Introduction

There’s something deeply comforting about old-fashioned cherry bars. Maybe it’s the buttery dough, the sweet-tart cherry filling, or the way the glaze melts slightly into every crack and swirl. This is the kind of dessert that feels familiar, even if you’re making it for the first time.

Cherry bars are perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or quiet weekends when you want a homemade treat without complicated steps. They slice beautifully, travel well, and always disappear faster than expected.

Best of all, this recipe uses pantry staples and simple techniques, making it an easy dessert recipe that feels special but never stressful—true family-friendly comfort food.

What You’ll Need

For the Bars

• Butter, softened – 1 cup
• Sugar – 2 cups
• Salt – 1 teaspoon
• Eggs – 4 large
• Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon
• Almond extract – 1/4 teaspoon
• All-purpose flour – 3 cups
• Cherry pie filling – 2 cans (21 oz each)

For the Glaze

• Confectioners’ sugar – 1 cup
• Vanilla extract – 1/2 teaspoon
• Almond extract – 1/2 teaspoon
• Whole milk – 2–3 tablespoons

How to Make Cherry Bars

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 15x10x1-inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, cream the butter, sugar, and salt until light and fluffy.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla and almond extracts.
4. Gradually add the flour and mix until a smooth dough forms.
5. Spread about 3 cups of the dough evenly into the prepared pan.
6. Spoon the cherry pie filling evenly over the dough.
7. Drop the remaining dough by teaspoonfuls over the cherries.
8. Bake for 35–40 minutes, until lightly golden. Cool completely.
9. Whisk glaze ingredients and drizzle over cooled bars before slicing.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy dessert recipe with simple ingredients
• Perfect balance of sweet and fruity flavors
• Feeds a crowd—great for parties and holidays
• Soft, buttery texture with juicy cherry filling
• Bakery-style results at home

Tips for Best Results

• Use room-temperature butter for smoother mixing
• Don’t overbake—the bars should stay soft
• Let bars cool fully before glazing for clean slices
• Almond extract enhances cherry flavor—don’t skip it

Variations

• Chocolate Cherry Bars: Add white chocolate drizzle
• Mixed Berry Bars: Use blueberry or strawberry filling
• Nutty Version: Sprinkle sliced almonds on top before baking

Substitutions

• Butter → margarine or plant-based butter
• Cherry filling → apple or peach pie filling
• Whole milk → almond or oat milk

FAQs

1. Can I make these ahead of time?
   Yes, they taste even better the next day.
2. Do cherry bars need refrigeration?
   Not immediately, but refrigerate after 24 hours.
3. Can I freeze cherry bars?
   Yes, freeze unglazed bars for up to 2 months.
4. Are these good for bake sales?
   Perfect—easy to cut and transport.
5. Can I halve the recipe?
   Yes, use a smaller pan and adjust bake time.
6. Why use almond extract?
   It enhances the cherry flavor naturally.
7. Can I use homemade cherry filling?
   Absolutely, if it’s thick and not runny.
8. How do I store leftovers?
   In an airtight container at room temp or fridge.
9. Can I skip the glaze?
   Yes, but it adds extra sweetness and polish.
10. Are these kid-friendly?
    Very—soft texture and sweet flavor kids love.

Make Ahead & Storage

• Make Ahead: Bake one day in advance
• Storage: Airtight container up to 3 days
• Freezing: Freeze without glaze, thaw and glaze later

Conclusion

These cherry bars are the kind of dessert that never goes out of style. Simple, buttery, and bursting with fruit flavor, they’re proof that classic recipes still win hearts. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just yourself, this is one easy dessert recipe you’ll come back to again and again