Cherry Bars are a delightful dessert that combines a buttery, cake-like base with a sweet cherry filling, all topped off with a simple vanilla glaze. These bars are perfect for sharing at gatherings, potlucks, or as a sweet treat for your family. With a tender crumb and bursts of cherry flavor in every bite, this easy-to-make recipe will quickly become a favorite. Whether you’re a fan of cherries or just love a good dessert bar, these Cherry Bars are sure to satisfy your sweet cravings.
Table of Contents
- Ingredients
- Instructions
- Tips for Perfect Cherry Bars
- Recipe Variations
- FAQs
- Serving Suggestions
- Conclusion
Ingredients
For the Bars
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp almond extract (optional)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
For the Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2-3 tbsp milk
Instructions
Make the Bars
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and almond extract (if using).
- Add Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Spread Batter: Spread about two-thirds of the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. The batter will be thick, so use a spatula to spread it out evenly.
- Add Cherry Filling: Spoon the cherry pie filling evenly over the batter, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Top with Remaining Batter: Drop spoonfuls of the remaining batter over the cherry filling. It’s okay if some of the cherries are still visible.
- 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. Allow the bars to cool completely before adding the glaze.
Make the Glaze
- Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and 2-3 tablespoons of milk until smooth and pourable.
- Glaze the Bars: Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cherry bars. Let the glaze set before slicing and serving.
Tips for Perfect Cherry Bars
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure the butter and eggs are at room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother batter.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter until just combined to keep the bars tender.
- Use a Spatula: The batter will be thick, so use a spatula to help spread it evenly in the baking dish.
Recipe Variations
- Blueberry Bars: Substitute the cherry pie filling with blueberry pie filling for a different flavor.
- Nutty Cherry Bars: Add 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for a bit of crunch.
- Lemon Glaze: Add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest to the glaze for a citrusy twist.
FAQs
Q: Can I use homemade cherry filling?
A: Yes, you can use homemade cherry filling if you prefer. Just make sure it’s not too runny so it doesn’t make the bars soggy.
Q: How do I store cherry bars?
A: Store cherry 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 cherry bars?
A: Yes, you can freeze cherry bars. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- With Ice Cream: Serve the cherry bars warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
- With Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream on top for an extra touch of sweetness.
- With Fresh Berries: Garnish with fresh cherries or other berries for a beautiful presentation.
Cherry Bars are a delightful and easy-to-make dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. The tender, buttery base paired with the sweet cherry filling and a drizzle of glaze makes these bars absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re making them for a family gathering, potluck, or just because, they’re sure to be a hit. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the delicious flavors of these Cherry Bars!
These bars are versatile and can be easily customized to suit your taste. Share them with friends and family, and watch them disappear in no time!
