Cherry Bars are a delightful dessert that combines a tender, buttery crust with a sweet and tangy cherry filling, all topped with a simple almond-vanilla glaze. These bars are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, potluck, or just a sweet treat for yourself. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe and learn how to make Cherry Bars step-by-step.
Ingredients
For the Bars:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 (21-ounce) can of cherry pie filling
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- 2-3 tablespoons milk, half-and-half, or water (see notes)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar:
- In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Extracts:
- Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla and almond extracts.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
Step 2: Assemble the Bars
- Spread Batter:
- Spread about two-thirds of the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Add Cherry Filling:
- Spoon the cherry pie filling evenly over the batter.
- Top with Remaining Batter:
- Drop spoonfuls of the remaining batter over the cherry filling. It’s okay if the cherry filling isn’t completely covered; it will spread out during baking.
Step 3: Bake the Bars
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool:
- Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
Step 4: Prepare the Glaze
- Mix Glaze Ingredients:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, almond extract, and 2 tablespoons of milk (or liquid of choice). Add more liquid, a little at a time, until the glaze reaches a smooth, pourable consistency.
Step 5: Glaze and Serve
- Drizzle Glaze:
- Once the bars are completely cooled, drizzle the glaze evenly over the top.
- Cut and Serve:
- Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before cutting into bars. Serve and enjoy!
Cooking Notes and Tips
- Liquid for Glaze: Use milk, half-and-half, or water to adjust the consistency of the glaze. Milk will provide a richer flavor.
- Mixing Batter: Be careful not to overmix the batter to ensure the bars remain tender.
- Cooling Time: Make sure the bars are completely cooled before adding the glaze to prevent it from melting into the bars.
Variations
Chocolate Cherry Bars
- Add Chocolate Chips:
- Sprinkle 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips over the cherry filling before adding the top layer of batter.
Nutty Cherry Bars
- Add Nuts:
- Fold 1/2 cup of chopped nuts (such as almonds or pecans) into the batter for added crunch and flavor.
Lemon Cherry Bars
- Add Lemon Zest:
- Add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest to the batter for a bright, citrusy flavor.
Serving Suggestions
With Ice Cream
- Vanilla Ice Cream:
- Serve the bars warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
- Almond Ice Cream:
- Pair with almond-flavored ice cream to complement the almond extract in the bars.
With Whipped Cream
- Fresh Whipped Cream:
- Top with freshly whipped cream and a sprinkle of chopped nuts for added texture and flavor.
With Coffee or Tea
- With Coffee:
- Enjoy with a cup of hot coffee or espresso for a perfect afternoon treat.
- With Tea:
- Serve with a hot cup of tea, such as Earl Grey or chamomile, for a cozy pairing.
FAQs
Q: Can I use homemade cherry pie filling? A: Yes, you can use homemade cherry pie filling if you prefer. Just ensure it’s thick and not too runny.
Q: How do I store leftover bars? A: Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Q: Can I freeze these bars? A: Yes, you can freeze the bars. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Q: Can I make these bars gluten-free? A: Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour.
Q: What other fruit fillings can I use? A: You can use other fruit pie fillings such as blueberry, apple, or raspberry for a different flavor.
Cherry Bars are a delightful and easy-to-make dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With their tender crust, sweet cherry filling, and simple glaze, these bars are sure to be a hit. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try one of the variations, this dessert is always a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy making and sharing these delicious Cherry Bars with your family and friends!
