Cherishing Cherry Bars: A Delightful Dessert Treat

Cherry bars are a classic dessert loved by many for their sweet cherry filling nestled between layers of buttery, tender crust. Whether enjoyed as a delightful snack or served as a crowd-pleasing dessert at gatherings, these bars never fail to impress with their irresistible flavor and comforting aroma.

Ingredients:

For the Bars:

• 1 1/2 cups butter, softened: Butter forms the base of the rich and flavorful crust, providing a perfect balance of richness and texture.
• 3 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the bars and contributes to their soft and chewy texture.
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients and balances the sweetness.
• 5 large eggs: Adds moisture and richness to the batter, resulting in a soft and tender crumb.
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Infuses the bars with warm, aromatic flavor.
• 1 1/2 teaspoons almond extract: Adds a delightful hint of almond flavor that complements the cherries perfectly.
• 5 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the base of the dough, providing structure and texture to the bars.
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the bars rise and adds lightness to the texture.
• 2 cans (21 oz. each) cherry pie filling: Provides the luscious cherry filling that makes these bars so irresistible.

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup confectioner’s sugar: Creates a smooth and sweet glaze that adds a finishing touch to the bars.
• 3 tablespoons milk: Thins out the sugar to create a pourable glaze that coats the bars beautifully.

Instructions:

1. Preparing the Bars:

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 15×10-inch baking pan.
• In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and salt until light and fluffy.
• Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and almond extract.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder. Gradually add this mixture to the creamed mixture and mix until well combined.

2. Assembling and Baking:

• Spread two-thirds of the batter into the prepared baking pan, followed by the cherry pie filling.
• Drop spoonfuls of the remaining batter over the cherry filling and spread it out evenly.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until golden brown and set.
• Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

3. Glazing and Serving:

• Prepare the glaze by whisking together the confectioner’s sugar and milk until smooth.
• Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars and allow it to set before cutting into squares or rectangles.
• Serve and enjoy the irresistible taste of cherry bars!

Tips for Success:

1. Room Temperature Ingredients:

• Ensure that the butter and eggs are at room temperature before starting to create a smooth and creamy batter.

2. Even Distribution:

• Spread the batter and cherry filling evenly in the pan for consistent results.

3. Glazing Technique:

• Drizzle the glaze in a zigzag pattern over the bars for a decorative finish.

Variations:

1. Nutty Addition:

• Sprinkle chopped nuts, such as almonds or pecans, over the cherry filling before adding the top layer of batter for added crunch and flavor.

2. Citrus Twist:

• Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the batter for a subtle citrus flavor that enhances the sweetness of the cherries.

Serving Suggestions:

• Enjoy cherry bars warm or at room temperature with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert experience.
• Pair them with a cup of hot coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat.
• Pack them in lunchboxes or picnic baskets for a convenient and satisfying snack on the go.

Cherry bars are a timeless dessert that never fails to delight with their irresistible combination of sweet cherry filling and buttery crust. Whether enjoyed on special occasions or as an everyday indulgence, these bars are sure to become a favorite among family and friends. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, they’re the perfect treat to satisfy any sweet craving. Try this recipe today and experience the joy of cherishing cherry bars!

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