Why You’ll Love Cherry Lemon Bars
If you’re craving a dessert that’s both sweet and tangy, cherry lemon bars are your new best friend. These delightful treats combine the zesty brightness of lemon with the rich, fruity depth of cherry pie filling. The buttery shortbread crust adds a melt-in-your-mouth texture that perfectly balances the vibrant flavors. Whether you’re planning a spring brunch, summer picnic, or just need a cheerful pick-me-up, these lemon cherry bars are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
What makes this cherry lemon dessert extra special is how easy it is to prepare. With simple pantry staples like flour, butter, and powdered sugar, you can whip up a batch in under an hour. Plus, the vibrant cherry topping makes them look as good as they taste. If you’ve ever enjoyed a classic lemon bar, you’ll love this fruity twist that turns them into cherry lemon squares with a punch of personality.
In This Article, You’ll Learn:
- How to make easy cherry lemon bars with simple ingredients
- Why cherry lemon desserts are trending for spring and summer
- A shortcut for getting the perfect crust every time
Table of Contents
Ingredients to make Cherry Lemon Squares
To make these irresistible cherry lemon squares, you’ll need a handful of baking basics and a few fresh ingredients. Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this lemon cherry dessert to life:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 4 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2–3 lemons)
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1 1/2 cups cherry pie filling
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Time needed to make Lemon Cherry Bars
These easy cherry lemon bars come together quickly, making them perfect for last-minute gatherings or spontaneous baking sessions. Here’s a quick breakdown of the time you’ll need:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45–50 minutes
- Total Time: About 1 hour and 15 minutes (including cooling)
While you wait for them to chill, you can browse more healthy muffin recipes to pair with your dessert spread.
Quick Steps to Make Lemon Bars with Cherry Topping
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang for easy removal.
Step 2
In a medium bowl, mix together the melted butter, 2 cups flour, powdered sugar, and salt until a crumbly dough forms. Press evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
Step 3
Bake the crust for 18–20 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges. While it bakes, prepare the lemon filling.
Step 4
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, 1/4 cup flour, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth and slightly frothy.
Step 5
Once the crust is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Spoon the cherry pie filling evenly over the warm crust.
Step 6
Gently pour the lemon mixture over the cherry layer, tilting the pan slightly to distribute the liquid evenly.
Step 7
Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the center is just set and the edges are lightly browned.
Step 8
Let the bars cool completely, then chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours before cutting. Dust with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.
Pro Tips & Tasty Tweaks:
Y’all, I’ve been making these since my mama taught me how to zest a lemon back in our tiny Southern kitchen. Here’s how to make ’em even better:
- Swap out cherry pie filling for raspberry preserves for a tart twist.
- Use almond flour for a gluten-free version that still holds together beautifully.
- Chill the crust dough for 10 minutes before baking for a firmer base.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days—just let them sit at room temp for 10 minutes before serving.
Is Cherry Lemon Bar Recipe healthy and nutritious?
While cherry lemon bars are a sweet indulgence, they do offer some nutritional perks when enjoyed in moderation. Each bar contains approximately 220–250 calories, depending on portion size and ingredients used. The eggs provide a good source of protein, while the lemon juice and zest offer a natural dose of vitamin C.
The crust, made with butter and flour, adds richness, while the cherry topping brings in antioxidants. Sour cherry lemon combinations are known for their anti-inflammatory properties, making this dessert more than just a pretty face.
If you’re looking for a lighter treat, you might also enjoy these lemon bundt cake options or a refreshing homemade lemonade to pair with your bars.
Can I make Lemon Cherry Treats healthier and still delicious?
Absolutely! You can enjoy lemon cherry treats without compromising your health goals. Here are a few smart swaps to lighten up your cherry lemon bar recipe:
- Use coconut sugar or monk fruit sweetener instead of granulated sugar.
- Swap the all-purpose flour with almond or oat flour for a gluten-free option.
- Replace butter with coconut oil or a plant-based alternative for a dairy-free version.
