Easy Cherry Pie Sugar Cookie Bars
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When I was growing up, my mom would occasionally treat us to homemade pie. Quite often, she would make one cherry and one apple pie. My favorite was always the cherry pie. I loved the taste of that bright red cherry filling—it was sweet, tart, and juicy all at once. My mom had a special touch; she would sprinkle sugar over the top of the pie crust before baking, creating a sweet, sugary sheen that added an extra layer of delight to every bite.
Imagine my excitement when I discovered a simple way to recreate that beloved cherry pie flavor in the form of cherry pie bars, using a pouch of sugar cookie mix. These Easy Cherry Pie Sugar Cookie Bars are a game-changer, allowing me to satisfy my cherry pie cravings in a jiffy. The sugar cookie mix creates an amazing crust that beautifully mimics the sugary sheen of my mom’s pie. The secret to enhancing the flavor even further? A little almond extract added to the can of cherry pie filling—it truly elevates the taste to a whole new level.
I made these bars for a neighborhood gathering, and they were an absolute hit. Everyone loved them, and I received countless compliments. This recipe is definitely one to keep in my arsenal of easy, impressive sweet treats that are perfect for sharing with guests. Whether you’re a fan of cherry pie or just looking for a delightful dessert to serve, these Cherry Pie Sugar Cookie Bars are sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients for Easy Cherry Pie Sugar Cookie Bars
- SUGAR COOKIE MIX (I USED BETTY CROCKER)
- BUTTER
- EGG
- ALMOND EXTRACT
- CHERRY PIE FILLING
Instructions for Easy Cherry Pie Sugar Cookie Bars
Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9 x 9-inch baking pan to ensure the bars don’t stick.
Make the Dough: In a medium bowl, combine the sugar cookie mix with melted butter and an egg. Stir until a thick dough forms. Take 3/4 cup of the dough and set it aside for later.
Form the Crust: Press the remaining dough into the greased 9 x 9-inch baking pan, spreading it evenly to form the base.
Prepare the Filling: In a separate bowl, mix the almond extract with the cherry pie filling until well combined. Spread this mixture over the sugar cookie dough in the baking pan.
Add Topping: Break up the reserved 3/4 cup of dough into small chunks and sprinkle them over the cherry pie filling, creating a delightful crumbly topping.
Bake and Cool: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Once done, allow the bars to cool completely before slicing and serving. This recipe makes 9-12 delicious bars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of fruit filling?
Yes, you can substitute the cherry pie filling with other fruit fillings such as lemon, blueberry, peach, or apple pie filling. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture may vary slightly depending on the fruit used.
Can I make these cherry bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare these bars a day or two in advance. Simply store them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
Can I use homemade sugar cookie dough instead of the mix?
Yes, you can use homemade sugar cookie dough if you prefer. Just prepare the dough according to your favorite recipe and follow the instructions for pressing it into the baking pan and reserving 3/4 cup for the topping.
How do I know when these dessert bars are done baking?
The bars are done when the edges are golden brown and the center is set. This typically takes about 20-30 minutes, but keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t overbake.
How should I store the leftover homemade cherry pie bars?
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can place them in the fridge for up to a week.
Can I freeze these bars?
Yes, you can freeze the bars. Once they have cooled completely, place them in a freezer-safe container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
What can I serve these bars with?
These Cherry Pie Sugar Cookie Bars are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra special treat.
For more Cherry Desserts like this, try:
Easy Cherry Pie Sugar Cookie Bars
Real Mom Kitchen
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lb pkg sugar cookie mix (I used Betty Crocker)
- ½ cup butter melted
- 1 egg
- ¼ tsp almond extract
- 21 oz can cherry pie filling
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 and grease a 9 x 9 inch baking pan.
- In a medium bowl, combine the sugar cookie mix with the melted butter and egg. Stir until thick a dough forms.
- Take 3/4 cup of the dough and set aside.
- Press the remaining dough into a greased 9×9 square baking pan.
- In a separate bowl, combine the almond extract with the cherry pie filling. Spread the filling over the sugar cookie dough in baking dish.
- Break up remaining 3/4 cup dough that was set aside into small chunks and sprinkle over top of cherry pie filling.
- Bake at 375 for 20-30 minutes, or until edges are golden brown. Cool before slicing and serving. Makes 9-12 bars.
Nutrition
Recipe adapted from Mostly Homemade Mom.
