Cherry Pie Bars with Almond Glaze Recipe

If you’re a fan of that classic sweet-and-tart cherry pie flavor but want something a little easier to slice and share, trust me, these Cherry Pie Bars with Almond Glaze Recipe are exactly what you need in your life. I stumbled upon this gem on a lazy weekend when I wanted a dessert that tasted like homemade pie without all the fuss of rolling dough. The result? Soft, buttery bars loaded with luscious cherry filling and topped with a dreamy almond glaze that brings everything together—totally fan-freaking-tastic. Stick around, and I’ll guide you through every step to make these a new crowd-pleaser at your kitchen table.

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Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Cherry Pie Bars with Almond Glaze Recipe plays an essential role, balancing flavor and texture in a way that feels generous but never overwhelming. You’ll want to pick high-quality butter and fresh vanilla extract to really bring out the richness, and the almond extract in both the batter and glaze adds a subtle, nutty brightness that pairs perfectly with the cherries.

• Unsalted Butter: Softened for easy creaming with sugar; unsalted lets you control the saltiness.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create that tender crumb in the bars.
• Large Eggs: The glue that binds everything together, giving structure and moisture.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
• Almond Extract: Just a touch in both batter and glaze to enhance cherry flavor with a nutty twist.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure—stick to all-purpose for the best texture.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavors; don’t skip!
• Cherry Pie Filling: The star of the show—juicy, sweet-tart cherries that make these bars so irresistible.
• Powdered Sugar (for glaze): Smooth sweetness and perfect consistency for drizzling.
• Milk (for glaze): Helps thin the glaze to just the right consistency—you’ll want it smooth but not runny.

Make It Your Way

This recipe is wonderfully versatile, and I always encourage making it your own. Whether you prefer swapping cherry filling for fresh fruit or want to play with different glazes—there’s room to experiment here. Personally, I love doubling the almond extract in the glaze for an extra pop, but that’s just me!

• Variation: I once tried blueberry pie bars with the same almond glaze—it was a sweet surprise and just as delicious.
• Dietary Swap: For a gluten-free version, I substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend; it still holds up well.
• Seasonal Twist: In winter, I switch the cherry filling to spiced apple for a cozy holiday vibe.

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

Step 1: Creaming Butter and Sugar to Perfection

Start by softening the butter to room temperature—it should be soft enough to easily press a finger into but not melting. Cream that together with granulated sugar until the mixture is pale and fluffy, which usually takes about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer. This step is crucial because it traps air in the batter, giving the bars their tender crumb. Then add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, followed by vanilla and almond extracts. Trust me, it smells heavenly already.

Step 2: Mixing Dry Ingredients & Combining

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt so they’re evenly distributed. Gradually fold this into the wet ingredients, mixing just until everything comes together. Overmixing here can lead to tough bars—which is exactly what you want to avoid. The batter will be thick and sticky, perfect for layering.

Step 3: Layering the Bars with Cherry Filling

Spread about two-thirds of the batter evenly across the bottom of your greased 9×13 pan—think of it like a buttery crust. Next, spread the cherry pie filling over this base, distributing it gently but evenly. Then, drop the remaining batter in dollops over the cherries; it’s okay if it looks a little rustic because it’ll bake into a beautiful textured top. This layered assembly makes every bite luscious and balanced.

Step 4: Baking to Golden Perfection

Bake at 350°F for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top turns light golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the batter portion (avoiding filling) comes out clean. If you use a slightly larger pan, your bars will be thinner, and the bake time might shave off 5 to 10 minutes—keep an eye on it. Don’t rush cooling because letting them cool completely is key to clean slices.

Step 5: Drizzling That Dreamy Almond Glaze

Whisk powdered sugar with vanilla, almond extract, and milk until smooth and slightly runny but still thick enough to coat a spoon. Drizzle it generously over the cooled bars—and if you’re feeling fancy, use a fork to create a pretty zigzag pattern. This finishing touch adds moist sweetness and ties the flavors together like nobody’s business.

How to Serve Cherry Pie Bars with Almond Glaze Recipe

Garnishes

I’m a sucker for adding a fresh pop of garnish to these bars. Sometimes I sprinkle sliced almonds on top of the glaze right before it sets for a bit of crunch and an extra almond punch. If I’m feeling festive, a dusting of powdered sugar or a few fresh cherries on the side really completes the look. It’s just so inviting!

Side Dishes

These bars are a sweet star on their own, but I like pairing them with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. For brunch or afternoon tea, they also go beautifully with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a bright herbal tea to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, I’ll cut these into bite-sized squares and arrange them on a tiered platter alongside other mini desserts. The almond glaze gives them such a pretty sheen that they almost look like little jewels. Plus, I sometimes drizzle a contrasting dark chocolate or sprinkle edible gold dust for a wow factor. Presentation really helps make these a conversation starter.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once glazed and cooled, store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. I’ve found they maintain their soft texture beautifully without drying out. Just make sure to keep them out of direct sunlight to preserve the glaze and cherries.

Freezing

These bars freeze wonderfully! I like to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap then foil before freezing. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge, then bring to room temperature before serving to get that perfect texture back.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop individual bars in the microwave for about 10 seconds to warm them slightly—just enough to make the buttery flavor shine without melting the glaze. If you prefer, a brief 5-minute warm-up in a 300°F oven works great too, especially if you want a little crispness on the edges again.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Cherry Pie Bars with Almond Glaze Recipe has quickly become one of those desserts I reach for when I want something impressive but simple. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll pull out to brighten a weekday or shine as a centerpiece at weekend gatherings. The balance of buttery, cherry, and almond flavors feels just right every time. I can’t wait for you to try it—because once you do, these bars might just become your new favorite go-to dessert, too!

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