Easy Cherry Pie Bars
Easy Cherry Pie Bars deliver a juicy, sweet treat in minutes. After making this many times, I know the secret to a perfect crust. Crispy edges and creamy filling make these irresistible. Try my Classic Pistachio Éclairs for a different dessert. Jump to Recipe If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Easy TikTok Cloud Bread Recipe and Classic Pistachio Éclairs.
Why This Easy Cherry Pie Bars Is Pure Comfort
- Easy to make
- Juicy cherry filling
- Perfect for any occasion
- Delicious and satisfying
What You'll Need for Easy Cherry Pie Bars
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.
- 1 pre-made pie crust
- 2 cups pitted cherries
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon lemon zest
- Optional: Powdered sugar
- Optional: Whipped cream
- Optional: Cherry syrup
📝 Ingredient Notes
- Pitted cherries: Use fresh pitted cherries or thawed frozen cherries for best results.
- Pie crust: Use store-bought or homemade pie crust for convenience.
- Cornstarch: Cornstarch helps thicken the cherry filling and prevent it from being too runny.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Baking Sheet — Ensure even baking and prevent sticking with a non-stick baking sheet. → See on Amazon
- Mixing Bowls — Use a set of mixing bowls for efficient and clean preparation. → See on Amazon
How to Make Easy Cherry Pie Bars
- Prep: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by greasing it well.
- Crust: Roll out the pie crust and press it into the prepared baking dish. Trim the edges.
- Filling: In a bowl, combine cherries, sugar, cornstarch, salt, almond extract, vanilla extract, and lemon zest. Mix well.
- Bake: Pour the cherry filling into the pie crust. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the edges are golden and the filling is bubbly.
- Cool: Let the cherry pie bars cool completely before cutting into squares.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Easy Cherry Pie Bars
- Best technique: Use a pre-made pie crust for convenience and consistent results.
- Common mistake and fix: If the crust becomes too dark, cover the edges with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Serving: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra flavor.
Storing & Reheating Easy Cherry Pie Bars
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store in airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Make-ahead tip: Make ahead and store in airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing Easy Cherry Pie Bars
Freeze in airtight container for up to 2 months.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Reheat in oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes. Microwave: Reheat in microwave in 30-second increments until warm.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: Use fresh cherries for the best flavor and texture.
- Best substitution: If cherries are not available, use frozen cherries or substitute with another fruit like blueberries.
- Make-ahead: Cherry pie bars can be made a day in advance and stored properly.
- Scaling: Double the recipe for a larger batch to serve more people.
- Troubleshooting: If the filling is too runny, add more cornstarch to thicken it.
Want to level up this recipe?
Mixing Spoon — Use a durable mixing spoon for easy stirring and blending of ingredients. → Check price on Amazon
Easy Cherry Pie Bars
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pre-made pie crust
- 2 cups pitted cherries
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Seasonings
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon lemon zest
Optional Toppings
- Powdered sugar
- Whipped cream
- Cherry syrup
Instructions
- Prep: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by greasing it well.
- Crust: Roll out the pie crust and press it into the prepared baking dish. Trim the edges.
- Filling: In a bowl, combine cherries, sugar, cornstarch, salt, almond extract, vanilla extract, and lemon zest. Mix well.
- Bake: Pour the cherry filling into the pie crust. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the edges are golden and the filling is bubbly.
- Cool: Let the cherry pie bars cool completely before cutting into squares.
Notes
- Chef tip: Use fresh cherries for the best flavor and texture.
- Best substitution: If cherries are not available, use frozen cherries or substitute with another fruit like blueberries.
- Make-ahead: Cherry pie bars can be made a day in advance and stored properly.
- Scaling: Double the recipe for a larger batch to serve more people.
- Troubleshooting: If the filling is too runny, add more cornstarch to thicken it.
Storage
- Fridge: Store in airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in airtight container for up to 2 months.
- Oven reheat: Reheat in oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave reheat: Reheat in microwave in 30-second increments until warm.
- Make ahead: Make ahead and store in airtight container for up to 3 days.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 10g
- Carbs: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sat. Fat: 6g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Easy Cherry Pie Bars FAQs
Yes, you can make them ahead and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
If the crust becomes too dry, it could be due to overbaking. Check the bars at the 25-minute mark and adjust the baking time as needed.
Yes, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Store them in an airtight container and thaw before serving.
If cherries are not available, you can use frozen cherries or substitute with other fruits like blueberries or peaches.
Yes, you can use a store-bought or homemade pie crust for a different texture.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Easy Cherry Pie Bars and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!
