Sweet, Simple, and Irresistible: Cherry Bars Recipe If you’re looking for a dessert that’s easy to make, crowd-pleasing, and bursting with fruity flavor, look no further than these delicious Cherry Bars. With their buttery base, vibrant cherry filling, and crumbly golden topping, they’re the perfect treat for any occasion—from backyard picnics to holiday dessert tables. Why You’ll Love These Cherry Bars What sets cherry bars apart is their perfect balance between sweet and tart, soft and crisp. The buttery shortbread-like crust gives way to a luscious cherry pie filling, topped with more golden dough that bakes into a delightful crumble. They slice beautifully, making them ideal for serving at gatherings or packing for on-the-go snacks. Ingredients You’ll Need One of the best parts about this recipe is how accessible the ingredients are. You probably already have most of them in your pantry. Typically, cherry bars include: All-purpose flour Sugar Butter Eggs Vanilla extract Almond extract (optional, but enhances the cherry flavor) Salt Baking powder Cherry pie filling (homemade or canned) How to Make Cherry Bars Make the dough: Start by creaming the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add eggs and extracts, then mix in the dry ingredients to form a thick batter. Layer it up: Spread about two-thirds of the dough into a greased baking pan to create a solid base. Pour cherry pie filling over the top, spreading it evenly. Drop spoonfuls of the remaining dough on top to create a rustic, crumbly topping. Bake and cool: Bake until the top is golden and the filling is bubbly. Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting, so they set up nicely. Optional glaze: A simple powdered sugar glaze drizzled over the top adds an extra touch of sweetness and a pretty finish. Tips for Success Don’t overbake – You want the bars to stay soft, so remove them from the oven as soon as the top is golden. Use parchment paper – Lining your pan makes cleanup easier and helps lift the bars out for perfect slicing. Customize it – Try swapping cherry for blueberry, raspberry, or peach pie filling for a fun twist! Perfect for Any Occasion Cherry Bars are great for holidays like Christmas and Easter, but they’re also a hit at summer potlucks, bake sales, or just as a weeknight dessert. They hold up well at room temperature and can be made ahead of time, making them incredibly convenient. Ready to bake? These Cherry Bars are as beautiful as they are delicious. With their bright red center and golden crumb topping, they’re sure to become a go-to dessert in your recipe box. Let the compliments roll in—just don’t expect leftovers!