If you’re a fan of cherry pie but don’t have the time or patience to create one from scratch, then Cherry Bars are the perfect solution. These bars are a cross between a traditional cherry pie and a simple bar dessert, offering all the flavors you love but with less time and effort required. Perfect for any occasion, Cherry Bars will impress your guests, whether you're hosting a casual family gathering, a birthday party, or a holiday celebration.

These bars are incredibly easy to make and will quickly become a family favorite. The sweet cherry filling paired with a buttery, soft crust and finished with a drizzle of glaze makes for a mouthwatering treat that no one can resist. Whether you’re a baking enthusiast or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is simple enough to execute, yet the result will be as delicious as any elaborate dessert.

In this post, we’ll walk you through the ingredients, the easy steps to prepare Cherry Bars, and a few helpful tips on how to store and serve them.

 

 

Ingredients for Cherry Bars:

For the Bars:

• 1 1/2 cups butter, softened

• 3 cups granulated sugar

• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt

• 5 large eggs

• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 1 1/2 teaspoons almond extract

• 5 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

• 2 cans (21 oz. each) cherry pie filling

 

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup confectioners’ sugar

• 3 tablespoons milk

 

How to Make Cherry Bars:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12x17-inch jelly roll pan with aluminum foil, making sure to leave some extra foil hanging over the edges for easy removal later. Then, spray the pan with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the softened butter and granulated sugar. Beat them together for about 1-2 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it helps create a light texture for the crust of the bars.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients Add the salt, eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Continue mixing until everything is fully incorporated. The extracts add a lovely flavor to the bars that complements the cherry filling perfectly.

Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients Next, add the all-purpose flour and baking powder. Mix until just combined. It's important not to overmix at this stage to avoid tough bars. You want the dough to be soft and slightly sticky.

Step 5: Prepare the Dough for Baking Now, reserve about 1 3/4 cups of the dough for topping the cherry filling later. Spread the remaining dough evenly into the prepared jelly roll pan, pressing it down gently with your hands or a spatula. The dough should cover the entire bottom of the pan.

Step 6: Add the Cherry Filling Open your two cans of cherry pie filling and spread it evenly over the dough. The cherry filling will provide that sweet, fruity layer that pairs perfectly with the crust.

Step 7: Add the Remaining Dough Take the reserved dough and drop small pieces over the cherry filling. It doesn’t need to cover the entire surface, just enough to create a crumbly top layer.

Step 8: Bake the Cherry Bars Place the pan in the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. You’ll know the bars are done when the edges turn slightly golden and the center is firm.

Step 9: Cool and Glaze Once your Cherry Bars are out of the oven, let them cool on a wire rack completely. While they’re cooling, prepare the glaze by whisking together the confectioners’ sugar and milk until smooth. Once the bars are cool, drizzle the glaze over the top for a sweet finishing touch.

Step 10: Cut and Serve Cut the bars into 35 squares, and serve! They make the perfect bite-sized treat for any occasion.

 

How Many Calories Do Cherry Bars Have?

A typical serving size of Cherry Bars (one square) has around 200 calories. Keep in mind, this is an estimate and may vary slightly depending on the exact portion size and the ingredients used. These bars are rich in calories due to the butter, sugar, and flour in the crust, but they also provide a deliciously sweet indulgence for those looking for a dessert to satisfy their cravings.

 

When to Serve Cherry Bars?

Cherry Bars are perfect for:

• Family Gatherings: They make a great dessert for casual family dinners, especially during holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas when you want something simple but festive.

• Birthday Parties: These bars are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike. They can be cut into small pieces, making them easy to serve to a crowd.

• Potluck Dinners: Cherry Bars are easy to transport and share. They can also be made ahead of time, saving you stress on the day of the event.

• Tea Time or Coffee Break: Pair these bars with your afternoon tea or coffee for a comforting and sweet treat.

 

Using Appliances to Save Energy

If you’re trying to reduce energy consumption while baking, here are a few tips:

1. Use a Convection Oven: Convection ovens use a fan to circulate hot air, allowing food to cook more evenly and faster, which can help save energy.

2. Batch Cooking: If you're planning to bake multiple items, try to do it in one go. This way, you’re utilizing the oven for a longer period without needing to turn it on multiple times.

3. Avoid Preheating for Shorter Bakes: Since the Cherry Bars require only about 50-60 minutes to bake, you can try using the residual heat from your oven to finish off the baking process if it’s already preheated.

4. Use the Microwave for Glaze: Instead of using the stovetop, you can make the glaze in the microwave. This will save both time and energy.

 

Who Would Benefit from Cherry Bars?

While Cherry Bars are delicious, they’re not suitable for everyone due to the high sugar and calorie content.

• People with a Sweet Tooth: If you enjoy sweet, fruity desserts, Cherry Bars are a perfect choice for you. The cherry pie filling gives it a burst of fruitiness that pairs wonderfully with the sweet, buttery crust.

• People with High Caloric Needs: For those who need a higher calorie intake (such as athletes or people with high metabolic rates), Cherry Bars can serve as a satisfying snack or dessert.

However, there are some individuals who should avoid this treat:

• People with Diabetes: The sugar content in these bars is high, making them unsuitable for people with diabetes or those trying to manage their blood sugar levels.

• People on Low-Carb or Low-Sugar Diets: Cherry Bars are made with flour and sugar, so they’re not ideal for individuals on low-carb or low-sugar diets.

 

Conclusion

Cherry Bars are the perfect dessert when you're craving the flavors of cherry pie without the hassle. They’re easy to make, delicious, and great for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a family gathering or enjoying them for a quiet afternoon tea, they are sure to be a hit. With a few simple ingredients and a little time in the kitchen, you can enjoy this sweet, fruity treat with minimal effort. So why wait? Try these Cherry Bars today and enjoy the sweet success of a homemade dessert!