Cherry Bars

With a buttery cookie-like crust, sweet cherry pie filling, and a golden topping, this dessert is perfect for sharing at gatherings, holidays, or simply enjoying as a sweet treat.

The combination of rich dough and tangy cherries creates a satisfying dessert that’s sure to please everyone!

Ingredients

For the Bars:

• 1 1/2 cups butter, softened
• 3 cups 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 all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 2 cans (21 oz.) cherry pie filling

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup confectioner’s sugar
• 3 tablespoons milk

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a jelly roll pan (12×17) with aluminum foil and spray with nonstick spray. Set aside.
2. In the bowl of your stand mixer, cream together the butter and sugar for about 1-2 minutes.
3. Add salt, eggs, and vanilla and almond extracts. Mix until fully incorporated.
4. Add flour and baking powder, and mix until just combined. Reserve 1 3/4 cups of dough.
5. Spread or press the remaining dough into the prepared baking pan.
6. Top with cherry pie filling. Drop the reserved dough in small pieces over the cherry filling.
7. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until golden brown.
8. Remove from the oven and place the pan on a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Once cooled, prepare the glaze. Whisk together confectioners’ sugar and milk until smooth and drizzle over the bars.
10. Cut into 35 squares and serve.

Variations:

You can easily swap the cherry pie filling for other fruit fillings like blueberry, apple, or raspberry to create different flavors. Add a streusel topping for extra texture or drizzle a simple powdered sugar glaze over the baked bars for added sweetness.

For a citrus twist, incorporate a bit of lemon or orange zest into the dough.

Tips:

• Press the dough evenly into the pan to ensure consistent baking.
• Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing to get clean, neat squares.
• Use quality cherry pie filling for the best flavor.
• Drizzle the bars with powdered sugar glaze or serve with whipped cream for extra flavor.

Nutrition:

A typical serving of these cherry pie bars contains approximately 250-300 calories, with about 12-15g of fat, 30-35g of carbohydrates, and 2-4g of protein.

Storage:

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.

Freezing Instructions:

Yes, you can freeze Cherry Pie Bars to enjoy later. Once cooled completely, cut them into individual bars and place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze for about an hour.

After they’re frozen, transfer the bars to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag, placing parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

To enjoy, simply thaw the bars at room temperature for a few hours or in the refrigerator overnight.