Welcome to the world of effortless baking, where deliciousness meets simplicity! Forget complicated recipes with long ingredient lists and endless steps. Our 2 Ingredient Cherry Bars are the ultimate dessert hack, proving that you don’t need much to create something truly spectacular. All it takes is a box of angel food cake mix and a can of cherry pie filling, and you’re just minutes away from a light, fluffy, and incredibly flavorful treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
The Easiest Cherry Bars You’ll Ever Make
Following the tremendous success and popularity of our two-ingredient lemon bars, we embarked on a mission to explore other delightful flavor combinations using the same incredibly simple formula. We’ve experimented with various fruits, and these cherry bars have quickly risen to the top as a new household favorite. Their vibrant color and sweet-tart flavor make them an especially wonderful choice for festive occasions like Valentine’s Day, but honestly, they’re so easy and satisfying, you’ll want to make them all year round.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its almost unbelievable simplicity. We’ve made these cherry bars multiple times, perfecting the balance and ensuring consistent results before bringing this gem to you. It’s been a week filled with delightful recipe testing and creative kitchen adventures. We even whipped up some two-ingredient peach bars, further solidifying our commitment to bringing you the easiest, most delicious recipes imaginable. Get ready to impress your family and friends with minimal effort!
Why You’ll Love These 2-Ingredient Cherry Bars
- Unbelievably Simple: Only two ingredients! Seriously, it doesn’t get any easier than this.
- Quick to Prepare: With minimal prep time, you can have these bars in the oven in under 10 minutes.
- Budget-Friendly: Made with common pantry staples, this dessert is kind to your wallet.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves the light texture and fruity flavor of these bars.
- Versatile: Perfect for last-minute desserts, potlucks, holidays, or a simple weeknight treat.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable to various dietary needs and flavor preferences.
The Magic Behind Just Two Ingredients
You might be wondering how just two ingredients can transform into such a delightful dessert. The secret lies in the unique properties of angel food cake mix. Unlike traditional cake mixes, angel food cake mix doesn’t require eggs, oil, or water to be added. It’s designed to activate with just liquid, creating a light, airy, and spongy texture. When combined with the sweet, thick, and flavorful cherry pie filling, the two ingredients work in harmony to create a moist, cake-like bar with bursts of juicy cherry goodness. The pie filling provides both moisture and intense fruit flavor, eliminating the need for any additional liquids or flavorings.
2 Ingredient Cherry Bars Recipe Details
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for these incredible cherry bars is as simple as the recipe itself. Here’s what you’ll need to create this epic dessert:
- Angel Food Cake Mix: One standard box (usually 16 ounces). We often use Pillsbury Angel Food Cake Mix for its consistent quality, but any good quality boxed angel food cake mix will work perfectly. Ensure it’s the “just add water” type, although in this recipe, we’re swapping water for pie filling!
- Cherry Pie Filling: One can (typically 21 ounces). This is where all the wonderful cherry flavor and moisture come from. The plump cherries and sweet-tart sauce are essential to the bar’s deliciousness. You can find this in the baking aisle of any grocery store.
Equipment Needed for Success
While the ingredients list is short, having the right basic kitchen tools will make your baking experience even smoother:
- Large Mixing Bowl and Spatula: Essential for gently combining your two ingredients without deflating the cake mix too much. We recommend mixing by hand to avoid overmixing, which can happen easily with an electric mixer.
- 9 x 13 Inch Baking Dish: This size is ideal for ensuring your bars bake evenly and achieve the perfect height. A glass or ceramic dish works wonderfully.
- Parchment Paper: A true baker’s best friend! We highly recommend lining your baking dish with parchment paper. This makes for incredibly easy removal of the baked bars, prevents sticking, and makes cleanup a breeze. We especially love using pre-cut parchment sheets – they save time and effort.
Step-by-Step: How to Make 2 Ingredient Cherry Bars
Here are the straightforward steps to making these delightful cherry bars. The full recipe card below provides specific measurements and additional notes for perfection.
- Combine Ingredients: In your large mixing bowl, gently combine the entire box of angel food cake mix with the can of cherry pie filling. Use your spatula to mix until just combined. The mixture will be thick and somewhat sticky. Be careful not to overmix!
- Prepare Baking Pan: Line your 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper. For extra security against movement, you can lightly grease the bottom of the pan with a tiny bit of butter or non-stick spray before placing the parchment paper.
