Are you ever chewed so perfectly sugarysweet and deliciously fruit that it sends you straight into summer picnics or warm social gatherings? That’s how I feel about these cherry bars.

This recipe has been part of the family for as long as I can remember. Growing up, my mom would whip these up for special occasions, and the delicious smell of cherries and almond glaze pairing with kitchen air is something I’ll never forget. Here, I’ve put this into words for you so you can create your own delicious memory.

Whether you bake for a party, holidays, or simply for fun because you enjoy cherries, you are sure to have these cherry bars become a part of your home, too.

How To Make The Best Cherry Bars At Home

These cherry bars are a delightful combination of a buttery crust, sweet cherry filling, and a heavenly almond glaze on top. They’re simple to make and don’t require any fancy tools. Perfect for home cooks who want a no-fuss dessert with amazing flavor!

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes
Cuisine: American
Course: Dessert

Difficulty Level: Easy
Yield: 16 bars
Calories Per Serving: ~200

Ingredients

For The Bars:

1 cup sugar
¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

3 large eggs
2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder

1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling

For The Glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk

½ teaspoon almond extract

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat And Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a jelly roll pan or a 9×13-inch cookie sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Make The Batter

In a large bowl, cream the sugar and softened butter together until light and fluffy.

Incorporate the vanilla extract and the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition until completely integrated.
Then mix the flour along with the baking powder in a different bowl. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Step 3: Assemble

Spread two-thirds of the batter evenly across the prepared pan.

Spoon the cherry pie filling over the batter, spreading it out evenly.
Drop small dollops of the remaining batter over the cherry filling. Don’t worry about covering it completely—the cherry filling should peek through!

Step 4: Bake

Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the crust comes out clean. Let the bars cool completely in the pan.

Step 5: Glaze It Up

In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract until smooth.
Drizzle the glaze generously over the cooled bars.

Step 6: Slice And Serve

Once the glaze has set, slice the bars into squares or rectangles and serve.

Video Tutorial:

Expert Tips & Troubleshooting

Make It Creamy: Add a cream cheese layer between the crust and cherry filling for an extra indulgent twist.
Dietary Adjustments: Use gluten-free flour to make these bars celiac-friendly or substitute a sugar-free cherry filling for a lighter version.
Storing Leftovers: Wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months!

Avoid Soggy Bars: Ensure the bars are fully cooled before glazing to keep the topping from melting into the crust.

Serving Suggestions

These cherry bars pair beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Serve them as a sweet finale for a summer barbecue or alongside a hot cup of coffee for a cozy dessert.

FAQs

What Makes Cherry Bars Different From Cherry Pie Bars?

Cherry bars typically have a soft, cake-like crust, while cherry pie bars mimic the flaky crust of a pie.

Can I Use Fresh Cherries Instead Of Canned Filling?

Yes! Just cook fresh cherries with a bit of sugar and cornstarch to make a homemade filling.

Why Is My Glaze Too Runny?

If your glaze is runny, add more powdered sugar a teaspoon at a time until it thickens to your liking.

What’s The Best Way To Cut Cherry Bars Cleanly?

Use a sharp knife and clean it with a damp cloth between cuts to get neat slices.

What Are Easy Cherry Bars?

Easy cherry bars are a fuss-free dessert recipe featuring a buttery crust, sweet cherries, and an almond glaze. Perfect for home bakers looking for quick and delicious fruity desserts!

Closing Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like these cherry bars—simple, sweet, and utterly satisfying. I’d love for you to try this recipe and share your results in the comments.

Don’t forget to try my other recipes for desserts and get more food and baking inspiration!

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Naznin Aktar

Author & Recipe Developer at Naznin's Kitchen

Hello! I'm Naznin Aktar, the food enthusiast and recipe developer at Naznin's Kitchen. Want to turn everyday ingredients into extraordinary dishes? Explore Naznin's Kitchen for a collection of recipes that are sure to inspire your inner chef and delight your loved ones.