Oven-Baked 5-Ingredient Cherry Pie Bars are a sweet, buttery dessert with a soft cookie-like crust and a delicious cherry filling. They bring all the comforting flavor of homemade cherry pie into an easy bar dessert that is simple to prepare, slice, and share.
Made with just five ingredients, these cherry bars are perfect for potlucks, bake sales, holiday gatherings, afternoon treats, or whenever you want something fruity and homemade without making a traditional pie.
The beautiful cherry filling, golden crust, and sweet finish make every bite irresistible.
Why You’ll Love These Cherry Pie Bars
- Only five ingredients: Simple ingredients make preparation easy.
- Easy pie flavor: Enjoy the taste of cherry pie without rolling out pie dough.
- Perfect for sharing: Slice into squares for parties and gatherings.
- Beautiful presentation: The bright cherry filling makes these bars look as good as they taste.
- Make-ahead friendly: Prepare them in advance and slice when completely cooled.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened – Gives the crust its rich, buttery texture.
- 1 cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the crust and creates a tender crumb.
- 2 large eggs – Bind the dough and help create a soft, cake-like base.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – Provides structure for the bars.
- 1 can (21 ounces) cherry pie filling – Creates the sweet, fruity center.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9-by-13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang to make removal easier.
Step 2: Make the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until creamy and fluffy.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Gradually add the flour and mix until a thick, soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing.
Step 3: Form the Bottom Crust
Set aside approximately 1 cup of the dough for the topping.
Press the remaining dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula or lightly floured fingers to create an even layer.
Step 4: Add the Cherry Filling
Spoon the cherry pie filling over the dough.
Spread it gently into an even layer, leaving a small border around the edges so the filling does not spread too much during baking.
Step 5: Add the Topping
Drop small spoonfuls of the reserved dough over the cherry filling.
You do not need to cover every bit of the filling. Leaving small spaces creates an attractive golden topping with patches of cherry visible underneath.
Step 6: Bake
Bake for approximately 35–45 minutes, until the top is lightly golden and the edges are set.
The cherry filling should be bubbling gently in places.
If the topping begins to brown too quickly, loosely cover the pan with foil.
Step 7: Cool and Slice
Remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire rack.
Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing. For cleaner cuts, refrigerate them for about 30 minutes.
Cut into squares or rectangles and serve.
Tips for Perfect Cherry Pie Bars
- Use softened butter: This helps create a smooth, evenly mixed dough.
- Don’t overmix: Stop mixing once the flour is incorporated.
- Spread the filling gently: Avoid pressing it into the bottom crust.
- Reserve enough dough: Small spoonfuls create a pretty topping and allow the cherry filling to show.
- Cool completely: Warm bars can fall apart when sliced.
- Use parchment paper: This makes lifting the bars out of the pan much easier.
Easy Variations
The original recipe uses five ingredients. Try these optional additions if you want to change the flavor.
Almond Cherry Bars: Add 1/2 teaspoon almond extract to the dough for a classic cherry-almond flavor.
Lemon Cherry Bars: Add 1 teaspoon lemon zest to the dough for a bright citrus note.
Cherry Crumble Bars: Sprinkle a little coarse sugar over the topping before baking.
Chocolate Cherry Bars: Add 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips to the dough for a chocolate and cherry combination.
What to Serve with Cherry Pie Bars
These bars are delicious on their own, but they also pair beautifully with:
- Vanilla ice cream
- Fresh whipped cream
- A drizzle of vanilla glaze
- Fresh cherries
- Hot coffee or tea
- A glass of cold milk
For a simple dessert, warm a bar slightly and serve it with vanilla ice cream.
How to Store Cherry Pie Bars
Refrigerator: Because the bars contain fruit filling, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Room Temperature: They can be kept covered for a short serving period, but refrigerate leftovers promptly.
Freezer: Wrap individual cooled bars in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use homemade cherry pie filling?
Yes. Homemade cherry pie filling works well as long as it is thick enough to stay in place between the layers.
Do I need to drain the cherry pie filling?
No. Use the filling directly from the can. Draining it would remove the syrup that gives the bars their delicious cherry layer.
Why are my cherry bars falling apart?
They may need more cooling time. Allow them to cool completely before slicing, and chill briefly if necessary.
Can I use another pie filling?
Absolutely. Blueberry, apple, peach, or raspberry pie filling can be used instead of cherry.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes. Bake them the day before serving, cool completely, and refrigerate in a covered container. Slice shortly before serving.
How do I get clean slices?
Chill the cooled bars for about 30 minutes and use a sharp knife. Wipe the blade between cuts for neat edges.
Final Thoughts
Oven-Baked 5-Ingredient Cherry Pie Bars are a simple, delicious way to enjoy the classic flavor of cherry pie without the extra work. Their buttery crust, sweet cherry filling, and golden topping make them a wonderful dessert for any occasion.
Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, preparing treats for a potluck, or simply craving something sweet, these easy cherry bars are sure to become a favorite.
Recipe Card: Oven-Baked 5-Ingredient Cherry Pie Bars
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35–45 minutes
Cooling Time: 1 hour
Total Time: Approximately 2 hours
Yield: 24 bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 can (21 ounces) cherry pie filling
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9-by-13-inch baking pan.
- Beat softened butter and sugar until creamy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition.
- Gradually mix in the flour until a soft dough forms.
- Reserve about 1 cup of dough.
- Press the remaining dough evenly into the prepared pan.
- Spread cherry pie filling over the dough.
- Drop small spoonfuls of reserved dough over the cherry filling.
- Bake for 35–45 minutes, until lightly golden and set.
- Cool completely before slicing into 24 bars.
Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months.