These festive cherry bars are a holiday classic! With a soft, buttery crust, sweet cherry filling, and a smooth almond glaze, they’re perfect for gatherings.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (important for easy mixing and a tender texture)
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs (at room temperature for better blending)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling (or homemade cherry filling for a more personalized touch)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for the glaze)
- 2 tablespoons milk (adjust as needed for glaze consistency)
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (adds a nice nutty flavor that complements the cherries)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Baking Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 10×15-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easier removal and cleanup.
2. Make the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This can take about 2-3 minutes using a hand mixer or stand mixer.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure a smooth, creamy texture. Stir in the vanilla extract.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the bars dense.
4. Spread the Dough:
- Spread about ¾ of the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. It helps to use a spatula or your hands to press the dough into an even layer, as it will be slightly thick.
5. Add Cherry Filling:
- Spread the cherry pie filling over the dough in the pan, creating an even layer.
6. Top with Remaining Dough:
- Drop small spoonfuls of the reserved dough over the cherry filling. These will bake into a rustic topping, allowing some of the cherry filling to peek through.
7. Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Tip: Check at the 30-minute mark, as ovens can vary.
8. Prepare the Glaze:
- While the bars are baking, make the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract until smooth. Adjust the thickness with more milk or powdered sugar as needed.
9. Glaze the Bars:
- Once the bars are done, let them cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. Then, drizzle the glaze over the bars while they’re still slightly warm, which helps it spread evenly.
10. Cool and Serve:
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. Serve and enjoy!
Tips:
- For a Nutty Variation: Add chopped almonds or pecans to the dough topping for extra crunch.
- Storage: Keep the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for a longer shelf life.
- Freezing: These bars freeze well. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container.