Cherry Bars with Almond and Vanilla flavoring Recipe

Introduction

These Cherry Bars are a delightful treat featuring a buttery crust layered with sweet cherry pie filling and finished with a simple glaze. Perfect for dessert or a special snack, they combine classic flavors in a deliciously easy-to-make bar.

Ingredients

• 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. each) cherry pie filling
• For the glaze:
• 1 cup confectioner’s sugar
• 3 tablespoons milk

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12×17-inch jelly roll pan with aluminum foil and spray with nonstick spray. Set aside.
2. Step 2: In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar for 1-2 minutes until light and fluffy.
3. Step 3: Add salt, eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the butter mixture. Continue mixing until everything is fully incorporated.
4. Step 4: Mix in the flour and baking powder until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Step 5: Reserve 1 3/4 cups of the dough. Press the remaining dough evenly into the prepared pan to form the base layer.
6. Step 6: Spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the base layer.
7. Step 7: Drop the reserved dough in small pieces over the cherry filling, covering it partially.
8. Step 8: Bake for 50-60 minutes or until the bars are golden brown on top.
9. Step 9: Remove from the oven and allow the pan to cool completely on a wire rack.
10. Step 10: Prepare the glaze by whisking together the confectioner’s sugar and milk until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars.
11. Step 11: Cut into 35 squares and serve.

Tips & Variations

• For a nutty twist, sprinkle chopped almonds or walnuts on top of the cherry filling before adding the reserved dough.
• If cherry pie filling is not available, try using another fruit pie filling like blueberry or peach for a delicious variation.
• Make sure to soften the butter well beforehand for easier creaming and a better texture.

Storage

Store the cherry bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them refrigerated for up to a week or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat briefly in the microwave to enjoy the glaze slightly softened.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned pie filling?

Yes, but fresh cherries will need to be cooked with sugar and thickener to create a pie filling consistency. Using canned pie filling provides a convenient and consistent texture.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

To make them gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that measures cup-for-cup. The texture may vary slightly but they will still be delicious.

Cherry Bars with Almond and Vanilla flavoring Recipe

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4.9 from 140 reviews

Delicious Cherry Bars featuring a buttery, tender crust layered with sweet cherry pie filling and topped with a smooth confectioners’ sugar glaze. Perfect for dessert or a sweet snack, these bars combine classic flavors with easy preparation.

• Author: zara
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 35 squares 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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. each) cherry pie filling

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup confectioner’s sugar
• 3 tablespoons milk

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12×17-inch jelly roll pan with aluminum foil and spray it with nonstick spray to prevent sticking. Set aside.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar for about 1-2 minutes until light and fluffy.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: Add salt, eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Continue mixing until all ingredients are fully incorporated and smooth.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: Add the all-purpose flour and baking powder to the wet mixture. Mix just until combined, being careful not to overmix.
5. Reserve Dough and Press Base: Set aside 1 3/4 cups of the dough for topping. Press the remaining dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
6. Add Cherry Filling: Spread the two cans of cherry pie filling evenly over the pressed dough base in the pan.
7. Top with Remaining Dough: Drop the reserved dough in small pieces over the cherry pie filling to create a rustic topping.
8. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the edges and top are golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
9. Cool: Remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Prepare Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together confectioner’s sugar and milk until smooth and slightly thickened.
11. Drizzle Glaze and Serve: Drizzle the glaze evenly over the cooled bars. Cut into approximately 35 squares and serve.

Notes

• You can substitute cherry pie filling with fresh or frozen cherries sweetened to taste for a more homemade touch.
• Ensure the dough is fully cooled before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting and running off.
• For a stronger almond flavor, you can add a bit more almond extract, but be careful as it can be overpowering.
• Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
• These bars freeze well; wrap tightly and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw before glazing.

Keywords: cherry bars, cherry dessert, cherry pie filling bars, baked cherry bars, almond extract cherry bars, easy cherry bars recipe