- Pour and Spread: Carefully pour the cherry bar mixture into the prepared parchment-lined baking pan. Use your spatula to gently spread the mixture evenly across the bottom of the pan.
- Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C) for approximately 28-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool Completely: This step is crucial! Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before attempting to cut them. This ensures they set properly and are easy to slice.
Preparation, Storage, and Serving Tips
Make Ahead: While these bars are delightful when fresh, angel food cake is known for its light, airy texture which tends to deflate as it cools and ages. For the best presentation and fluffiness, we recommend making them closer to the time of serving. If you must prepare them in advance, aim for no more than a few hours beforehand to retain their optimal texture.
Storage: Store any leftover Cherry Bars in an airtight container. They will keep well at room temperature for up to three days. For extended freshness, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to five days. Ensure they are completely cool before storing to prevent condensation.
Freezing/How to Freeze: These cherry bars freeze beautifully, making them perfect for meal prep or a quick grab-and-go treat! To freeze, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then an additional layer of aluminum foil. Transfer the wrapped bars to a large, freezer-safe Ziploc bag or container. You can also freeze the entire block of bars in the baking dish by covering it securely with plastic wrap and foil. Enjoy your frozen leftovers within three months for the best quality.
How to Reheat: Since angel food cake is a delicate, dairy-free dessert, it’s best enjoyed at room temperature or slightly chilled from the fridge. Reheating in a microwave can alter the texture, making it tough or rubbery. Simply let them thaw at room temperature if frozen, or enjoy directly from the refrigerator.
Recipe Variations to Try
The simplicity of this recipe makes it a fantastic canvas for creative variations:
- Substitutions: Feel free to use any quality boxed angel food cake mix. Different brands might vary slightly in texture, but the core outcome remains delicious.
- Vegetarian Option: Good news! These two-ingredient dessert bars are naturally vegetarian, making them a worry-free choice for many.
- Vegan Option: To make this recipe vegan, simply use a vegan-friendly angel food cake mix. Always double-check ingredient labels to ensure it meets your dietary requirements.
- Gluten-Free: For those on a gluten-free diet, ensure both your angel food cake mix and cherry pie filling are certified gluten-free. Many brands offer gluten-free alternatives for both ingredients.
- Smaller or Larger Servings: The base recipe yields approximately 24 servings from one box of angel food cake mix and one 21-ounce can of pie filling. This recipe is incredibly easy to scale – simply halve, double, or even triple the ingredients as needed for your gathering size.
- Make It Spicy: For a warm, comforting twist, add a few dashes of ground cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg to the mixture. This will elevate the cherry flavor with a cozy, spiced aroma, reminiscent of a classic cherry pie.
- Sugar-Free: If you’re managing sugar intake, you can make these bars sugar-free by using a sugar-free angel food cake mix and a “no-sugar-added” cherry pie filling. This allows you to enjoy the deliciousness with fewer calories and less sugar.
Please remember that nutritional information provided is an estimate and can vary significantly based on the specific brands and products you choose to use.
Pro Tips for the Best Cherry Bars
- Parchment Paper Trick: To keep your parchment paper from shifting while you pour the batter, rub a tiny bit of butter or non-stick spray along the bottom of the pan before laying down the parchment. This simple trick provides grip.
- Gentle Mixing is Key: Angel food cake mix is incredibly light and airy. When combining it with the pie filling, use a large spatula and mix by hand with slow, gentle movements. Avoid using a KitchenAid Mixer or hand mixer, as the high speed can cause the light powder to fly everywhere, creating a messy counter and potentially deflating the batter.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix only until the ingredients are just combined and no dry streaks of cake mix remain. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tougher bars, and will also deflate the light cake mix.
- Embrace the Deflation: Don’t be alarmed if your cherry bars deflate slightly as they cool after coming out of the oven. This is completely normal for angel food cake-based desserts as the air leaves the cake. They will still be wonderfully moist and delicious!
- Cool Completely for Clean Cuts: Patience is a virtue here! Allowing the bars to cool completely is crucial for achieving clean, neat slices. If you cut them while warm, they tend to be sticky and crumble.
What to Serve with 2 Ingredient Cherry Bars
These two-ingredient Cherry Bars, with their light cake and fruity filling, are a fantastic dessert on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a variety of other dishes. They make a perfect ending to any meal, especially during warmer months or casual gatherings. Here are some suggestions for delightful accompaniments:
Dessert Pairings: For an extra special treat, serve these bars with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, a dollop of fresh whipped cream, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. A light dusting of powdered sugar just before serving also adds an elegant touch.
