Sure! Here’s a big, rich, full recipe for delicious cherry pie filling dessert bars — including everything you asked for: introduction, history, ingredients, detailed method, instructions, lovers of the dish, formation, conclusion — and yes, plenty of love. ❤️
🍒 Cherry Pie Filling Dessert Bars
A sweet and buttery treat that’s loved by everyone — perfect for birthdays, potlucks, and cozy nights in.
📜 Introduction
These cherry pie bars are a classic, comforting dessert that brings together buttery shortbread-like crust with sweet, tangy cherry pie filling. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, sharing with friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe is a guaranteed winner. It’s easy to make, uses pantry staples, and yields a big batch — perfect for feeding a crowd.
🏺 A Little History
Cherry desserts have deep roots in European and American baking traditions. Cherries were originally cultivated in the regions of Asia and Europe, but when settlers brought cherry trees to the United States, they thrived — especially in places like Michigan. Cherry pies and bars became common during celebrations because of their vibrant red color and deliciously tart flavor. Over the years, recipes evolved, and this version — with cherry pie filling in buttery bars — became a go-to classic across households.
❤️ For the Lovers of This Dessert
Cherry pie bar lovers are a special breed:
- The nostalgic baker — who remembers Grandma pulling a pan out of the oven.
- The party host — looking for something easy, sharable, and always loved.
- The cherry enthusiast — who craves that tart-sweet combo.
- The home cook — who wants a fail-proof recipe that works every single time.
If you’re any of the above, this one’s for you.
🛒 Ingredients
For the crust & topping:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp almond extract (optional, but amazing with cherries!)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp salt
For the filling:
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling (you can use homemade too!)
For the glaze (optional but recommended):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp milk
- ½ tsp vanilla or almond extract
🥣 Method & Instructions
1. Preheat & Prep
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Make the Base Batter
- In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
- Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each.
- Mix in vanilla and almond extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Gradually add to wet mixture until fully combined.
3. Form the Layers
- Spread about 2/3 of the batter evenly in the prepared pan.
- Spoon the cherry pie filling evenly over the batter.
- Drop the remaining batter in spoonfuls over the top — it doesn’t need to cover every inch. Rustic is good.
4. Bake
- Bake for 35–40 minutes or until golden brown and set.
- Let it cool completely in the pan before glazing or cutting.
5. Glaze (optional but adds a beautiful finish)
- Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and extract to form a drizzle-able glaze.
- Drizzle over cooled bars.
🍽 Formation (Serving Tips)
- Cut into 24 squares or bars.
- Serve as-is or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just a cozy family dessert.
- They travel well, making them ideal for potlucks or gifting.
💞 Lovers of These Bars Say:
“These are my go-to for every holiday. Everyone raves about them!”
— Nora M.
“The almond extract is a must — it takes these bars over the top.”
— Jake R.
“So easy, and SO good. I made them once and now they’re requested all the time!”
— Ella S.
🔚 Conclusion
Cherry pie filling dessert bars are the kind of recipe that sticks with you. They’re easy, crowd-pleasing, and filled with flavor that balances buttery richness and bright cherry tang. Whether you’re celebrating or simply baking for love, these bars are a little square of happiness. 🍒✨
Would you like a version with blueberry, apple, or strawberry pie filling too?