If you’ve ever pined for all the sun-kissed charm of a homemade cherry pie—without the fussiness of crafting a pastry crust—Cherry Pie Bars (From Scratch) are about to become your new obsession. Picture lush, jammy sour cherries tucked between layers of buttery oat crumble, each bite brightened with citrusy zest and a hint of almond; nothing could be simpler or more craveable. A drizzle of almond icing crowns each bar, making them picnic perfect and guaranteed to win new friends at any gathering. From weeknight baking to family parties, Cherry Pie Bars (From Scratch) offer pure, nostalgic comfort in a modern, easy-to-share form.

Cherry Pie Bars (From Scratch) Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Uncomplicated, timeless, and full of flavor—the ingredients for Cherry Pie Bars (From Scratch) are mostly kitchen staples you probably already have. Each plays a vital role in creating addictive flavor contrasts, a toothsome crumb, and glistening, jewel-toned filling.

All-purpose flour: This gives structure and tenderness to the base while supporting the crumble topping.
Old-fashioned whole rolled oats: Oats add hearty texture and a beautiful rustic look; split some for the crust and some for the topping’s extra crunch.
Packed light or dark brown sugar: Brown sugar brings depth and a caramel undertone that distinguishes the bars from your average pie.
Baking powder: Just a touch lifts the base into soft, chewy territory.
Lemon zest: Fresh zest enlivens the crust and complements the cherries’ tangy notes.
Salt: It’s the magic behind all the flavors—without it, the bars would taste flat.
Unsalted butter: Melted butter creates a mix that’s easy to blend and gives the crust its tenderness while crisping the topping.
Pure vanilla extract: Adds cozy, bakery-warmth throughout the crust and crumble.
Cornstarch: Essential for thickening the cherry filling while still letting it stay lusciously gooey.
Frozen sour cherries: The star ingredient; frozen cherries make things easy but you can use fresh if you’re lucky enough to have a bounty.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens and balances the tart cherries perfectly.
Fresh lemon juice: Brightens the fruit filling and enhances that true cherry flavor.
Almond extract: A little in both the filling and the icing gives an irresistible bakery-style aroma.
Confectioners’ sugar: For a smooth, glossy icing that drizzles beautifully over the finished bars.
Milk: Helps loosen the icing to the perfect drizzling consistency.

How to Make Cherry Pie Bars (From Scratch)

Step 1: Prep Your Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving enough overhang on the sides—this makes removing the bars and slicing so much easier. It’s a small step, but you’ll thank yourself at the end when you lift out your perfect Cherry Pie Bars (From Scratch) without any mess.

Step 2: Make the Crust and Crumble

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, 1 cup of oats, brown sugar, baking powder, lemon zest, and salt. Melt the butter, then stir it in with the vanilla extract. This magical mixture pulls double duty—press about two-thirds of it into the prepared pan to form a sturdy base, then bake just until slightly puffed. With the rest, you’ll have a streusel topping for the final layer.

Step 3: Get the Cherry Filling Bubbling

While the crust bakes, set your cherries, sugar, and lemon juice to cook in a saucepan. Let them simmer gently until the cherries begin to release their gorgeous juices. Meanwhile, whisk a little of that juice with cornstarch until smooth, then add it back into the fruit and cook until the mixture thickens fabulously. Stir in a splash of almond extract for that elusive bakery aroma—your whole kitchen will smell like a dream.

Step 4: Layer and Bake

Pour the cherry filling over your just-baked crust, spreading it evenly to the corners. Stir the remaining two tablespoons of oats into your leftover crumble mixture, then sprinkle it all over the cherry layer. Press down gently so you get those irresistible crunchy bits on top. Bake the Cherry Pie Bars (From Scratch) until golden and bubbling, with a few jammy specks sticking to your knife after testing.

Step 5: Cool (Patience!), Ice, and Cut

This is the hardest part—let the pan cool fully on a wire rack. For extra neat bars and quicker chilling, you can transfer the pan to your fridge after an hour. Once cooled, whisk together your almond icing and drizzle over the top; the bars need to be cold for perfect icing stripes. Use the parchment to lift out the whole slab, then cut into squares with a sharp knife, cleaning the blade between slices for those bakery-worthy edges.

How to Serve Cherry Pie Bars (From Scratch)

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar or an extra drizzle of almond icing truly makes Cherry Pie Bars (From Scratch) irresistible. If you’re feeling fancy, try a few toasted slivered almonds or a twist of lemon zest on top for an eye-catching finish and a little extra flavor pop.

Side Dishes

For a celebratory touch, serve your cherry bars alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a cloud of freshly whipped cream. A creamy coffee or cold glass of milk rounds out the whole dessert experience beautifully—these bars sing with just about any classic sweet pairing.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or gifts, layer bars in parchment-lined tins, or wrap individual pieces in wax paper and twine. Arrange them on a tiered cake stand for brunch, or cut tiny squares and serve like petit fours for an elegant dessert table. Cherry Pie Bars (From Scratch) have a rustic beauty that looks stunning in any setting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover bars covered at room temperature for up to two days, or pop them in the fridge for up to a week. They’ll hold their texture and flavor, and you may even find they taste even better the next day as the flavors settle in and mingle.

Freezing

For longer storage, Cherry Pie Bars (From Scratch) freeze beautifully. Just place cooled bars in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. They can hibernate in your freezer for up to three months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving for best texture.

Reheating

Want that fresh-baked taste? Warm individual bars in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds or re-crisp them in a low oven. If serving to a crowd, you can pop a whole batch on a baking sheet and gently heat until just warmed through—a simple trick for fresh-from-the-oven aroma any time.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of frozen for Cherry Pie Bars (From Scratch)?

Absolutely! Fresh sour cherries work wonderfully if they’re in season—just be sure to pit them and adjust the cook time slightly since they release juice a bit faster than frozen ones. The color and burst of flavor will be spectacular.

What if I only have dark sweet cherries, not sour ones?

You can absolutely make this swap, but reduce the sugar in your filling to 1/3 cup and add an extra teaspoon of lemon juice. The bars will be a touch sweeter, but still utterly delicious—that little bit of lemon brings balance.

Can I skip the almond extract?

You can, though almond extract gives Cherry Pie Bars (From Scratch) their signature bakery-style flavor. If you need to omit it for allergies or preference, a splash more vanilla will still make a wonderful treat.

Is it necessary to use parchment paper?

Yes, if you want to easily lift and cut your bars into neat squares! Parchment prevents sticking and makes clean-up a breeze, especially with a juicy filling like this one.

Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?

Definitely! Simply double all ingredients and use a 9 by 13-inch pan. Bake the crust a little longer (about 18 minutes) and up the total bake time after adding the filling and crumble to around one hour, until you see bubbly edges and golden topping.

Final Thoughts

Cherry Pie Bars (From Scratch) are a sincere celebration of summer fruit and home-baked comfort, made easy for busy bakers and pie-lovers alike. Whether you share them at your next family dinner or savor one quietly with morning coffee, these bars are designed to make everyday moments just a little sweeter. Give them a try—you might find your new signature dessert!