Easy Cherry Pie Bars No Fuss All Flavour

By Emily CollinsSeptember 29, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Ever had one of those days where you just NEED something sweet? Right? Well, I've got you covered! These easy cherry pie bars are my go-to when that craving hits.

Seriously, they're like a hug in dessert form. This recipe delivers on that classic cherry pie taste, but without all the fuss!

Cherry Pie Filling Bars: A Slice of Americana

These bars are inspired by the classic American cherry pie. A dessert staple that's both comforting and celebratory. They're super easy to make.

About 20 minutes of prep, 35 minutes in the oven, plus chill time. This recipe makes around 16 bars. So perfect for sharing or, you know, not.

Bake Sale Treats: Why These Bars Are Special

These shortbread cherry bars are special for a few reasons. They are incredibly easy to make. Perfect for novice bakers or those short on time.

They are also portable and delicious! The buttery crust and sweet cherry filling is such a winner. Plus, each bite delivers a burst of vitamin C from the cherries.

These easy cherry dessert bars are a great addition to bake sales and summer picnic desserts .

Honestly, these no roll cherry pie bars are so simple, it’s almost criminal. I've made them for countless gatherings, and they're always a hit.

No fancy equipment or complicated techniques needed. Plus, the buttery shortbread crust is seriously addictive! What makes this such a special dessert? It tastes amazing even if it's not perfect!

The real secret? Don't skimp on the cherry pie filling! Use a good quality one. The one with big, juicy cherries that explode in your mouth.

Trust me, it makes all the difference! Oh my gosh, this recipe is a keeper! Let's dive into the ingredients, shall we?

Right then, let's chat about what you'll need to nail these easy cherry pie bars ! I reckon the right ingredients and bits of kit are half the battle, innit? Think of these as shortbread cherry bars , but easier.

You can find more great easy dessert bars here: https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/20095/cherry pie-bars/

Ingredients & Equipment

Let’s break it down. Trust me, once you’ve got these bits sorted, you're golden.

Main Ingredients

All-purpose flour: 2 cups (250g) , plus extra for dusting
Granulated sugar: ¾ cup (150g)
Salt: ½ teaspoon (3g)
Cold unsalted butter: 1 cup (227g) , cubed small
Egg: 1 large
Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon (5ml)
Cherry pie filling: 2 cans (14.5 ounce/411g each)
Cornstarch: 2 tablespoons (16g)
Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon (15ml)
Almond extract: ½ teaspoon (optional, but lush!)
All-purpose flour (crumble): ½ cup (63g)
Packed light brown sugar (crumble): ¼ cup (50g)
Cold unsalted butter (crumble): ¼ cup (57g)

For the cherry pie filling, go for quality, yeah? Honestly, cheap filling can ruin the whole vibe. Look for proper cherry chunks.

Seasoning Notes

Essential? That almond extract with the cherry! Seriously, it lifts the whole thing. I sometimes throw in a pinch of cinnamon, too. It’s magic. You can add those easily.

Need a sub? Almond extract is too intense. Vanilla will do. I learned it the hard way!.

Equipment Needed

9x13 inch baking pan (essential!)
Parchment paper (for easy liftoff)
Mixing bowls
Measuring cups and spoons
Pastry blender/food processor (crumble, optional)
Fork (for mixing)

Don't have a fancy pastry blender? No worries, use your fingers. I do it all the time. This cherry pie bar recipe is all about no roll cherry pie bars isn't it? It is the main part for creating easy cherry pie bars .

Let's Bake Some Easy Cherry Pie Bars!

Fancy a slice of cherry pie without all the fuss? These easy cherry pie bars are your answer. Honestly, they're ridiculously simple.

Imagine all the comforting flavour of cherry pie filling bars , but in easy-to-grab bar form. The perfect addition to any summer picnic desserts spread.

I first made something similar during a bake off. They were all gone within minutes!.

Prep Like a Pro

First, it's all about getting organised. Get your ingredients out. Measure everything before you start. This is called mise en place , fancy I know.

It stops you from faffing around later. Grab your 9x13 inch baking pan and line it with parchment. That way, the bars lift right out!.

Keep the butter really cold !

step-by-step to Cherry Bars Recipe Easy

Here's how to make these cherry pie bar recipe .

Preheat your oven to 375° F ( 190° C) .
Mix 2 cups (250g) flour , ¾ cup (150g) sugar , and ½ teaspoon (3g) salt . Cut in 1 cup (227g) cold butter .
Add 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon (5ml) vanilla . Mix until just combined.
Press 2/3 of the dough into your lined pan.
Mix 2 cans (14.5 ounce/411g each) cherry pie filling , 2 tablespoons (16g) cornstarch , 1 tablespoon (15ml) lemon juice , and ½ teaspoon almond extract . Spread on the crust.
Crumble the rest of the dough (or crumble topping ingredients) over the cherry filling .
Bake for 35- 40 minutes . The crust should be golden brown.
Cool completely before cutting.

