Cherry Bars Recipe

If you’re searching for a delightful treat that combines buttery richness with the bright burst of juicy cherries, this Cherry Bars Recipe is an absolute must-try. Imagine tender, slightly spiced buttery layers hugging sweet cherry pie filling, all topped with a shiny, luscious almond glaze that pulls every flavor together beautifully. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a potluck, or just treating yourself, these bars offer a magnificent balance of textures and flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds. Let me walk you through this treasured recipe that’s as charming in its simplicity as it is irresistible in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward but combined, they create layers of flavor and texture that make this Cherry Bars Recipe unforgettable. Each element plays its part, from the warm spices enhancing the soft batter to the cherries providing that signature pop of sweetness and color.

• 1 cup butter (softened): The base of your rich, tender batter, softened so it creams easily with sugar for a light texture.
• 2 cups sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create that perfect golden-brown crust.
• 1 tsp salt: Balances flavors and enhances the sweetness.
• 4 large eggs: Give structure and moistness to the batter while binding all the ingredients seamlessly.
• 1 tsp almond extract: Provides a subtle, nutty aroma that pairs beautifully with cherries.
• 3 cups all-purpose flour: The sturdy foundation of the bars, creating that soft but firm crumb.
• 3/4 tsp cinnamon: Adds warm, comforting spice that deepens the flavor profile.
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg: Just a hint for cozy depth without overpowering the cherries.
• 21 oz cherry pie filling: The star component, bursting with juicy, sweet cherries that make every bite special.
• 1 cup confectioners’ sugar: The base for your smooth, glossy glaze that sweetly crowns the bars.
• 1 tsp almond extract (for glaze): Mirroring the batter’s aroma to unify the flavors from top to bottom.
• 2 tbsp milk (for glaze): Helps achieve the perfect silky consistency for drizzling.

How to Make Cherry Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and spraying your baking pan with non-stick spray. You can use either a 15 x 10-inch sheet pan or a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish. The sheet pan gives you sharp edges on the bars, but either option will bake the bars beautifully.

Step 2: Cream Butter, Sugar, and Salt

In a large bowl, combine the softened butter, sugar, and salt. Beat them together using a stand mixer with a paddle attachment or by hand until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale in color—this step is key for a tender crumb.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Almond Extract

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This ensures your batter is smooth and well-combined. Then stir in the almond extract to infuse that delicate nutty note that will complement the cherries perfectly.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Spices

Gradually add your flour as you mix on low speed to maintain a soft batter without overmixing. Then sprinkle in the cinnamon and nutmeg, folding them in gently by hand. These spices add a subtle warmth that pairs beautifully with the fruit filling.

Step 5: Layer the Batter and Cherry Filling

Pour about three cups of the batter into your prepared pan and smooth it evenly. Next, drop spoonfuls of cherry pie filling randomly over this batter base, spreading lightly to cover as evenly as you can. Finally, dollop the remaining batter over the cherries in spoonfuls. The layering creates a delightful marbled effect once baked.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden

Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top turns a beautiful golden brown. You’ll know it’s done when the edges slightly pull away from the pan and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.

Step 7: Cool and Glaze

Remove your cherry bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely. While they cool, mix confectioners’ sugar, almond extract, and milk to make a drizzle glaze. Start with 2 tablespoons of milk and add more as needed to get a smooth, pourable consistency. Once the bars are cool, drizzle the glaze over the top freely—neat or messy, it adds the perfect sweet finish.

How to Serve Cherry Bars Recipe

Garnishes

For an extra touch of charm, dust a little extra cinnamon or powdered sugar over the glaze or sprinkle chopped toasted almonds on top for crunch and enhanced almond flavor. Fresh cherries or mint leaves also make lovely, fresh accents that brighten the presentation.

Side Dishes

These cherry bars are wonderful on their own but shine beautifully alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream for a decadent dessert experience. A cup of hot tea or coffee also complements the fruity and spiced flavors flawlessly.

Creative Ways to Present

Get creative with presentation by cutting your bars into fun shapes using cookie cutters or stacking them in layers separated by parchment paper for a charming dessert stack. You can also serve these bars on a rustic wooden board alongside assorted berries and nuts for a festive sharing platter.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store your cherry bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Keeping them covered helps maintain their moist texture and prevents the glaze from drying out.

Freezing

If you want to keep the joy of this Cherry Bars Recipe for longer, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months and thaw quickly at room temperature.

Reheating

For a fresh-baked taste after storage or freezing, warm your bars slightly in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or pop them into a preheated oven at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 minutes. This simple step revives the glaze’s shine and softens the bars perfectly before serving.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of cherry pie filling?

Absolutely! Fresh cherries can be used, but you’ll want to cook them down with a bit of sugar to create a thick filling similar to pie filling. This helps keep the bars from becoming too wet and maintains the right texture.

What if I don’t have almond extract? Can I substitute something else?

You can substitute vanilla extract if almond extract isn’t available. It won’t have quite the same nutty nuance, but vanilla still pairs wonderfully with cherry flavors.

Are these cherry bars gluten-free friendly?

The recipe calls for all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. To make them gluten-free, you can try a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, but keep in mind the texture might vary slightly.

How do I know when the bars are fully baked?

Look for a golden brown color on top and edges starting to pull away from the pan. A toothpick inserted in the middle should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs, but not wet batter.

Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?

Definitely! Just be sure to use a larger baking dish or two pans and adjust baking times as needed, checking for doneness frequently as ovens vary.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to try this Cherry Bars Recipe and discover how easy it is to create such a remarkable dessert at home. The blend of buttery batter, warming spices, luscious cherry filling, and delicate almond glaze makes these bars a true crowd-pleaser. Trust me, once you bake these, they’ll become your go-to sweet treat for every occasion. Happy baking and even happier tasting!

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