Go Back
sour cherry pie bars recipe

Sour Cherry Pie Bars

Emma F., smiling female cake chef wearing a pastel pink apron in a cozy kitchenEmma F.
These sour cherry pie bars are the perfect blend of tart and sweet, ideal for summer gatherings and easy to share.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12 bars
Calories 290 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 9x13-inch baking dish greased
  • 1 saucepan
  • 1 Mixing Bowl large

Ingredients
  

Crust

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened

Filling

  • 4 cups sour cherries pitted
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 3 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking.
  • In a large mixing bowl, mix flour and sugar. Cut in butter until the mixture forms coarse crumbs.
  • Press two-thirds of the crust mixture into the bottom of a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.

Make the Filling

  • In a saucepan, combine cherries, sugar, and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat until thickened.
  • Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Allow the filling to cool slightly.

Assemble and Bake

  • Spread the cherry filling evenly over the pressed crust. Sprinkle the remaining crust mixture on top.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 40-50 minutes, until the top is golden brown and filling is bubbly.

Serving and Storage

  • Allow the bars to cool completely in the baking dish before cutting them into squares.
  • Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Notes

Pro Tips: Use cold butter for a flaky crust. Allow bars to cool before cutting.
Ingredient Substitutions: Try almond extract or a crumb topping.
How to Serve: Pair with ice cream or whipped cream.
Storage & Freshness: Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Make-Ahead Tips: Prepare the crust and filling in advance, then assemble and bake on the day of serving.
Keyword cherry dessert bars, easy pie bars, sour cherry pie bars