Cherry Pie Bars with Almond Glaze Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that’s both charming and downright delicious, you’ve got to try my Cherry Pie Bars with Almond Glaze Recipe. It’s like cherry pie met a soft vanilla cake, and then we topped it with a dreamy almond glaze—trust me, it’s fan-freaking-tastic. Perfect for gatherings or just a cozy treat, these bars combine the best of both worlds: the tangy sweetness of cherry pie filling with a buttery, tender crust and a glaze that keeps you coming back for more.

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Ingredients & Why They Work

These ingredients come together like a dream team: the butter and sugar create a tender crumb; eggs add structure; cherry pie filling brings that iconic sweet-tart punch; and the glaze is the finishing touch that speaks volumes with very little effort. Here’s a quick look at what goes in and why each item shines.

• Unsalted Butter: Gives the bars a soft, rich texture without adding extra saltiness.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the base and helps the crust brown beautifully.
• Large Eggs: Bind everything together and create moisture without being soggy.
• Vanilla Extract: Deepens the flavor and balances the tart cherries with sweetness.
• Almond Extract: Adds a warm, nutty hint in both the batter and glaze – it’s the secret wow factor.
• All-Purpose Flour: The sturdy foundation to hold the bars together and support the filling.
• Salt: Enhances all the natural flavors and cuts through the sweetness.
• Cherry Pie Filling: The star ingredient that delivers that classic cherry pie taste without the fuss of making your own filling.
• Powdered Sugar: Used in the glaze for smooth texture and sweet finish.
• Milk: Thins the glaze just enough for easy drizzling over your cooled bars.

Make It Your Way

I love playing with this Cherry Pie Bars with Almond Glaze Recipe to match the season or my mood — and you should too! Whether it’s adding a sprinkle of chopped almonds on top before baking or swapping in a berry filling instead of cherries, there’s plenty of room for creativity here.

• Variation: One time, I swapped cherry pie filling for apple pie filling and tossed in a sprinkle of cinnamon on top—it was a hit at a fall party!
• Dietary Alternatives: For a dairy-free version, I’ve successfully used coconut oil instead of butter — it adds a subtle tropical note that pairs nicely with the cherry.
• Difficulty Level: This recipe is beginner-friendly, but if you want extra flair, try adding a lattice crust on top instead of dollops for a traditional look that wows guests.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cherry Pie Bars with Almond Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Then grab a 9 x 13-inch baking pan and give it a nice spritz with nonstick spray. This pan size is perfect for these bars — it lets the layers bake evenly without getting soggy. If you use a different pan, just keep an eye on the bake time as it might shift a bit.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar, Then Add Eggs & Extracts

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until it’s fluffy and light—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes with a hand mixer. Then, beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each one is fully incorporated. Finally, stir in the vanilla and almond extracts — these give the batter a lovely depth of flavor that’s subtle but essential.

Step 3: Fold In Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Next, slowly add this mixture to your wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. The key here is not to over-mix—that’ll make your bars dense instead of tender. You want everything just blended enough to hold together but still soft.

Step 4: Assemble the Bars

Spread about 3 cups of your batter evenly across the bottom of the prepared pan. Then, spoon the cherry pie filling over the base layer, distributing it evenly so every bite gets that classic cherry flavor. The remaining batter will be dropped by dollops across the top — don’t worry if it looks rustic! This patchwork top creates delightful little pockets of buttery goodness as it bakes.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Set

Bake your bars for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean and the top edges turn a pretty golden brown. If you’re using a slightly larger pan, just watch closely around the 30-minute mark. Once baked, let the bars cool completely in the pan—this is important so that the glaze sets beautifully later.

Step 6: Drizzle the Almond Glaze

Whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla extract, almond extract, and milk until smooth. I love that the glaze is quick and easy but adds so much character, especially that hint of almond. Drizzle the glaze evenly over the cooled bars, letting it cascade into every nook and cranny. Wait until it sets a bit before slicing, and then get ready for swooning.

How to Serve Cherry Pie Bars with Almond Glaze Recipe

Garnishes

When I serve these bars, I like a simple garnish that complements but doesn’t compete. A light dusting of powdered sugar right before serving adds a lovely snowy look. Fresh cherries or a few slivered almonds sprinkled on top add a nice touch if you want to impress. Sometimes, a small mint leaf looks pretty and adds freshness.

Side Dishes

These bars pair beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an indulgent combo. On the beverage side, a cup of hot coffee or tea balances the sweetness nicely. If you’re hosting brunch, a light fruit salad and some sparkling water with lemon on the side round out the spread perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For birthdays or parties, I like cutting the bars into small squares and serving on a pretty platter with edible flowers around the edges. Another fun idea I tried was layering them in a clear trifle dish with whipped cream and fresh cherries for show-stopping dessert layers. These little touches make your guests feel special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover cherry pie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, but if it’s warmer or humid, I pop them in the fridge to keep the glaze from melting. Just make sure to bring bars back to room temp before serving so the texture shines.

Freezing

Freezing works great! I wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They freeze well for up to 3 months. When I’m ready, I thaw overnight in the fridge. This way, you can enjoy your Cherry Pie Bars with Almond Glaze Recipe any time without the pressure of eating them all at once.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop a bar in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds to warm it slightly without melting the glaze completely. If you want to refresh the glaze’s sheen, a light drizzle of fresh glaze after warming does the trick beautifully.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Cherry Pie Bars with Almond Glaze Recipe holds a special place on my dessert shelf because it’s truly fuss-free but still feels like a homemade celebration. Whether you’re making it for a crowd or just treating yourself, the simple ingredients and straightforward steps make success almost guaranteed. I hope you enjoy baking (and eating) these bars as much as I do — and don’t forget to savor that almond glaze bit by bit. You’re going to love it!

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