Description
These delightful Cherry Bars feature a buttery, tender cookie crust topped with vibrant cherry pie filling and a sweet almond glaze, perfect for a satisfying dessert or snack. With a balanced sweetness and a hint of almond extract, they offer a nostalgic taste that’s easy to prepare and sure to please a crowd.
Ingredients
For the Cherry Bars
- 1 cup salted butter (softened)
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure almond extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 cups all purpose flour
- 20-21 ounces canned cherry pie filling
For the Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
- ¼ teaspoon pure almond extract
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Cream butter and sugar: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the softened butter with granulated sugar for 2 to 3 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- Add almond extract: Mix in 1 teaspoon of pure almond extract for a subtle, nutty flavor.
- Combine dry ingredients: Add baking powder, baking soda, salt, and all-purpose flour to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed just until the dough comes together without overmixing.
- Layer dough in pan: Press about two-thirds of the cookie dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the base layer.
- Spread cherry filling: Evenly spread the canned cherry pie filling over the dough layer, leaving approximately a ½-inch border around the edges.
- Top with remaining dough: Take the remaining dough, break it into chunks, slightly flatten them, and distribute them over the cherry filling, allowing some of the cherries to peek through.
- Bake bars: Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the edges turn light golden brown and the dough is no longer wet or glossy.
- Cool bars: Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan to ensure the glaze adheres well.
- Prepare glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and ¼ teaspoon almond extract until smooth and pourable.
- Glaze bars: Drizzle the glaze evenly over the cooled cherry bars and allow it to set for about 10 to 15 minutes.
- Serve: Slice into bars, serve, and enjoy this deliciously sweet and fruity treat.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming and better texture.
- Do not overmix the dough after adding flour to avoid tough bars.
- Allow bars to cool fully before glazing to prevent melting and sliding of the glaze.
- Use parchment paper for easier removal and cleanup.
- Cherry pie filling is sweetened; adjust glaze thickness depending on desired sweetness.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
