Sweet, buttery, and bursting with fruity flavor, these cherry pie bars with lemon glaze are a delightful twist on the classic cherry pie. With a soft, tender crust, juicy cherry filling, and a bright citrus glaze, every bite is perfectly balanced between sweet and tangy.
They’re easy to slice, serve, and share—making them perfect for gatherings, holidays, or a simple homemade treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Perfect Sweet-Tart Balance: Cherry and lemon complement each other beautifully.
Easy to Serve: No slicing like traditional pie.
Great for Sharing: Ideal for parties and potlucks.
Buttery & Soft Texture: Melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
What You’ll Need
Main Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 ¾ cups sugar
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
Lemon Glaze
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
How to Make It (Step-by-Step)
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 35–40 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Yield: 12–16 bars
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla.
Step 2: Add Dry Ingredients
Stir in flour and salt until a smooth batter forms.
Step 3: Assemble the Layers
Spread about ⅔ of the batter into a greased baking pan. Evenly spread the cherry pie filling over the base, then drop spoonfuls of the remaining batter on top.
Step 4: Bake
Bake at 175°C (350°F) for 35–40 minutes, or until golden brown.
Step 5: Cool
Allow the bars to cool completely before adding the glaze.
Step 6: Make the Lemon Glaze
Whisk powdered sugar, lemon juice, and zest until smooth.
Step 7: Finish & Serve
Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars, slice, and serve.
Expert Tips for Success
Don’t Overmix: Keeps the bars soft and tender.
Cool Before Glazing: Prevents the glaze from melting.
Use Quality Filling: Better cherries = better flavor.
Variations and Substitutions
Homemade Filling: Use fresh cherries when in season.
Almond Flavor: Add almond extract for a deeper taste.
Berry Mix: Substitute cherries with mixed berries.
Serving Suggestions
These bars pair perfectly with:
Vanilla ice cream 🍨
Whipped cream
Hot coffee or tea
A dusting of powdered sugar
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, they store well and taste even better the next day.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate longer.
Can I freeze it?
Yes, freeze without glaze and add it after thawing for best results.
