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.
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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
- 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.
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.
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.
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.
Step 4. Transfer Filling. Spoon filling onto the shortbread, spreading it out into an even layer.
Increase Oven Temperature to 350°F
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.
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.
Step 7. Bake. Bake uncovered for 60 minutes.
Step 8. Cool and Slice. The bars need about 4 hours to cool and set or they will fall apart when sliced.
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 Pulled Pork, Grilled Brats, or Grilled Ribeye recipes!
Recipe FAQs
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.
Keep them at room temperature for 2-3 days. They will last a few days longer in the refrigerator.
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
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📖 Recipe
Cherry Pie Bars Recipe
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)
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.
Meg
I was craving cherry pie, but didn't feel like making a pie crust from scratch. This recipe was just what I needed! Thanks!
Seanna Borrows
Thanks so much Meg! I love to make them for parties. So easy to serve and people just love them!
Seanna
This recipe is a fan favorite. So great to take to parties!
Russ B
Awesome alternative to the apple bars
Seanna Borrows
Thanks Russ! I know you love the apple pie bars best! But cherry are so good too!