Cherry Bars Recipe
Introduction
Cherry bars are a delightful dessert that combines the sweetness of a soft buttery crust with the tart flavor of juicy cherries. Perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or a quick treat, these bars are easy to make and can be enjoyed warm or chilled. They strike the perfect balance between pie and cake, giving you the best of both worlds in every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
For glaze (optional): 1 cup powdered sugar, 2–3 tablespoons milk, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla and almond extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture until fully combined.
- Spread about 2/3 of the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
- Spoon the cherry pie filling evenly over the batter.
- Drop spoonfuls of the remaining batter on top.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until golden brown and set.
- Let cool completely before drizzling with glaze (if using).
- Cut into bars and serve.
Description
These cherry bars feature a buttery, tender crust layered with sweet-tart cherry filling and topped with a light glaze for extra sweetness. They are versatile enough for potlucks, picnics, or holiday dessert trays. The texture is soft yet slightly crisp at the edges, making every bite rich and satisfying.
Tips
- Use almond extract for a bakery-style flavor that pairs beautifully with cherries.
- Try other pie fillings like blueberry, raspberry, or peach for variety.
- Line the pan with parchment paper for easy lifting and clean slicing.
- Chill before cutting for neat bars, or enjoy warm for a more rustic dessert.
- Dust with powdered sugar instead of glaze for a lighter finish.
Correction
If your bars turn out too dry, reduce baking time slightly. If too soft, bake for 5 more minutes and let them cool completely before cutting. For a stronger cherry flavor, increase the filling slightly or add fresh cherries to the pie filling.
Enjoy
Serve these cherry bars with a glass of milk, hot coffee, or vanilla ice cream for a delightful treat. Perfect for sharing with friends and family—or keeping all to yourself!
