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    Home » Recipes » Dessert Recipes

    Cherry Pie Bars

    Last Published: Jul 18, 2024 · by Seanna Borrows · This post may contain affiliate links. · As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. · 5 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Pin This!
    A stack of 3 Sliced Cherry Pie Bars with more bars in background.
    Sliced Cherry Pie Bars arranged in rows.

    Calling all cherry lovers! These Cherry Pie Bars with shortbread crust are so easy - we're talking buttery shortbread, a layer of canned cherry pie filling, and a sprinkle of crumb topping made with cake mix. Done and done! They're perfect for when you want a taste of summer pie without all the fuss.

    Sliced Cherry Pie Bars arranged in rows.
    Jump to:
    • Why You'll Love This Recipe
    • Here's What You Need
    • Variations
    • How to Make Cherry Pie Bars
    • Recipe Tips
    • How To Serve
    • Recipe FAQs
    • More Fruit Dessert Recipes
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Community

    These delicious dessert squares are perfect for potlucks, picnics, barbecues, or backyard parties because they're easy to take along and serve with a napkin. And they're so good they'll be the hit of the party. Everyone will be asking you for this recipe!

    Looking for more fruit dessert recipes? Check out a few fan favorites like our Old Fashioned Banana Bread, Peach Dump Cake, Apple Crisp, and Blueberry Buckle Cake. Be sure to try our other dessert bars recipes like our Easy Apple Pie Bars or Pumpkin Squares.

    Why You'll Love This Recipe

    • Easy Does It. This recipe is all about shortcuts! Canned pie filling saves you time without sacrificing flavor, and the crumb topping made with cake mix is a breeze to put together and can be made ahead of time.
    • Summer in a Bar. Bursting with juicy cherries, these tasty dessert bars capture the essence of summer in every bite, as does our delicious Peach Cobbler Recipe.
    • Crowd-Pleasing Powerhouse. The combination of sweet and tart cherries, a buttery shortbread crust, and a delicious crumb topping is a surefire crowd-pleaser your friends will rave about.
    • Weeknight Dessert Win. Who says homemade dessert has to be complicated? This easy recipe comes together quickly, making it a perfect option for busy weeknights when you're craving something sweet.
    • Pie Fix with Less Fuss. Love cherries but short on time or patience? These dessert bars offer all the delicious flavors of a classic cherry pie in a convenient bar form. It's the perfect solution for a pie craving without the commitment of a full pie.

    Here's What You Need

    Individual Ingredients for Cherry Pie Bars Recipe.
    • shortbread crust - May substitute homemade or store-bought pie crust.
    • cherry pie filling - We use canned pie filling, but you may substitute homemade pie filling made with fresh cherries.
    • crumb topping - made with cake mix and oatmeal. Don't have cake mix? Make your own crumb topping like the one we use in our Apple Pie Bars recipe.

    See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

    Variations

    Not a cherry fan? No worries! These dessert bars are like flavor chameleons - just swap the cherry filling for your favorite flavor! Think juicy summer peaches, mixed berries, or classic fall apples. The possibilities are endless!

    How to Make Cherry Pie Bars

    Cherry cravings? We got you! Shortbread crust (press, no roll!), canned cherry pie filling, crumb topping - bake, devour. Easy summer dessert bars! Just follow the step-by-step instructions below.

    Preheat Oven To 300°F

    Line a 9x13 baking dish with parchment paper.

    Shortbread crust being made in a food processor.

    Step 1. Prepare the Shortbread Crust by using one of the two methods below:

    • Food Processor Method. Place shortbread ingredients into a food processor and pulse till just combined.
    • Stand Mixer Method. Use a stand mixer with the paddle attachment. 
      Place butter in the mixing bowl, and mix it on medium speed until smooth (approximately 30 seconds).

      Add the sugar, vanilla, and salt and mix to combine.

      Then on low speed, add the flour to the butter-sugar mixture a little at a time until just combined.

      Scrape the bottom of the bowl to make sure all the flour is incorporated.
    Shortbread crust pressed into a layer in a 9x16 pan.

