Cherry Pie Bars with Almond Glaze Recipe

If you’re anything like me, sometimes you want the warm, comforting flavors of a classic cherry pie but without all the fuss of rolling out crusts and fussing over lattice tops. That’s why I’ve made this **Cherry Pie Bars with Almond Glaze Recipe** a total staple in my kitchen. It’s basically all the cherry pie goodness packed into easy-to-handle bars with a dreamy almond glaze on top that will have you swooning with every bite. Trust me—you’ll want to stick around because this recipe is fan-freaking-tastic and perfect for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or just a cozy night in.

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Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients in this Cherry Pie Bars with Almond Glaze Recipe come together to create a texture that’s tender yet sturdy enough to hold all that luscious cherry filling. Plus, a few flavorings, like almond extract, perfectly complement the fruit without being overpowering. I’ve found these staples easy to keep on hand, which means you can whip it up whenever a cherry craving hits.

• Unsalted Butter: Softened butter is key for creaming smoothly with sugar and giving the bars that tender crumb.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the batter just right without being cloying.
• Eggs: Bind everything together, plus add richness and help with the structure.
• Vanilla Extract: Brings warmth and depth to the batter and glaze flavors.
• Almond Extract: Just a touch adds that signature almond note that pairs beautifully with cherries.
• All-Purpose Flour: Creates the perfect texture — not too cakey, not too dense.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavors.
• Cherry Pie Filling: The star of the show, canned filling is ideal for convenience and consistent flavor.
• Powdered Sugar (for glaze): Dissolves quickly to make a smooth, sweet glaze.
• Milk (for glaze): Thins the glaze so it’s perfect for drizzling.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love experimenting with this Cherry Pie Bars with Almond Glaze Recipe to make it my own, and you should definitely feel free to do the same! Whether you want it a bit more tart, extra nutty, or even dairy-free, these bars have room for your personal twist.

• Use Fresh Cherries: Once, I swapped canned filling for fresh cherry compote I made myself — it’s a bit more work but the flavor really pops!
• Gluten-Free Flour Blend: I’ve tried this and it worked well; just be sure to pick a good blend with xanthan gum for structure.
• Extra Almond Flavor: Sometimes I add sliced almonds on top before baking for crunch and extra almond aroma.
• Less Sweet: If you prefer less sugar, try cutting back on granulated sugar slightly; I recommend no less than 1.5 cups.

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

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients — Get Everything Ready

I always start by preheating my oven to 350°F and greasing a 9×13 inch pan with a light spray. While the oven warms, I soften my butter ahead of time so it creams easier with the sugar. Measuring out everything before mixing makes the process smooth and stress-free. Trust me, little steps like this save you time and keep things moving without scrambling.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar Until Fluffy

Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, I beat the softened butter with granulated sugar until the mixture looks light and fluffy — usually about 3 to 5 minutes. This step traps air that helps create a nice tender crumb in the bars. If your butter’s too cold, it’ll just get lumpy, so patience here pays off.

Step 3: Beat In Eggs and Extracts

Add eggs, one at a time, beating until combined after each addition. Then stir in vanilla and almond extracts for that extra depth of flavor. Almond extract is potent, so just a quarter teaspoon in the batter gives it a lovely subtle nuttiness.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients and Fold In

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and salt to distribute the salt evenly through the batter. Then add this to the wet ingredients and mix just until combined — don’t overmix or those bars might get tough. This mix will be slightly thick and spreadable.

Step 5: Assemble the Layers

Spread about three cups of the batter evenly across the bottom of your prepared pan. Top it with the canned cherry pie filling, spreading it all over. Don’t worry if it looks a bit thick — it bakes into just the right balance. Finally, drop dollops of the remaining batter evenly across the cherries. It won’t cover the filling fully, but that patchwork effect is totally charming and bakes up perfectly.

Step 6: Bake and Check

Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean and the top is lightly golden. If you’re using a bigger pan (like 15×10 inch), check earlier — it might need only about 30 minutes. Once done, let it cool completely, or the glaze will melt right off.

Step 7: Whisk and Drizzle the Almond Glaze

While the bars cool, mix powdered sugar, vanilla and almond extracts, and milk until smooth. Adjust milk if needed to get a nice drizzling consistency (not too runny, not too thick). Use a spoon or piping bag to drizzle generously over cooled bars. It adds just the right final touch of sweetness and almond flavor.

How to Serve Cherry Pie Bars with Almond Glaze Recipe

Garnishes

When serving, I sometimes sprinkle sliced toasted almonds over the glaze for a lovely crunch and to highlight that almond flavor. A dusting of powdered sugar or a few fresh mint leaves on the side also add a nice touch without stealing the show. Honestly, these bars are stunning just as they are—simple but elegant.

Side Dishes

I like pairing these cherry pie bars with a dollop of whipped cream—or if it’s brunch, some Greek yogurt on the side balances the sweetness nicely. A scoop of vanilla ice cream is a classic combo that can’t be beaten. For a cozy get-together, a hot cup of coffee or tea rounds out the experience perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I cut the bars into small squares and place them on a pretty tiered tray with decorative toothpicks. I’ve also drizzled extra glaze in thin zigzags on top and sprinkled edible flowers once for a springtime vibe. Serving with mini jars of cherry preserves lets guests double down on cherry goodness, which nobody complains about!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover cherry pie bars in an airtight container in the fridge to keep the almond glaze firm and prevent the bars from drying out. They usually keep wonderfully fresh for about 4-5 days, and the flavors actually deepen a bit overnight, which I personally love.

Freezing

These bars freeze beautifully! I like to slice them, wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap, then place them all in a freezer-safe zip-top bag. When I want a treat, I just thaw a bar at room temperature or gently warm it in the microwave to enjoy that freshly baked feeling all over again.

Reheating

If you want your cherry pie bars warm, I recommend reheating individual pieces in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or popping them in a 300°F oven for about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to heat too long or the glaze might soften too much—just a bit of warmth is all you need.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

There’s something comforting about the nostalgic taste of cherry pie, but this Cherry Pie Bars with Almond Glaze Recipe takes all that love, wraps it up in easy-to-share bars, and tops it with a glaze that feels homey and a little fancy all at once. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just to treat yourself, these bars will never let you down. So go ahead, give them a try—you’ll be amazed at how fast they disappear once you bring them out of the oven!

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