Cherry Bars are a delightful and easy-to-make treat perfect for feeding a crowd. These bars feature a buttery, sweet base topped with a tangy cherry pie filling and a simple glaze that adds a finishing touch of sweetness. Ideal for parties, potlucks, or any gathering, these bars are sure to be a hit. Here’s how to make them:
Ingredients
For the Bars:
- 1 1/2 cups butter, softened – Provides a rich, buttery flavor and helps create a tender texture.
- 3 cups granulated sugar – Sweetens the bars and helps with the structure.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt – Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 5 large eggs – Bind the ingredients together and add moisture.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract – Adds a warm, aromatic flavor.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons almond extract – Complements the cherry filling with a hint of almond flavor.
- 5 1/2 cups all-purpose flour – Forms the base of the bars and gives them structure.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder – Helps the bars rise and become fluffy.
- 2 cans (21 oz. each) cherry pie filling – The star topping of the bars, providing a sweet and tart flavor.
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup confectioner’s sugar – Sweetens and thickens the glaze.
- 3 tablespoons milk – Thin the glaze to a pourable consistency.
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a large baking sheet or line it with parchment paper. An approximately 12×18-inch sheet pan works well for this recipe.
- Prepare the Bar Base:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the salt, then add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and almond extract until evenly combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Bake the Bars:
- Spread the batter evenly onto the prepared baking sheet, smoothing it out with a spatula to ensure an even layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The top should be lightly golden.
- Add the Cherry Filling:
- Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. Spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the top of the warm bars. Use a spatula to gently spread it out, but don’t worry if it’s not perfect.
- Cool and Glaze:
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- While the bars are cooling, prepare the glaze by whisking together the confectioner’s sugar and milk in a small bowl until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, add a bit more milk, a teaspoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
- Drizzle the glaze evenly over the cooled bars.
- Cut and Serve:
- Once the glaze has set, cut the bars into squares or rectangles. They can be served at room temperature or chilled, depending on your preference.
Tips for Success
- Even Baking: Ensure that the batter is spread evenly on the baking sheet to prevent uneven baking.
- Cherry Filling: For a more evenly distributed cherry topping, spoon small dollops of the cherry pie filling over the batter and then gently spread it out.
- Glaze Consistency: Adjust the milk in the glaze to get the right thickness. It should be pourable but not too runny.
Variations
- Fruit Filling: Substitute the cherry pie filling with other fruit fillings like blueberry, apple, or peach for a different flavor.
- Nutty Twist: Add chopped nuts, such as almonds or walnuts, to the batter for added texture and flavor.
- Cream Cheese Frosting: For a richer topping, replace the glaze with a cream cheese frosting made from cream cheese, butter, confectioner’s sugar, and vanilla extract.
Cherry Bars are a crowd-pleaser that combines a buttery, tender base with the sweet and tart flavor of cherry pie filling. With a simple glaze to finish, these bars are easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a party, bringing them to a potluck, or just enjoying them at home, these Cherry Bars are sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them. Enjoy!