    Step 2. Press Into Pan. Turn the shortbread dough out onto the center of the prepared pan.

    Press the dough out into an even layer in the bottom of the pan to form the bottom crust.

    Baked shortbread crust in a pan.

    Step 3. Bake Crust. Bake the bottom crust at 300°F for 20 minutes in the center of the oven.

    Then take it out and set the baked crust on a wire rack.

    Cherry pie filling layer for Cherry Pie Bars Recipe.

    Step 4. Transfer Filling. Spoon filling onto the shortbread, spreading it out into an even layer.

    Increase Oven Temperature to 350°F

    Crumb topping in a bowl.

    Step 5. Make the Topping. Combine all dry topping ingredients in food processor or small bowl.

    Pulse or cut in diced, cold butter with a pastry cutter. The resulting crisp topping will resemble coarse crumbs.

    Cherry pie bars in a 9x13 pan ready for the oven.

    Step 6. Sprinkle on Topping. Sprinkle topping on top of the pie filling.

    Note: As you sprinkle on the topping, leave some cherries exposed so that the top of the bars reveal the red cherries.

    Baked Cherry Pie Bars in a 9x13 pan.

    Step 7. Bake. Bake uncovered for 60 minutes.

    Sliced Cherry Pie Bars arranged in rows.

    Step 8. Cool and Slice. The bars need about 4 hours to cool and set or they will fall apart when sliced.

    A stack of 3 Sliced Cherry Pie Bars with more bars in background.

    Recipe Tips

    • Use room temperature ingredients. This helps the dough come together smoothly.
    • Don't overmix. Gently mix the shortbread dough to prevent a tough crust.
    • Chill the dough. If the dough is too sticky, chill it for a bit before pressing into the pan.
    • Let them cool. Allow the cherry pie bars to cool completely before slicing for clean cuts. This can take up to 4 hours at room temperature!
    • Get creative. Experiment with different pie fillings, toppings, or even add a drizzle of glaze for extra flavor.

    How To Serve

    These delicious cherry pie bars are a dream come true! They're amazing with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, but trust us, they're also totally irresistible on their own!

    They're the perfect thing to serve at a summer party or backyard barbecue like our Perfect Oven Roasted Pulled Pork, Grilled Beer Brats, or Perfectly Grilled Ribeye Recipe!

    Recipe FAQs

    Can cherry pie bars be frozen?

    Store them in an airtight container in the freezer. For best results, separate layers of bars with parchment paper so they don't stick together.

    Can cherry pie bars be kept at room temperature?

    Keep them at room temperature for 2-3 days. They will last a few days longer in the refrigerator.

    Can I make this recipe with other flavors of pie filling?

    Yes! Try other flavors. Substitute your favorite flavor of canned pie filling, like apple pie filling, or peach pie filling, in this recipe.

    More Fruit Dessert Recipes

    • A stack of 3 apple pie bars on a white plate with a red apple in the background off to the right.
      Apple Pie Bars
    • Bowl of Peach Cobbler with vanilla ice cream on top.
      Easy Peach Cobbler Recipe
    • A piece of Blueberry Buckle on a white plate.
      Blueberry Buckle Cake Recipe
    • Mini Apple Pies on a plate.
      Easy Mini Apple Pies In Muffin Tins

    Did you love this recipe? If you make this recipe and love it, stop back, give it a 5-star rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ and leave a comment. THANK YOU!! Follow Seanna's Kitchen and share this recipe with your friends on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest, and subscribe to my Newsletter for ALL the latest recipes! We'd love to hear from you!

    📖 Recipe

    Sliced Cherry Pie Bars arranged in rows.

    Cherry Pie Bars Recipe

    Calling all cherry lovers! These Cherry Pie Bars with Shortbread Crust are so easy - we're talking buttery shortbread, a layer of canned cherry pie filling, and a sprinkle of crumb topping made with cake mix. Done and done! They're perfect for when you want a taste of summer pie without all the fuss.
    5 from 3 votes
    Print Pin Save Recipe!Saved!
    Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 1 hour hour 20 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 1 hour hour 30 minutes minutes
    Servings: 24 Servings
    Calories: 282kcal
    Author: Seanna Borrows

    Equipment

    • 9x13 pan (or a sheet pan)

    Ingredients 

    Shortbread Crust

    • 2 cups all purpose flour
    • 1 cup salted butter (room temperature)
    • ½ cup granulated sugar
    • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (optional)
    • ½ teaspoon salt

    Filling

    • 42 ounces canned cherry pie filling (May substitute other canned pie filling.)

