Cherry pie bars are the perfect dessert—easy to make, deliciously satisfying, and ideal for any occasion. Why fuss with a traditional pie when you can enjoy all the same flavors in a convenient, crowd-pleasing bar? These treats offer the perfect balance of tart cherry filling, buttery crust, and a sweet glaze that makes every bite irresistible.
Unlike complicated pies that require rolling dough and careful assembly, cherry pie bars come together effortlessly. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, celebrating a special occasion, or simply craving something sweet, these bars deliver homemade comfort without the hassle. Plus, their portable nature makes them great for sharing—picnics, potlucks, and bake sales will never be the same!
In addition to their convenience, cherry pie bars offer a burst of flavor that traditional cookies or cakes just can’t match. The rich, fruity filling contrasts beautifully with the soft, melt-in-your-mouth crust, making every bite feel indulgent. And let’s not forget the drizzle of sweet glaze, as it adds the perfect finishing touch to elevate this dessert to gourmet status.
So, if you’re looking for a treat that’s both effortless and extraordinary, cherry pie bars are the answer. Bake them once, and they’ll become your new favorite go-to dessert!
What are Montmorency Cherries?
This recipe starts with tart cherries, such as Montmorency cherries. We picked these cherries in Door County, Wisconsin, but they can also be found in several other states such as Michigan, Utah, New York, Washington, Oregon, and Pennsylvania. In fact, Michigan is the top producer of these tart treats, with 75% of the total US crop being produced there. So, if you’re near an orchard in any of these regions, gather your friends or bring the kids for some cherry-picking fun and fill your buckets with these delicious fruits. Tart cherries can be used in baking either fresh, canned or frozen. Additionally, they can even be dehydrated or freeze dried for longer storage.
Health Benefits of Montmorency cherries
Tart cherries are a powerhouse of nutrition and health benefits. Unlike their sweeter counterparts, tart cherries have a distinctively tangy flavor and are often used in juices, dried snacks, and baked goods. Here are some nutritional facts about tart cherries and why they deserve a place in your diet.
One cup of tart cherry contains:
- Calories: 87
- Fat: 0.3g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 17.7g
- Protein: 1.4g
- Vitamin C: 9.7mg
- Potassium: 306mg
- Calcium: 17.9mg
- Magnesium: 15.2mg
Tart cherries are particularly rich in antioxidants and polyphenols, which contribute to their numerous health benefits:
- Muscle Recovery: Studies suggest that tart cherry juice can help reduce muscle soreness and inflammation, thus making it popular among athletes.
- Improved Sleep: Tart cherries contain melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep cycles, potentially aiding in better sleep quality.
- Heart Health: The high levels of potassium and polyphenols in tart cherries may support cardiovascular health by reducing blood pressure and improving circulation.
- Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Tart cherries have been linked to reduced inflammation, which may help with conditions like arthritis.
- Boosts Brain Function: The antioxidants in tart cherries may protect brain cells from oxidative damage, potentially improving cognitive function. In essence, this reduces the risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s disease.
Compared to sweet cherries, tart cherries contain 20 times more vitamin A and up to five times more antioxidants, making them a superior choice for boosting overall health.
Cherry Pie Bars Preparation, Servings, and Storage
Cherry pie bars are straightforward to prepare and take just over an hour to prepare from start to finish. Even more exciting, one sheet pan full of delicious bars yields 28-32 servings. Bring a pan full as your dish to pass or serve at your own party to impress your guests. Cherry pie bars can be stored at room temperature for up to 4 days, refrigerated for a week, or even frozen for up to three months.
Looking for Other Delicious Bars to Serve at Your Party? Try:
Cherry Pie Bars
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Ingredients
- 3 Pints Montmorency cherries, canned (4½ cups)
- 1/3 cup Tapioca flour
- 1 cup Butter, softened
- 2 cups Sugar
- 4 Eggs
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract
- 3 cups Flour
- 1 tsp Sea salt
Icing
- 1 cup Powdered sugar
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract
- 3 tbsp Heavy cream
Instructions
- In a 4 quart saucepan, bring cherries and tapioca flour to a boil. Simmer for approximately 5 minutes or until the juice has thickened. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Preheat the oven to 350℉
- Beat butter for one minute in a stand mixer with the paddle attachment.
- Add the sugar and beat again until combined, light, and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs and vanilla.
- Add the flour and salt into the mixer. Mix slowly until all of the ingredients are combined.
- Grease a 15x11 sheet pan.
- Spread 3/4 of the batter evenly onto the sheet pan using a slightly damp spatula.
- Bake for 35 minutes.
- Remove the sheet pan from the oven and allow to cool for 20 minutes before icing.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the powdered sugar, vanilla, and heavy cream.
- Drizzle the icing over the entire cherry bars.
- Cut into 28 squares. Can be served warm or room temperature.
Nutrition
