Cherry Bars
Cherry Bars are a delicious dessert featuring a buttery base, sweet cherry filling, and a delightful glaze, perfect for any occasion.
Servings: 35 squares
Calories: 230kcal
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.
Notes
Serve warm or at room temperature. Garnish with a sprig of mint or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.