    Topping

    • 1 box vanilla cake mix
    • 1 cup oatmeal
    • 1 cup salted butter (cold)
    Get Recipe Ingredients
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    Preheat Oven To 300°F and line a 9x13 baking dish with parchment paper.

    • Prepare the Shortbread Crust by using one of the two methods below:
      Food Processor Method. Place shortbread ingredients into a food processor and pulse till just combined.
      Stand Mixer Method. Use a stand mixer with the paddle attachment. Place butter in the mixing bowl, and mix it on medium speed until smooth (approximately 30 seconds). Add the sugar, vanilla, and salt and mix to combine. Then on low speed, add the flour to the butter-sugar mixture a little at a time until just combined. Scrape the bottom of the bowl to make sure all the flour is incorporated.
    • Press Into Pan. Turn the shortbread dough out onto the center of the prepared pan. Press the dough out into an even layer in the bottom of the pan to form the bottom crust.
    • Bake Crust. Bake the bottom crust at 300°F for 20 minutes in the center of the oven. Then take it out and set the baked crust on a wire rack.

    Increase Oven Temperature to 350°F.

    • Transfer Filling. Spoon filling onto the shortbread, spreading it out into an even layer.
    • Make the Topping. Combine all dry topping ingredients in food processor or small bowl. Pulse or cut in diced, cold butter with a pastry cutter. The resulting crisp topping will resemble coarse crumbs.
    • Sprinkle on Topping. Sprinkle topping on top of the pie filling.
      Note: As you sprinkle on the topping, leave some cherries exposed so that the top of the bars reveal the red cherries.
    • Bake. Bake uncovered for 60 minutes.
    • Cool and Slice. The dessert bars need time to cool and set. Allow to cool entirely (apx. 4 hours) before cutting into bars or they will fall apart.

    Video

    Notes

    shortbread crust - May substitute homemade or store-bought pie crust.
    cherry pie filling - We use canned pie filling, but you may substitute homemade pie filling made with fresh cherries.
    crisp topping - made with cake mix and oatmeal. Don't have cake mix? Make homemade crisp topping.
    Not a fan of cherries? No worries! These bars are like flavor chameleons - just swap the cherry filling for your favorite flavor! Think juicy summer peaches, mixed berries, or classic fall apples. The possibilities are endless!
     
     
     
     

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1bar | Calories: 282kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 41mg | Sodium: 320mg | Potassium: 41mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 473IU | Calcium: 55mg | Iron: 1mg
    DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?Mention @SeannasKitchen and tag #seannaskitchen!

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    Comments

      5 from 3 votes

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Meg says

      August 08, 2024 at 5:55 am

      5 stars
      I was craving cherry pie, but didn't feel like making a pie crust from scratch. This recipe was just what I needed! Thanks!

      Reply
      • Seanna Borrows says

        August 08, 2024 at 12:37 pm

        Thanks so much Meg! I love to make them for parties. So easy to serve and people just love them!

        Reply
    2. Seanna says

      July 18, 2024 at 3:33 pm

      5 stars
      This recipe is a fan favorite. So great to take to parties!

      Reply
      • Russ B says

        July 18, 2024 at 3:38 pm

        5 stars
        Awesome alternative to the apple bars

        Reply
        • Seanna Borrows says

          July 18, 2024 at 3:48 pm

          Thanks Russ! I know you love the apple pie bars best! But cherry are so good too!

          Reply
    Photo of Seanna Borrows of Seanna's Kitchen.

    Hi, I'm Seanna!

    Welcome to my kitchen! I'm a Midwestern home cook and food blogger, sharing simple, tasty, family-friendly recipes.
    Good food…made with love…for the people you love…Now, that's a great recipe!

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