A quick, flexible, and flavorful cherry dessert bar recipe using pantry staples and bursting with cherry flavor.

Scale

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

1¾ cups granulated sugar

4 large eggs

1½ teaspoons vanilla extract (alcohol-free)

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling or homemade cherry compote

1 cup powdered sugar

2 tablespoons milk or plant-based milk

Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13” baking pan.

Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

Add eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.

Gradually mix in flour until batter forms.

Spread two-thirds of the batter into pan.

Layer cherry pie filling evenly on top.

Dollop remaining batter over the filling.

Bake 35–40 minutes until golden and toothpick comes out clean.

Let cool. Mix glaze and drizzle over bars.

Slice and serve once fully set.

Fresh cherries can be used with proper thickening.

Freeze well for up to 3 months.

Customizable with different fruit fillings or added crunch.

Keywords: cherry bars, easy cherry dessert, fruit cake bar, summer dessert