🍀 Ingredients (Makes 12–16 Bars)
For the Crust & Crumble Topping:
All-purpose flour
2 cups
Cold unsalted butter (cut into cubes)
½ cup
Sugar
½ cup
Salt
A pinch
This creates a shortbread-style base and topping — rich, buttery, and deeply satisfying.
For the Cherry Filling:
Fresh or frozen pitted cherries
4 cups
Sugar
1¼ cups
Cornstarch
3 tbsp (to thicken juices)
Lemon juice
1 tbsp (for brightness)
Vanilla extract
1 tsp
Pinch of salt
Enhances flavor
You can use fresh cherries in season or quality frozen ones any time of year.
🍰 Step-by-Step: How to Bake This Cherry Dream
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) .
Line a 9x9-inch or 8x11-inch pan with parchment paper — this makes lifting out the bars easier after baking.
Step 2: Press Half the Crust Into the Pan
In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, butter, and salt until it forms a sandy texture with clumps.
Press half of the mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan — this becomes your buttery base .
Step 3: Mix and Pour the Cherry Layer
Toss cherries with sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla, and salt until evenly coated.
Pour over the pressed crust.
Smooth the top — no need to stir too much; let the cherries settle naturally.
Step 4: Top With Remaining Crumb Mixture
Sprinkle the remaining crumble topping evenly over the cherries.
Don’t press down — let it bake naturally into a golden, crisp layer.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Bubbling
Bake for 35–40 minutes , or until the top is golden and the cherry layer is thick and bubbly.
Let cool completely before slicing — this helps the filling set properly.
Once cooled, refrigerate for an hour for cleaner cuts.
🧑🍳 Tips for Perfect Results Every Time
Use cold butter for flaky crust
Ensures texture stays crisp
Don’t skip the cornstarch
Keeps the cherry layer from turning into soup
Let the bars cool completely
Prevents messy slices
Add almond extract for extra depth
Boosts the natural cherry flavor
Store in an airtight container
Keeps them fresh for up to 4 days
Also, if you want to go ahead and double the recipe — do it. These rarely last long.
🍒 Creative Ways to Customize Your Cherry Pie Bars
Want to put your own spin on this classic?
Try these ideas:
Add sliced almonds on top
Adds crunch and nutty contrast
Drizzle with dark chocolate
Balances sweetness beautifully
Swirl in cream cheese frosting
For a maraschino-cherry vibe
Use gluten-free flour
Great for gluten-sensitive eaters
Add a sprinkle of sea salt
Brings out the tartness in cherries
Even better — serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
🎉 Why These Bars Deserve a Spot at Your Next Gathering
Potlucks
Easy to transport and portion
Summer barbecues
Pairs well with grilled meats and lemonade
Family dinners
Kids and adults alike will go back for seconds
Meal prep
Keeps well and travels easily
Holiday dessert tables
Looks festive and homemade
Plus, they’re great for kids to help with — mixing the crust, pressing the base, and sprinkling the topping are all hands-on jobs even beginners can handle.
🍽️ Final Thoughts: Sometimes the Best Pie Isn’t Round — It’s Square
Cherry pie bars aren’t just a shortcut version of a classic.
They’re an upgrade.
A way to enjoy the same deep red filling and buttery crust — without the stress of rolling dough or worrying about a soggy bottom.
So next time you're craving something sweet, fruity, and deeply comforting…
Make these.
Because sometimes, the best way to enjoy pie isn’t with a fork and plate.
It’s with a napkin and a stack of friends asking for more.
And once you take that first bite?
Warm.
Sweet.
With just the right amount of tart…
You’ll wonder why you ever made pie any other way.
