CHERRY BARS RECIPE

 

CHERRY BARS RECIPE

🍒 Irresistible Cherry Bars Recipe

❤️ Why You’ll Love These Cherry Bars:

Buttery, cake-like crust and topping

Sweet and tangy cherry filling

Great for feeding a crowd

Simple ingredients & easy to make

---

📝 Ingredients

For the Dough:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened – Adds rich flavor and a tender texture.

1 3/4 cups granulated sugar – Sweetens the bars and helps create a golden crust.

4 large eggs – Bind the ingredients and add richness.

1 tsp vanilla extract – Enhances flavor.

1/4 tsp almond extract (optional) – Complements the cherry flavor beautifully.

3 cups all-purpose flour – The base of the dough, gives structure.

1/2 tsp salt – Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.

For the Filling:

1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling – Sweet, tart, and juicy; the star of the show!

For the Glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar

2–3 tbsp milk – To reach your desired glaze consistency.

1/2 tsp vanilla or almond extract – Adds flavor to the glaze.

---

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Make the Batter

In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).

Beat in the eggs, one at a time. Add vanilla and almond extract.

Gradually mix in the flour and salt until well combined. The dough will be thick.

3. Layer the Batter & Filling

Spread about 2/3 of the batter into the prepared pan.

Top evenly with the cherry pie filling.

Drop spoonfuls of the remaining batter over the cherry layer — don’t worry about covering it all; the batter will spread while baking.

4. Bake

Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean (ignore any cherry filling on the pick).

Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

5. Drizzle with Glaze

Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and extract until smooth. Drizzle over cooled bars.

Let the glaze set before cutting into squares.

---

💡 Pro Tips

Use almond extract for that classic cherry-almond bakery taste.

Let bars cool completely before glazing to avoid a runny mess.

Want extra flair? Sprinkle sliced almonds on top before baking.

---

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert.

Add to a holiday cookie platter for a pop of color.

Great for brunches, bake sales, or coffee breaks.

---

🧊 Storage

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate 

for longer freshness (up to 1 week). You can also freeze for up to 2 months — just thaw and glaze before serving.