Cherry Pie Bars

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These Cherry Pie Bars are the perfect alternative to an all-out pie recipe. This bake uses a shortbread style cookie dough that forms the base and works really well as a crisp contrast to the cherry filling. In this recipe, I use canned cherry pie filling because honestly, why not keep things easy? After baking, add a generous drizzle of glaze for a gorgeous finish.

These bars come together really easily. Build the layers with the cookie base and cherry pie filling then sprinkle remaining cookie dough on top. Don’t worry about covering the entire top, the random pockets mean you get gorgeous bursts of that cherry filling. Finally, decorate by drizzling over a little glaze.

This recipe makes the ideal thick slices of cookie bars. An 8inch pan gives just the right level of depth for this thickness, then I slice into 9 squares. Of course, you could slice in half again to get 18 triangles. This is a fantastic bake to make ahead of time. It will hold up well in the refrigerator or just in an airtight container overnight or until ready to serve.

Cherry Pie: A Brief History

Cherry pie has a rich history that reflects the broader evolution of pies in general. The origins of pie can be traced back to ancient civilizations, with the earliest known pies made by the Egyptians around 2000 BC, primarily filled with meats. However, fruit pies, including cherry pie, became popular much later.

Early History

• Medieval Europe: The concept of sweet pies began to emerge in medieval Europe, where fruits were preserved in various forms. Recipes for fruit pies, including those using cherries, began appearing in cookbooks in the late Middle Ages.

18th and 19th Centuries

• American Adoption: Cherry pie gained particular popularity in the United States in the 18th and 19th centuries, especially as settlers moved westward and cherries became more widely cultivated. The pie became associated with American culture, symbolizing home and comfort.
• Regional Variations: Different regions developed their own variations, often influenced by local cherry varieties. For example, the use of sour cherries in the Midwest became quite popular.

Cultural Significance

• National Cherry Pie Day: Celebrated on February 20, cherry pie is often seen as a symbol of American heritage. It’s famously mentioned in literature and songs, further embedding it in the cultural landscape.
• Presidential Favorite: Cherry pie is famously linked to George Washington, who is often mythologized as having chopped down a cherry tree. This connection has further romanticized the pie as a symbol of American innocence and nostalgia.

Modern Era

• Contemporary Trends: Today, cherry pie remains a beloved dessert in American households and is often featured in festivals, state fairs, and community events. Variations include using different crusts, toppings, or additional flavors, but the classic version is still cherished.

Cherry pie has evolved from its ancient roots to become a quintessential American dessert, celebrating both the fruit and the tradition of baking.

INGREDIENTS REQUIRED

There are no specialist ingredients or equipment required for this bake. I can find everything I need at my local supermarket or grocery store. Also, I use a standard 8 inch square tin for almost all of my traybake recipes for ease. If you do want to convert to 9 inch, you’ll need to play with the quantities a little or they will be too thin. To line a square baking tin, cut two pieces of baking paper that are just narrower than the width of the tin (less than 8 inches wide). Then place one on top of the other in opposite directions, so that all four edges of the tin are covered. This will make removing the bake so much easier! 

• Granulated Sugar
• Plain (All Purpose) Flour
• Baking Powder
• Unsalted Butter
• Cherry Pie Filling

TIPS FOR GREAT Cherry Pie Bars

• Melted Butter: This is what gives these bars that perfectly gooey texture. You can use salted butter in a pinch!
• Cherry Pie Filling: Absolutely feel free to make your own based off your favorite recipe. This recipe utilises the canned variety to keep things affordable and approachable. As always, play around and do what feels best for you!
• Cookie Dough: This should be fairly crumbly. Use your hands to really press it into the lined pan. Make sure to reserve a good amount to sprinkle over the top of the cherry filling. To sprinkle it, I break it up into parts and sprinkle between my fingers. It’ll look rustic and homemade, which I absolutely adore in a bake.
• Bake Time: The cherry filling will have some wobble when you remove the bake from the oven. Don’t worry if there is some wobble, the bars will firm up as they cool down.

For my Cherry Pie Bars I use a basic 8′ square pan (I like this one). I also recommend a good stand mixer or high speed mixer (like this one) to make the base cookie mixture. If you want more fun baking recipe ideas, check out my Nutter Butter Cookie Bars. For videos and baking inspiration, head on over to my Instagram. If you make this recipe, don’t forget to drop it a star rating, leave a review or share a photo on your socials!

STORAGE/MAKE AHEAD FOR MY Cherry Pie Bars

Because the cookie bars contain dairy, these are best stored in the refrigerator. Place in an airtight container before placing in the refrigerator. They will keep for up to 3-5 days this way. A cake tin is a great option if you have one. It can sit out while you serve and eat, just be sure to put into the fridge if leaving out for a long time. You can also leave at room temperature (in a pantry or cupboard, for example), provided they are in an airtight container.

Alternatively, you can freeze the cookie bars. Completely wrap as tight as you can using cling film/Saran wrap. If you have an airtight container too, place it in there before freezing. Let thaw in the fridge before serving!