Cherry Bars
Cherry Bars are the perfect dessert for any occasion, combining a buttery, soft base with a sweet cherry filling and a delightful glaze on top. These bars are not only simple to make, but they also look stunning on any dessert table, making them a favorite at family gatherings, picnics, and celebrations. The flavors are well-balanced, and the aroma that fills your kitchen while baking is simply irresistible. Get ready to fall in love with this sweet treat!
Gather Your Cherry Bars Ingredients
To make these delicious cherry bars, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups (340 g) butter, softened
- 3 cups (600 g) granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 5 large eggs
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 teaspoons almond extract
- 5 1/2 cups (700 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 cans (21 oz. each) cherry pie filling
- 1 cup (120 g) confectioners’ sugar
- 3 tablespoons milk
Step-by-Step Cherry Bars Recipe
Ready to dive in? Here’s how to create your cherry bars:
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Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line a jelly roll pan (12×17 inches) with aluminum foil and spray it with nonstick spray to make sure your bars won’t stick.
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In a stand mixer, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar for 1-2 minutes until it’s light and fluffy.
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Add the salt, eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the butter mixture. Mix until everything is fully combined.
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Gradually add in the all-purpose flour and baking powder. Mix until just combined and be careful not to overmix.
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Reserve 1 3/4 cups of the dough for later.
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Spread the remaining dough evenly in the prepared jelly roll pan.
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Pour the cherry pie filling over the dough, spreading it out evenly.
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Drop the reserved dough over the cherry filling in small pieces, which will create a lovely, crumbly top.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
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Allow the pan to cool completely on a wire rack.
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To make the glaze, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar and milk until smooth. Drizzle it over the cooled cherry bars.
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Cut into 35 squares and serve!
How to Serve Cherry Bars
These cherry bars are best enjoyed fresh, but they can also be stored for later. Serve them warm or at room temperature. They look fantastic on a dessert platter, garnished with a sprig of mint or accompanied by a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special touch. Pair these bars with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat.
Recipe Tips & Variations
- Add More Flavor: Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spiced taste.
- Change Up the Fruit: If cherries aren’t your favorite, feel free to swap in other pie fillings, like blueberry or apple.
- Storage: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. They also freeze well—just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil!
Cherry Bars: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh cherries instead of pie filling?
Yes, you can! Use about 4 cups of pitted fresh cherries and mix them with some sugar and cornstarch to create a filling.
How do I know when the bars are done?
The bars are done when they are a nice golden brown color, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the bars a day in advance and store them at room temperature. Just add the glaze right before serving.
Give these delightful cherry bars a try, and experience the burst of flavor that will make everyone come back for seconds! Perfect for any gathering, they are sure to become a go-to dessert in your recipe collection. Enjoy baking and sharing these sweet treats with your loved ones!
Cherry Bars
Ingredients
Base and Filling
- 1.5 cups butter, softened
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- 1.5 teaspoons salt
- 5 large eggs
- 1.5 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1.5 teaspoons almond extract
- 5.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1.5 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 cans cherry pie filling (21 oz. each)
Glaze
- 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 3 tablespoons milk
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line a jelly roll pan (12×17 inches) with aluminum foil and spray it with nonstick spray.
- In a stand mixer, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar for 1-2 minutes until it’s light and fluffy.
- Add the salt, eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the butter mixture. Mix until everything is fully combined.
- Gradually add in the all-purpose flour and baking powder. Mix until just combined.
- Reserve 1 3/4 cups of the dough for later.
- Spread the remaining dough evenly in the prepared jelly roll pan.
- Pour the cherry pie filling over the dough, spreading it out evenly.
- Drop the reserved dough over the cherry filling in small pieces.
Baking
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Finishing Touches
- Allow the pan to cool completely on a wire rack.
- To make the glaze, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar and milk until smooth. Drizzle it over the cooled cherry bars.
- Cut into 35 squares and serve.
