Cherry Pie Bars
Calling all cherry lovers! These Cherry Pie Bars with shortbread crust are so easy – we’re talking buttery shortbread, a layer of canned cherry pie filling, and a sprinkle of crumb topping made with cake mix. Done and done! They’re perfect for when you want a taste of summer pie without all the fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy Does It. This recipe is all about shortcuts! Canned pie filling saves you time without sacrificing flavor, and the crumb topping made with cake mix is a breeze to put together and can be made ahead of time.
- Summer in a Bar. Bursting with juicy cherries, these tasty dessert bars capture the essence of summer in every bite, as does our delicious Peach Cobbler Recipe.
- Crowd-Pleasing Powerhouse. The combination of sweet and tart cherries, a buttery shortbread crust, and a delicious crumb topping is a surefire crowd-pleaser your friends will rave about.
- Weeknight Dessert Win. Who says homemade dessert has to be complicated? This easy recipe comes together quickly, making it a perfect option for busy weeknights when you’re craving something sweet.
- Pie Fix with Less Fuss. Love cherries but short on time or patience? These dessert bars offer all the delicious flavors of a classic cherry pie in a convenient bar form. It’s the perfect solution for a pie craving without the commitment of a full pie.
Here’s What You Need
- shortbread crust – May substitute homemade or store-bought pie crust.
- cherry pie filling – We use canned pie filling, but you may substitute homemade pie filling made with fresh cherries.
- crumb topping – made with cake mix and oatmeal. Don’t have cake mix? Make your own crumb topping like the one we use in our Apple Pie Bars recipe.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Variations
Not a cherry fan? No worries! These dessert bars are like flavor chameleons – just swap the cherry filling for your favorite flavor! Think juicy summer peaches, mixed berries, or classic fall apples. The possibilities are endless!
How to Make Cherry Pie Bars
Cherry cravings? We got you! Shortbread crust (press, no roll!), canned cherry pie filling, crumb topping – bake, devour. Easy summer dessert bars! Just follow the step-by-step instructions below.
Preheat Oven To 300°F
Line a 9×13 baking dish with parchment paper.
Step 1. Prepare the Shortbread Crust by using one of the two methods below:
- Food Processor Method. Place shortbread ingredients into a food processor and pulse till just combined.
- Stand Mixer Method. Use a stand mixer with the paddle attachment.
Place butter in the mixing bowl, and mix it on medium speed until smooth (approximately 30 seconds).
Add the sugar, vanilla, and salt and mix to combine.
Then on low speed, add the flour to the butter-sugar mixture a little at a time until just combined.
Scrape the bottom of the bowl to make sure all the flour is incorporated.
Step 2. Press Into Pan. Turn the shortbread dough out onto the center of the prepared pan.
Press the dough out into an even layer in the bottom of the pan to form the bottom crust.
Step 3. Bake Crust. Bake the bottom crust at 300°F for 20 minutes in the center of the oven.
Then take it out and set the baked crust on a wire rack.
Step 4. Transfer Filling. Spoon filling onto the shortbread, spreading it out into an even layer.
Increase Oven Temperature to 350°F
Step 5. Make the Topping. Combine all dry topping ingredients in food processor or small bowl.
Pulse or cut in diced, cold butter with a pastry cutter. The resulting crisp topping will resemble coarse crumbs.
Step 6. Sprinkle on Topping. Sprinkle topping on top of the pie filling.
Note: As you sprinkle on the topping, leave some cherries exposed so that the top of the bars reveal the red cherries.
Step 7. Bake. Bake uncovered for 60 minutes.
Step 8. Cool and Slice. The bars need about 4 hours to cool and set or they will fall apart when sliced.
Recipe Tips
- Use room temperature ingredients. This helps the dough come together smoothly.
- Don’t overmix. Gently mix the shortbread dough to prevent a tough crust.
- Chill the dough. If the dough is too sticky, chill it for a bit before pressing into the pan.
- Let them cool. Allow the cherry pie bars to cool completely before slicing for clean cuts. This can take up to 4 hours at room temperature!
- Get creative. Experiment with different pie fillings, toppings, or even add a drizzle of glaze for extra flavor.