- Use low-sugar cherry pie filling or make your own with fresh cherries and a touch of honey.
For more inspiration, check out our healthy muffin recipes or these apple-based snacks that are both nutritious and satisfying.
Looking for more citrus-forward ideas? Try this blender lemon bread or a classic lemon bar recipe with a healthier twist.
How to Serve Cherry Lemon Bars?
Cherry lemon bars are versatile and can be served in so many delightful ways. Here are a few ideas to elevate your presentation:
- Dust with powdered sugar and garnish with fresh mint for a polished look.
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or lemon sorbet for a refreshing contrast.
- Pair with a glass of homemade lemonade or a fruity iced tea.
- Make it part of a dessert board alongside oatmeal cookies and Meyer lemon tiramisu.
For a savory contrast, serve them after a citrusy main dish like lemon chicken and orzo or a lemon garlic chicken bake.
Avoid These Mistakes
Even the best bakers can run into trouble with cherry lemon squares. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them:
- Undercooking the crust: Make sure the crust is golden before adding the filling. A soggy base ruins the texture.
- Using bottled lemon juice: Fresh lemon juice and zest are key for that bright, tangy flavor.
- Overloading with cherry filling: Too much can make the bars runny. Stick to the recommended 1 1/2 cups.
- Skipping the chill time: These bars need time to set. Chill for at least 2 hours before slicing.
For more baking success, explore our easy cookie recipes or try a lemon blueberry pancake recipe for breakfast treats.
Need more lemony ideas? This shortbread crust lemon bar guide is a great resource.
The best way to store leftover Lemon Cherry Blondies
To keep your lemon cherry blondies fresh and flavorful, follow these storage tips:
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freeze: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Let frozen bars thaw in the fridge overnight or microwave for 10–15 seconds.
- Room Temp: If serving the same day, keep them covered at room temperature for up to 6 hours.
For more make-ahead ideas, check out our healthy oatmeal recipes or lemon tiramisu for citrusy inspiration.
Want more citrus-forward meals? Try this lemon garlic chicken bake or lemon chicken and orzo for dinner ideas.
Ready to give Cherry Lemon Bars a try?
Cherry lemon bars are the perfect blend of sweet, tart, and buttery goodness. Whether you’re baking for a party, a picnic, or just because, this cherry lemon bar recipe is a guaranteed hit. With their vibrant color and refreshing flavor, they’re a standout among lemon cherry treats.
Don’t forget to explore more citrusy delights like our Meyer lemon tiramisu, healthy muffins, easy oatmeal cookies, and nutritious oatmeal bowls to round out your dessert table.
Cherry Lemon Bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 4 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1 1/2 cups cherry pie filling
- powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Equipment
- 9x13-inch baking dish
- mixing bowls
- Rubber spatula
- zester or microplane
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang for easy removal.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the melted butter, 2 cups flour, powdered sugar, and salt until a crumbly dough forms. Press evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Bake the crust for 18–20 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges. While it bakes, prepare the lemon filling.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, 1/4 cup flour, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth and slightly frothy.
- Once the crust is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Spoon the cherry pie filling evenly over the warm crust.
- Gently pour the lemon mixture over the cherry layer, tilting the pan slightly to distribute the liquid evenly.
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the center is just set and the edges are lightly browned.
- Let the bars cool completely, then chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours before cutting. Dust with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.
Nutrition
Notes
Private Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh cherries instead of pie filling?
Yes! You can cook down fresh cherries with a bit of sugar and cornstarch to create your own filling. Just make sure it’s thick enough to layer without running.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Absolutely. Swap the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix or almond flour. Just note that texture may vary slightly.
Do I need to refrigerate cherry lemon bars?
Yes, for best results. Refrigerating helps the bars set and enhances the flavor. They’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days in the fridge.
Can I freeze lemon cherry bars?
Yes, they freeze beautifully. Wrap them individually and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
What’s the best way to cut these bars cleanly?
Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped clean between cuts. Chilling the bars thoroughly before slicing also helps.
