This cherry bars recipe is my go-to when I want something that tastes like pie without all the work. The buttery crust and sweet cherry filling are hard to beat.
Table of Contents
Why I Love This Recipe
This cherry bars recipe is one of my all-time favorite cherry desserts. It’s from my local amish neighbors and the cookbook they created together.
- I love how these cherry bars start with a buttery, almond-scented dough that doubles as both the base and the topping.
- The layer of cherry pie filling bakes into the crust so it’s almost like a shortcut cherry pie, but way easier to make.
- They’re so versatile too; sometimes I’ll swap in blueberry or apple pie filling, and they always turn out just as good, just like in my cherry pie filling cake.
- These bars freeze beautifully, so I like to tuck a few away for afternoon treats when I need something that tastes like a special bakery snack, like with my chocolate cherry oat bars.
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Key Ingredients and Substitutions
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter and helps create a soft, cake-like texture. Regular white sugar works best here.
- Butter: Softened butter provides rich flavor and moisture. It also helps give the bars their tender crumb.
- Shortening: Balances the butter to keep the texture soft and light without becoming greasy. You can use all butter, but shortening gives a more delicate bite.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, sweet base note that enhances the cherry flavor.
- Almond extract: Brings out the cherry flavor and gives these bars their signature taste. If using a different fruit filling, you can leave it out.
- Eggs: Four large eggs provide structure and moisture, helping the batter rise and hold together.
- Baking powder: Leavens the batter to make it light and soft.
- All-purpose flour: Forms the base of the batter. Gives the bars structure while still keeping them tender.
- Cherry pie filling: Sweet and tart cherries suspended in syrup, this adds the classic cherry flavor and gooey layer. You can substitute with blueberry or apple pie filling if desired.
How to Make Cherry Bars Recipe
Preparation
Preheat your oven to 350˚F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
Step 1 – Cream Butter & Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the granulated sugar, softened butter, and shortening until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Step 2 – Add Eggs & Extracts
Mix in the eggs one at a time. Add the vanilla and almond extracts and beat until fully incorporated.
Step 3 – Add Dry Ingredients
Stir in the baking powder and all-purpose flour until a thick, smooth batter forms.
Step 4 – Assemble the Bars
Spread about 2/3 of the batter evenly into the bottom of the greased baking dish. Pour the cherry pie filling over the batter and gently spread it out. Drop spoonfuls of the remaining batter over the top, then lightly spread to cover as much of the cherries as possible.
Step 5 – Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and the center is set.
Step 6 – Cool and Serve
Let the bars cool completely in the pan. Sprinkle with powdered sugar, then slice into squares and serve.
Lynette’s Tip
I recommend trying this recipe with other pie fillings like blueberry or apple for a fun variation. Just skip the almond extract if you’re not using cherry.
More Bar Recipes You’ll Enjoy
Cherry Bar Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 Cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 Cup butter softened
- 1/2 Cup shortening
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 4 large eggs
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 3 Cups all-purpose flour
- 21 oz can cherry pie filling
- 2 Tablespoons powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, cream together the sugar, butter, and shortening until light and fluffy. Mix in the eggs and extracts.
- Add in the flour and baking powder and mix until well incorporated.
- Pour 2/3 of the batter into the baking dish. Top with cherry pie filling. Spoon the rest of the batter on top and gently spread.
- Bake in the preheated 350˚ F oven for 30-35 minutes. Let cool and sprinkle with powdered sugar. Cut into bars and serve.
Notes
Variations
- Add a Glaze: Instead of powdered sugar, whisk together a simple glaze using powdered sugar, a splash of milk, and a drop of vanilla or almond extract. Drizzle it over the cooled bars for a soft, sweet finish.
- Try Almond Slices on Top: Add sliced almonds on top before baking for extra crunch and a pretty golden finish that pairs perfectly with cherry.
- Cut into Small Squares: Cut into bite-sized squares for easy serving at showers, parties, or potlucks. They’re rich, so smaller portions go a long way!
Nutrition
Recipe FAQs
Start by spreading about two-thirds of the batter into your greased 9×13 baking pan. Add the cherry pie filling evenly over the top. Then drop the remaining batter by spoonfuls and gently spread it around. It doesn’t need to fully cover the cherries.
Yes, using a mix of butter and shortening gives the bars a soft and tender texture. It helps create that slightly crumbly base and topping that goes so well with the fruit filling.
You can, just be sure to use a larger baking dish or two pans. If the bars are thicker, you may need to extend the baking time slightly.
Me encantan sus recetas, muchas gracias por compartir conmigo 😊😘
You are welcome! Enjoy!