These 2-Ingredient Cherry Pie Bars are an easy dessert for anyone who loves homemade cherry pie but wants to skip the time-consuming crust preparation. Made with just refrigerated sugar cookie dough and cherry pie filling, these bars feature a buttery, sweet base topped with juicy cherries and a golden cookie crust.
Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, holiday dessert tables, or a quick weekend treat, this simple recipe requires minimal preparation and no complicated baking techniques. Just press, spread, bake, and enjoy!
Why You’ll Love These 2-Ingredient Cherry Pie Bars
- Only two main ingredients: No long shopping list required.
- Quick preparation: The dough and filling do most of the work.
- Sweet and fruity: Tart cherries balance the buttery cookie crust.
- Easy to serve: Cut the cooled dessert into squares for sharing.
- Perfect for beginners: No rolling pin or homemade pastry needed.
Ingredients
- 1 package (16–17.5 ounces) refrigerated sugar cookie dough
- 1 can (21 ounces) cherry pie filling
These two ingredients create a simple cookie-bar dessert with a soft, buttery crust and a sweet cherry topping.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8-by-8-inch or 9-by-9-inch baking pan. For easier removal, line the pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on two sides.
Step 2: Make the Cookie Base
Open the refrigerated sugar cookie dough and reserve about one-third of it for the topping.
Press the remaining two-thirds evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Use your fingertips or the back of a spoon to create an even layer.
Step 3: Add the Cherry Filling
Spoon the cherry pie filling over the cookie dough base. Spread it gently into an even layer, leaving a small border around the edges if possible.
Step 4: Add the Topping
Crumble the reserved cookie dough over the cherry filling. Distribute the pieces evenly, leaving some cherries visible for a rustic appearance.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Bake for approximately 30–40 minutes, until the cookie dough is golden and cooked through. If the center still looks wet, continue baking in 3–5-minute increments.
If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover the pan with foil.
Step 6: Cool and Slice
Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely. Cooling helps the cherry filling set and makes slicing much easier.
Lift the dessert out using the parchment paper, if used, and cut into squares with a sharp knife.
Tips for the Best Cherry Pie Bars
Use chilled dough. Refrigerated dough is easier to handle and holds its shape while you assemble the bars.
Spread the filling evenly. This helps every square get a generous amount of cherry topping.
Don’t skip the cooling time. Warm cherry filling can be soft and messy. Let the bars cool fully before cutting.
Watch the edges. The edges may brown before the middle is ready. Cover loosely with foil if needed.
Choose your pan carefully. An 8-by-8-inch pan creates thicker bars, while a 9-by-9-inch pan produces slightly thinner bars that may bake more quickly.
Easy Variations
The basic recipe uses two ingredients. If you are happy to add extras, try one of these variations:
- Vanilla Cherry Bars: Add a little vanilla extract to the cherry filling.
- Almond Cherry Bars: Add a small amount of almond extract for a classic cherry-almond flavor.
- Lemon Cherry Bars: Add a little lemon zest to brighten the filling.
- Crumb-Topped Bars: Crumble all the reserved dough across the top for a more generous cookie topping.
- Mixed Berry Bars: Substitute another flavor of pie filling for a different fruit dessert.
These additions are optional and mean the recipe is no longer strictly two ingredients.
What to Serve with Cherry Pie Bars
Serve these bars on their own as an easy snack or dessert. For a more indulgent treat, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a spoonful of whipped cream.
They are also delicious with coffee or tea and make a convenient addition to bake sales, potlucks, and holiday dessert trays.
Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions
Make ahead: Bake the bars a day before serving and allow them to cool completely before storing.
Room temperature: If serving the same day, keep them covered in a cool environment for a short period. Because the filling is moist, refrigerating leftovers is the safer choice.
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze completely cooled bars in a single layer until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container with parchment between layers. Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use homemade cherry pie filling?
Yes. Use a thick, cooled filling so the bars are not overly wet. Homemade filling may vary in sweetness and moisture, so baking time may need to be adjusted.
Can I use a different cookie dough?
Yes. Refrigerated sugar cookie dough gives these bars a sweet, buttery flavor, but other ready-made cookie doughs may work. Texture and baking time can vary.
Why are my bars falling apart?
They may have been cut while warm or may need more baking time. Allow the bars to cool completely so the filling can set before slicing.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes. Double the ingredients and use a larger baking pan, such as a 9-by-13-inch pan. The bars may need additional baking time, so check the center carefully.
Can I add a glaze?
Absolutely. A simple powdered sugar glaze is delicious, but it adds another ingredient to the recipe. Drizzle it over the bars after they have cooled completely.
2-Ingredient Cherry Pie Bars Recipe Card
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30–40 minutes
Cooling Time: 1 hour
Yield: 9–12 bars
Ingredients
- 1 package (16–17.5 ounces) refrigerated sugar cookie dough
- 1 can (21 ounces) cherry pie filling
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8-by-8-inch or 9-by-9-inch baking pan.
- Reserve one-third of the cookie dough. Press the remaining dough evenly into the bottom of the pan.
- Spread the cherry pie filling over the cookie dough.
- Crumble the reserved dough evenly over the filling.
- Bake for 30–40 minutes, until the top is golden and the dough is cooked through.
- Cool completely before cutting into bars.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Final Thoughts
These 2-Ingredient Cherry Pie Bars are proof that a delicious dessert can be wonderfully simple. With buttery cookie dough and sweet cherry filling, they deliver the comforting flavor of cherry pie without the extra work of making pastry from scratch.
Keep this easy recipe on hand for busy weekdays, last-minute gatherings, or whenever you want a fruity homemade dessert with very little effort.