or family gatherings because they slice neatly into squares or rectangles. Serve them as-is for a handheld treat, or plate them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert.

Final Thoughts

These Cherry Bars are buttery, fruity, and oh-so-satisfying. With their soft cookie-like base, luscious cherry filling, and sweet glaze, they’re a dessert that looks impressive but takes very little effort. Whether for holidays or everyday baking, this recipe is one you’ll return to again and again.