Main Dishes: These bars are light enough to follow a variety of main courses. Consider them after:
- Grilled Balsamic Chicken Skewers
- Easy Crab Rolls and Sliders
- Jalapeño Beer Brats
- Sweet and Spicy Chicken Skewers
- BLT Burger with Avocado Aioli
Sides that Complement: For a balanced meal, light and refreshing sides work well:
- Grilled Avocados
- Air Fryer Corn on the Cob
- Pulled Pork Parfait
- Kool-Aid Pickles
- Easy Macaroni Salad
- Broccoli Slaw
- Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
- Creamy Spinach Artichoke Dip
Drinks to Pair With: Enjoy these bars with a refreshing beverage, especially during warmer weather:
- Bahama Mama Popsicle
- Strawberry Basil Lemonade Cocktail
- Watermelon Agua Fresca
- Make-Ahead Freezer Strawberry Margaritas
- Blueberry Mojito Popsicle
When to Serve These Easy Cherry Bars
The versatility and ease of these cherry bars make them suitable for almost any occasion:
- Summer Gatherings: Their light and fruity profile makes them ideal for backyard barbecues, picnics, and pool parties.
- Potlucks: When you need a quick, impressive, and travel-friendly dessert, these bars are a perfect choice.
- Fourth of July: Their vibrant red color makes them a festive addition to any patriotic celebration.
- Labor Day: A wonderful, easy dessert to enjoy as summer winds down.
- Valentine’s Day: The rich cherry flavor is perfect for a romantic, homemade treat.
- Holiday Feasts: A lighter dessert option amidst heavier holiday fare.
- Anytime You Crave Dessert: Because sometimes, you just need a delicious treat without all the fuss!
Great Recipe Collections for More Inspiration
If you love simple, delicious recipes, be sure to explore these other fantastic collections:
- Cherry Pie Filling Recipes: Discover a plethora of desserts made with delicious cherries beyond just pie.
- 3 Ingredient Recipes: Expand your repertoire with even more incredibly easy recipes that only require three simple ingredients.
- Easy Dessert Recipes with 5 Ingredients or Less: For those days when you need a sweet fix without a lengthy grocery list or complex steps.
- 70+ Easy Potluck Recipes: Take the stress out of group gatherings with a wide array of effortless dishes.
- Easy Apple Dessert Recipes: Explore delicious ways to use apples in desserts, including creative uses for apple pie filling.
- Peanut Butter Recipes: All the fun and creative ways to incorporate peanut butter into your cooking, far beyond a simple PB&J.
- Dump Cakes: The ultimate in effortless baking, including both CrockPot and oven-baked dump cakes, perfect for holidays and potlucks.
Do you love discovering new recipes? Be sure to check out our extensive collections of copycat recipes, delightful dessert recipes, and our convenient CrockPot Recipes.
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2 Ingredient Cherry Bars
Easy to make 2 Ingredient Cherry Bars! These are great for family dessert, classroom parties, or any day of the week.
Print Recipe | Rate This Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Servings: 24
- Calories: 98 kcal
- Author: Tammilee Tips
Ingredients
- 1 box Angel Food Cake Mix
- 21 Ounce Cherry Pie Filling
Instructions
- Combine Angel Food Cake Mix and Cherry Pie filling in a large bowl.
- Pour into a parchment-lined 9X13 baking pan.
- Bake for 30 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C).
- Allow to cool before cutting.
Kitchen Tools
- 9X13 Pan
- Parchment Paper
Notes
- These cherry pie bars will deflate a little bit after you remove them from the oven. This is normal for angel food cake.
- Please keep in mind that nutritional information is a rough estimate and can vary greatly based on products used.
Nutrition Information (Approximate)
Nutrition Facts
2 Ingredient Cherry Bars
Amount Per Serving
- Calories 98
- Fat 1g (2% Daily Value*)
- Saturated Fat 1g (6% Daily Value*)
- Sodium 160mg (7% Daily Value*)
- Potassium 43mg (1% Daily Value*)
- Carbohydrates 23g (8% Daily Value*)
- Fiber 1g (4% Daily Value*)
- Sugar 12g (13% Daily Value*)
- Protein 1g (2% Daily Value*)
- Vitamin A 51IU (1% Daily Value*)
- Vitamin C 1mg (1% Daily Value*)
- Calcium 32mg (3% Daily Value*)
- Iron 1mg (6% Daily Value*)
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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