Pro Tips for Easy Dessert Bars

Don't overmix the dough. Keep that butter chilled ! Trust me, this makes all the difference. Also, a good quality cherry pie filling is important.

Cheap fillings are often too runny. I love adding a sprinkle of almond extract to the filling - it complements the cherry flavour perfectly.

These shortbread cherry bars can be made a day ahead, making them ideal for parties.

These cherry crumble bars are genuinely a winner. They're easy enough for a mid-week easy cherry dessert fix. They're also special enough for a weekend treat.

So, ditch the rolling pin and make these no roll cherry pie bars instead! They're a delightful twist on a classic.

Whether it's a potluck or a bake sale treats , these are bound to be a crowd pleaser.

Right, let's chat about these easy cherry pie bars and how to make them even better! I've made these beauties more times than I can count and have a few insider tips.

Honestly, every time I bake these, I feel like I'm channeling my inner Mary Berry!

**Recipe Notes: Making Your Easy Dessert Bars Epic!**

Let’s dive into the nitty gritty to make sure your cherry pie filling bars are the talk of the bake sale treats !

Serving Like a Pro

Want to wow your mates? For presentation, cut these shortbread cherry bars into neat squares or even triangles. Dust with a little icing sugar for that extra "ooh la la".

Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream it's a total game changer. Or, for a bit of British flair, try them with a cup of hot tea.

The contrast of hot and cold is heavenly. If it's a summer picnic desserts moment, pack them in a cool box, they're perfect for sharing!

Storing Like a Boss

These cherry crumble bars are best stored in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll happily keep for up to 3 days.

Fancy making them ahead? You can freeze them too! Wrap them individually in cling film, then pop them into a freezer bag.

When you're ready to eat them, just thaw them in the fridge overnight. To reheat, a quick zap in the microwave or a few minutes in a low oven (about 300° F ( 149° C) ) will do the trick.

Remixing Your Bars

Feeling adventurous? If cherries aren't your thing, swap them out for mixed berries. A little squeeze of lemon juice will brighten everything up, remember it's always better to add acidity to fruits!

For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in the crust. It works a treat! Using coconut sugar adds a slight caramel touch. I promise it won't disappoint!

Nutrition Lowdown

Okay, so these easy cherry dessert bars aren't exactly health food. One bar is about 250-300 calories. But hey, life's too short to skip dessert! Cherries do have some antioxidants, so you can tell yourself they're practically a superfood!

I promise that the cherry pie bar recipe is as delicious as it is simple to follow. Don’t be intimidated by the chilling time it’s crucial for a flaky crust.

Just go for it, and enjoy the process! You got this!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these easy cherry pie bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, they're even better the next day after the flavors have melded. You can bake the easy cherry pie bars, let them cool completely, and then store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Just like a good cuppa, they're worth waiting for!

My cherry pie filling seems a bit runny. What can I do?

A runny filling is a common issue. To thicken it up, you can gently simmer the cherry pie filling in a saucepan with an extra tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a bit of cold water before adding it to the crust. Let it cool slightly before pouring it in that should sort it out like a proper British fix!

How do I store leftover easy cherry pie bars? Will they go soggy?

To keep your leftover bars from going soggy, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. The fridge will help maintain the crust's texture a bit better, but either way, they are a lovely treat!

I recommend to portion it out and freeze for a longer lasting storage.

Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned filling for these easy cherry pie bars?

Using fresh cherries is definitely an option if you're feeling fancy, or just have a glut of the fruit! You'll need about 4 cups of pitted and halved fresh cherries. Simmer them with ½ cup of sugar, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, and 3 tablespoons of cornstarch until thickened this creates your homemade cherry filling.

It might take some extra time but it'll give a more vibrant, less processed flavour.

I don't have almond extract. Is it essential for these easy cherry pie bars?

Almond extract isn't essential, but it does enhance the cherry flavour beautifully, like adding a wink to a conversation! If you don't have it, you can omit it completely or substitute with a splash of vanilla extract for a slightly different but still delicious result.

You could also try a tiny dash of Amaretto liqueur for a more grown-up flavour.

Can I make these dairy-free or vegan?

Yes, you can easily adapt these bars! For a dairy-free version, use a good quality vegan butter substitute (make sure it's the solid kind) in the crust and crumble. For a vegan version, you'll also need to replace the egg with an egg replacer like applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, left to sit for 5 minutes).

Now that's a win-win!