Cherry Pie Bars Recipe

Sliced Cherry Pie Bars arranged in rows.

5 from 3 votes

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.

Prep Time10

Cook Time1 20

Total Time1 30

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Servings: Servings

Calories: 282kcal

Author: Seanna Borrows

Equipment

9x13 pan (or a sheet pan)

Ingredients

Shortbread Crust

2 cups all purpose flour
1 cup butter (room temperature)
½ cup sugar (granulated)
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 butter (cold)

US Customary - Metric

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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!

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