Cherry Bars with Almond Glaze
Cherry Bars with Almond Glaze are a delightful treat that combines the sweet and tart flavors of cherries with a rich almond glaze. These bars are perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to potlucks, and they offer a lovely balance of textures that will leave everyone wanting more. The buttery crust is topped with smooth cherry pie filling and finished with a delicate almond glaze that adds a delightful twist to each bite. Let’s dive into how you can make these scrumptious Cherry Bars right at home!
What You’ll Need for Cherry Bars with Almond Glaze
Ingredients You’ll Need
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Cherry Bars:
- ¾ cup (170 g) softened butter
- ¾ cup (170 g) shortening
- 2 ¾ cups (550 g) granulated sugar
- 2 ¼ teaspoons baking powder
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- 4 ½ cups (550 g) all-purpose flour (measured using the spoon and level method)
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Topping and Glaze:
- 2 (21-ounce) cans cherry pie filling
- 1 ½ cups (180 g) powdered sugar
- 4 teaspoons milk
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract
Step-by-Step Cherry Bars Recipe
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Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
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Prepare the dough: In a stand mixer or with a handheld mixer in a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and shortening until smooth and creamy.
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Mix the dry ingredients: Add the granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt to the mixture. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula as needed to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
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Add eggs and extracts: Incorporate the eggs, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Beat until everything is fully combined.
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Incorporate flour: Gradually add the flour to the dough, mixing until just combined. Scrape down the bowl’s edges to ensure an even mixture.
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Set some dough aside: Take 2 ¼ cups of the dough and place it in a small bowl for later use.
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Prepare the crust: Press the remaining dough evenly into the bottom of an ungreased 18×13-inch cookie sheet or half-sheet pan. To make things easier, you can slightly flour your hands or use an offset spatula to spread the dough evenly.
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Bake the crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 13 minutes.
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Add cherry filling: Once baked, remove the crust from the oven and spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the top.
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Add dough mounds: Using your hands, take the reserved dough and scoop it in small mounds over the cherry filling, slightly flattening each mound for better coverage.
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Finish baking: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 32-33 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned.
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Cool the bars: Allow the bars to cool on a wire rack for about 15 minutes.
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Make the glaze: While the bars cool, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract in a small bowl until smooth.
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Drizzle the glaze: Pour the glaze over the top of the cooled bars. Let them cool completely before cutting into squares.
How to Serve Cherry Bars
These Cherry Bars with Almond Glaze are perfect for any gathering. You can serve them as a sweet treat after dinner or as a delightful snack with coffee or tea. For a nice presentation, consider placing them on a colorful platter and garnishing with slivers of almonds or a dusting of extra powdered sugar. They also pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for those who want to enhance their dessert experience!
Expert Tips for Cherry Bars with Almond Glaze
- Don’t skip the almond extract! It adds a fantastic flavor that complements the cherries beautifully.
- For a gluten-free option, you can use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
- If you want to get creative, try adding nuts or coconut to the dough for added texture.
Cherry Bars with Almond Glaze FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of cherry pie filling?
Yes, you can use fresh cherries, but you will need to cook them down with some sugar and cornstarch to mimic the pie filling’s texture.
How do I store leftover bars?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Can I freeze cherry bars?
Absolutely! Wrap the cooled bars tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just thaw before serving.
Give these Cherry Bars with Almond Glaze a try! They are sure to become a family favorite, enjoyed by all who take a bite. Happy baking!
Cherry Bars with Almond Glaze
Ingredients
Cherry Bars
- ¾ cup ¾ cup (170 g) softened butter Must be softened for easier mixing.
- ¾ cup ¾ cup (170 g) shortening For a lighter texture.
- 2¾ cups 2 ¾ cups (550 g) granulated sugar
- 2¼ teaspoons 2 ¼ teaspoons baking powder Leavening agent.
- ¾ teaspoon ¾ teaspoon salt
- 4 large 4 large eggs
- 1 large 1 egg yolk
- 1½ teaspoons 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ½ teaspoon almond extract For flavor enhancement.
- 4½ cups 4 ½ cups (550 g) all-purpose flour Use spoon and level method for measuring.
Topping and Glaze
- 2 cans 2 (21-ounce) cans cherry pie filling
- 1½ cups 1 ½ cups (180 g) powdered sugar
- 4 teaspoons 4 teaspoons milk
- ¼ teaspoon ¼ teaspoon almond extract
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
- In a stand mixer or bowl, beat together the softened butter and shortening until smooth and creamy.
- Add granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt to the mixture, scraping down the bowl as needed.
- Incorporate the eggs, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and almond extract, beating until fully combined.
- Gradually add flour to the dough, mixing until just combined and scraping the bowl's edges.
- Set aside 2 ¼ cups of the dough in a small bowl for later use.
- Press the remaining dough into the bottom of an ungreased 18×13-inch cookie sheet.
Baking
- Bake the crust for about 13 minutes.
- Remove the crust from the oven and spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the top.
- Using your hands, scoop the reserved dough in small mounds over the cherry filling, flattening each mound.
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 32-33 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned.
- Allow the bars to cool on a wire rack for about 15 minutes.
Glazing
- In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze over the top of the cooled bars and let them cool completely before cutting into squares.
