A Family Favorite from My Grandmother’s Kitchen
When I was a little girl, the smell of buttery crust and sweet cherries would fill my grandmother’s farmhouse kitchen every holiday season and summer picnic. Her cherry bars were legendary—flaky, golden, bursting with sweet fruit, and just the right hint of almond. She believed in simple ingredients and big flavors, and this recipe delivers both.
Whether you’re baking for a cozy winter gathering or a sunny summer potluck, these easy cherry bars will quickly become your go-to dessert. Made with pantry staples and two cans of cherry pie filling, they’re as convenient as they are delicious.
Why You’ll Love These Easy Cherry Bars
- ⭐ Simple to make: No fancy tools or skills needed!
- 🍒 Perfect for all seasons: Tart cherries are a hit in both warm and chilly weather.
- 🧈 Buttery base & golden top: Layers of flavor with a satisfying crumble.
- 👨👩👧👦 Great for sharing: Makes 8 generous servings—ideal for family gatherings.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up these delightful cherry bars:
For the Bars:
- 1 ½ cups unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 5 large eggs
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 ½ teaspoons almond extract
- 5 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 2 cans (21 oz each) cherry pie filling
Step-by-Step Instructions
🔪 Prep Time: 15 minutes
🍳 Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
🍽️ Total Time: ~1 hour
🍰 Servings: 8
Step 1: Preheat & Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 13×9-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Make the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 3–5 minutes). Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla and almond extracts.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms. Reserve about 1½ cups of the dough for topping.
Step 3: Layer the Base
Press the remaining dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust. Make sure it’s nice and even.
Step 4: Add the Cherries
Spread both cans of cherry pie filling evenly over the crust layer. Don’t be afraid to let the cherries shine—this is the heart of your bars!
Step 5: Crumble on Top
Take the reserved dough and drop small spoonfuls across the top of the cherry layer. This creates that irresistible, rustic crumble.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and the filling is bubbling. Let cool completely in the pan before slicing into bars.
Tips for the Best Cherry Bars
- Room temperature butter is key for the perfect dough texture.
- Want more almond flavor? Sprinkle a handful of sliced almonds over the top before baking.
- For extra flair in summer, serve chilled with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- In winter, a dusting of powdered sugar adds a festive touch.
Variations to Try
- Berry Blend: Mix in blueberries or raspberries with your cherry filling for a berry twist.
- Lemon Glaze: Drizzle with a simple lemon icing for a bright zing.
- Nutty Crunch: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping layer.
How to Store Cherry Bars
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze individual bars for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm slightly in the oven.
Perfect Pairings
These bars pair beautifully with:
- A hot mug of tea or coffee
- A glass of cold milk
- Fresh whipped cream
- Vanilla bean ice cream
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned filling?
Yes! Use about 4 cups of pitted fresh cherries. Simmer them with ½ cup sugar and 2 tablespoons cornstarch to thicken before using.
Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely! Bake it in a sheet pan for parties or bake sales.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes—swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re looking for a festive holiday treat or a fruity summer dessert, these easy cherry bars are the perfect solution. With their buttery base, luscious cherry center, and tender crumble topping, they’re a nostalgic nod to classic American baking—and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Bake a batch, share with loved ones, and don’t forget to save a few for yourself. They disappear fast!