How to Make a Tray of the Most Delicious Cherry Pie Bars – Easy, Shareable & Irresistibly Flaky!

If you love the sweet-tart richness of cherry pie but dread the hassle of crimping crusts and blind-baking tins — meet your new favorite dessert: Cherry Pie Bars. This genius twist on a classic bakes a full cherry pie into a giant, easy-to-cut tray, so you can serve dozens with zero stress. Think tender shortbread crust, a thick layer of glossy cherry filling, and a buttery crumble top — all in one pan, ready in under an hour. Perfect for potlucks, holidays, or impressing guests without breaking a sweat. And yes — it tastes like it took all day… But really? It’s just pantry staples + canned cherry pie filling magic. Let’s make something deliciously simple — and totally unforgettable. Why You’ll Love These Cherry Pie Bars No pie skills needed – Just mix, press, pour, and bake Feeds a crowd – Great for parties, baby showers, or game day Flaky crust + juicy cherries – Everything you love about pie, in bar form Glaze optional (but highly encouraged!) Freezer-friendly & make-ahead – Bake once, enjoy twice This isn’t just dessert — it’s crowd-pleasing genius.

Cherry Pie Bars (Tray Size)

Makes 36+ bars | Prep: 15 min | Bake: 35–40 min | Total: ~1 hr

Ingredients

For the Crust & Crumble:

2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour

½ cup (100g) granulated sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

¼ tsp salt

1 cup (2 sticks / 227g) cold unsalted butter, cubed

Pro Tip: Use a food processor for fast, flaky results — or cut in by hand with a pastry cutter.

For the Filling:

2 (21 oz) cans cherry pie filling (or homemade)

Optional: 1 tbsp lemon juice (brightens flavor)

For the Glaze (Optional But Divine):

1 cup (120g) powdered sugar

1–2 tbsp milk or cream

½ tsp vanilla extract

Upgrade: Add almond extract to glaze for bakery-style depth!
Step-by-Step Instructions

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