Name: Cherry Bars Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup salted butter (softened); 1½ cups granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon pure almond extract; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ¼ teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; 3 cups all purpose flour; 20-21 ounces canned cherry pie filling; 1 cup powdered sugar; 1 tablespoon milk; ¼ teaspoon pure almond extract

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 61 reviews

If you’re craving a dessert that feels both nostalgic and delightfully fresh, this Cherry Bars Recipe is exactly what you need. These bars boast a tender, buttery crust layered generously with luscious cherry pie filling and a sweet almond glaze that ties everything together perfectly. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just treating yourself, this recipe is guaranteed to satisfy with every bite, bringing a burst of cherry goodness and a perfect balance of chewy and gooey textures that make it utterly irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This image shows several baking ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. There are two sticks of salted butter, pale yellow and wrapped in paper, placed at the top left. Next to them, a large clear glass bowl filled with white granulated sugar sits at the top right. Below the butter, two white eggs rest in a small clear glass bowl. Beside the eggs, a small clear bowl contains a mix of white baking powder and baking soda. To the left, a red can of cherry pie filling with a vibrant label stands upright. Near the center right, a big clear glass bowl holds a mound of light beige flour with a soft, powdery texture. Below the flour, a smaller clear bowl is full of powdered sugar, bright white and fluffy. To the bottom left, a small measuring cup holds a little bit of white liquid, while a dark brown bottle of pure almond extract is placed vertically between the eggs and the flour. On the far left side, there is a black and white striped kitchen towel sitting on the white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Cherry Bars Recipe starts with a handful of simple, classic ingredients that come together in perfect harmony. Each one plays a crucial role—from the rich butter that gives the bars their tender crumb to the almond extract that adds a subtle, aromatic twist. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll be mixing up in the kitchen.

1 cup salted butter (softened): The base of the dough, providing richness and moisture.
1½ cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps create a tender, slightly crisp crust.
2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add structure.
1 teaspoon pure almond extract: Adds a lovely nutty aroma that complements the cherry filling beautifully.
1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the bars rise slightly for a light texture.
¼ teaspoon baking soda: Works with the baking powder to ensure perfect leavening.
½ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
3 cups all-purpose flour: The main dry ingredient that forms the buttery crust.
20-21 ounces canned cherry pie filling: The juicy, tart fruit layer that makes these bars stand out.
1 cup powdered sugar: Used in the glaze for a smooth, sweet finish.
1 tablespoon milk: Thins the glaze to the perfect drizzling consistency.
¼ teaspoon pure almond extract: Added to the glaze for an extra almond kick.

How to Make Cherry Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F so it’s ready to go when your dough is mixed. Lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick spray or line it with parchment paper. This setup will ensure your bars bake evenly and come out cleanly, making slicing and serving a breeze.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is fluffy and light, about 2-3 minutes. This step is crucial for creating the tender texture of the bars, as it incorporates air into the dough.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Almond Extract

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to keep the mixture smooth and well combined. Then mix in the almond extract, which will infuse the dough with that signature flavor that pairs so beautifully with cherries.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients and Form Dough

Add the baking powder, baking soda, salt, and all-purpose flour to the wet mixture. Mix on low speed just until the dough comes together—be careful not to overmix, or the bars may become dense. Your dough should be soft and pliable.

Step 5: Layer Dough and Cherry Filling

Press about two-thirds of the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish, creating a solid base layer. Then spoon the cherry pie filling over the dough, spreading it evenly but leaving a small half-inch gap around the edges. This juicy layer is the heart of the Cherry Bars Recipe.

Step 6: Add Topping and Bake

Take chunks of the remaining dough, flatten them slightly, and place them over the cherry filling. It’s okay if some of the filling peeks through—this creates a beautiful rustic look. Bake the bars for 35-40 minutes until the edges are golden brown and the dough looks set and no longer shiny.

Step 7: Cool and Glaze

Let the bars cool completely in the baking dish. In the meantime, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract in a bowl until smooth. Drizzle this glaze generously over the cooled bars and allow it to set, creating a sweet, glossy finish that perfectly complements the tart cherries.

How to Serve Cherry Bars Recipe

A rectangular metal baking tray lined with white parchment paper holds a dessert with three visible layers. The bottom layer is a dark red fruit filling, showing through unevenly spaced round and irregular golden brown dough pieces forming the middle layer. The top layer is a white glaze drizzled in random zigzag lines across the surface, adding a shiny, smooth texture and creating contrast against the warm tones of the dough and fruit. The tray sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding garnishes like a sprinkle of sliced almonds or a dusting of powdered sugar can elevate your Cherry Bars Recipe to a dessert-worthy presentation. Fresh mint leaves also provide a refreshing contrast and pop of color.

Side Dishes

These bars are wonderful on their own but also pair excellently with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For breakfast or brunch, serve alongside a cup of hot coffee or tea to complement the sweet and fruity flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, cut the bars into smaller squares and serve on a decorative platter at parties. Arrange them on a tiered dessert stand for an eye-catching display, or wrap individual bars in parchment paper tied with twine for adorable grab-and-go treats.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store your Cherry Bars Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps the bars moist and fresh, perfect for snacking or packing in lunches.

Freezing

You can freeze these bars for up to two months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to protect from freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator.

Reheating

If you prefer your bars slightly warm, reheat slices in a microwave for about 15-20 seconds or warm them in an oven preheated to 300°F for 5-7 minutes. This revives their softness and intensifies the almond-cherry flavors.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned cherry pie filling?

Absolutely! Fresh cherries can bring a wonderful natural tartness, but you’ll need to cook them down with sugar and a bit of cornstarch to mimic the filling’s consistency. This adds a fresh twist while keeping the bars gooey in the center.

Is it necessary to use almond extract?

While almond extract adds a signature flavor that complements the cherries perfectly, you can substitute vanilla extract if desired. However, the almond note really makes this Cherry Bars Recipe stand out, so try it if you can!

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes! Using a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour typically works well. Just be sure to follow the package instructions for substitution to maintain the right texture in your bars.

How do I know when the bars are done baking?

The edges should be lightly golden brown, and the dough will lose its shiny, wet look. The cherry filling will be bubbling slightly around the dough pieces on top. A toothpick inserted in the dough (not the cherry filling) should come out clean or with moist crumbs.

What’s the best way to cut these bars?

Use a sharp, serrated knife and allow the bars to cool completely before slicing. Cutting warm bars can lead to more filling oozing out, making it messy. Clean your knife between cuts for neat squares every time.

Final Thoughts

This Cherry Bars Recipe is a true delight that combines simplicity with incredible flavor. Whether making it for a family gathering or a sweet afternoon treat, these bars are sure to bring smiles all around. Give them a try—you might just find yourself baking them again and again!