How to Make Sweet-Tart & Crumbly Cherry Dessert Bars

Cherry dessert bars are a nostalgic, fruit-forward treat you need to bake when you want something both vibrant and satisfying.

These bars are layered with a tender crust, a thick cherry filling—using either canned cherry pie filling or homemade cooked cherries—and a soft crumble topping that bakes into golden perfection.

If you use tart cherries, I suggest sweetening them while cooking with sugar and lemon juice.

The crust is buttery and crumbly, almost like shortbread, and works as both the base and the topping.

These are easy to slice, travel well, and make a colorful addition to any dessert table or coffee break.

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Recipe Overview

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Ingredients

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Tools You’ll Need (with Alternatives)

• 8×8 inch baking pan (or 9×9 inch pan)
• Large mixing bowl (or deep salad bowl)
• Fork or pastry cutter (or clean hands)
• Measuring cups and spoons (or digital scale)
• Rubber spatula (or wooden spoon)
• Parchment paper (or greased foil)
• Small saucepan (if using fresh cherries)

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How to Make Cherry Dessert Bars

These bars follow a simple 3-part process: mix the crust, layer the cherry filling, then bake with a crumble topping.

Here’s how to do it right.

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Step 1: Make the Crust & Topping

In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add cold cubed butter and blend using a fork, pastry cutter, or your fingers until the mixture is crumbly.

Reserve about ¾ cup of this for the topping.

Press the remaining mixture into a parchment-lined baking pan to form a firm crust. Use your hands or the back of a spoon to press it evenly.

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes until set but not browned. Let it cool slightly.

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Step 2: Prepare the Cherry Filling

If using canned cherry pie filling, stir in vanilla extract or almond extract to brighten the flavor.

If using fresh or frozen cherries, simmer them with a bit of sugar and cornstarch in a saucepan until thickened, then cool slightly before using.

Spread the cherry mixture evenly over the pre-baked crust.

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Step 3: Add the Crumble & Bake

Sprinkle the reserved crumble topping over the cherry layer, keeping it loose and uneven for a rustic finish.

Return to the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes or until the topping is golden and the cherry filling is bubbling slightly.

Let the bars cool completely in the pan—at least 1 hour before slicing.

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Step 4: Glaze and Slice

If using glaze, mix powdered sugar with 1–2 teaspoons of milk or lemon juice and drizzle over cooled bars.

Slice into neat squares and serve at room temperature or chilled.

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Decoration & Serving Tips

• Add a drizzle of glaze just before serving
• Sprinkle with sliced almonds for crunch and contrast
• Top with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream
• Dust lightly with powdered sugar for a classic finish

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Variations to Try

• Cherry Almond Bars: Add ¼ tsp almond extract and top with slivered almonds
• Chocolate Cherry Bars: Mix ¼ cup mini chocolate chips into the topping
• Cherry Cream Cheese Bars: Spread 3 oz sweetened cream cheese over crust before adding filling
• Mixed Berry Bars: Replace half the cherries with blueberries or raspberries

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Storing Tips

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 day
• Refrigerate for up to 5 days for best texture
• Freeze slices individually wrapped for up to 2 months

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Extra Tips

• Drain canned cherry filling if it looks too runny
• Press crust firmly so it doesn’t crumble when slicing
• Let bars cool completely before cutting for clean edges
• Use parchment for easy lifting out of the pan

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Common Mistakes & Fixes

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Let’s Make and Share Cherry Dessert Bars

Cherry dessert bars are tart, sweet, and irresistibly buttery—and they slice up beautifully for any occasion.

Try them and let us know your twist in the comments below!