Description
Delight in these luscious Cherry Pie Bars featuring a buttery crust, a generous layer of sweet cherry pie filling, and a smooth almond-glazed topping. Perfect for an easy-to-make American-style dessert that serves up to 24 bars, ideal for gatherings or a sweet treat any time.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust and Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Filling
- 1 (21-ounce) can cherry pie filling
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar. In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which will provide a tender base for the bars.
- Add Eggs and Flavors. Incorporate the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure a smooth batter. Stir in the vanilla and almond extracts to give the dough a fragrant flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt, then gradually add this dry mix to the wet ingredients, mixing until fully combined to form a dough.
- Assemble the Bars. Spread approximately two-thirds of the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish, creating a solid base. Spread the cherry pie filling evenly over this layer. Then, drop the remaining dough by spoonfuls evenly over the cherry filling to create a rustic topping.
- Bake. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until the top is lightly golden and set, indicating the bars are cooked through.
- Cool. Remove the dish from the oven and let the bars cool completely at room temperature to allow them to set properly.
- Prepare and Drizzle Glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract until smooth. Drizzle this glaze over the cooled bars for a sweet finishing touch.
- Slice and Serve. Once glazed, slice the bars into 24 pieces and serve as a delightful dessert or snack.
Notes
- Feel free to substitute the cherry pie filling with other fruit fillings such as blueberry or apple for variety.
- Chilling the bars before slicing will yield a crisper texture that holds together better.
- These bars can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, maintaining their freshness.