Cherry Bars

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Cherry Bars are a delightful treat perfect for holiday mornings with a cozy cup of hot cocoa! These bars have a soft, buttery crust with a layer of cherry filling and a sweet glaze on top.

Cherry Bars

Servings: About 24 bars
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour

Ingredients

For the Bars:

  • 1 cup butter, softened
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cans (21 ounces each) cherry pie filling

For the Glaze:

  • 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons whole milk

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven
  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 15x10x1-inch baking pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
  1. Make the Dough
  • In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, sugar, and salt until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure a smooth batter. Then mix in the vanilla and almond extracts.
  • Gradually add the flour to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
  1. Assemble the Bars
  • Spread approximately 3 cups of the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. The dough will be thick, so use a spatula or your hands to press it evenly.
  • Spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the dough layer.
  • Drop the remaining dough by teaspoonfuls over the cherry filling, allowing some of the cherry filling to peek through for a rustic look.
  1. Bake
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the bars are golden brown and set in the middle.
  1. Cool
  • Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
  1. Make the Glaze
  • In a small bowl, mix together the confectioners’ sugar, vanilla and almond extracts, and enough milk (2-3 tablespoons) to reach a drizzling consistency.
  1. Drizzle and Serve
  • Once the bars are completely cool, drizzle the glaze over the top in a zigzag pattern. Let the glaze set before cutting into squares.

Tips for Success

  • For Easier Cutting: Use a serrated knife to cut the bars cleanly once they’re completely cooled.
  • Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate to extend freshness.
  • Make It Festive: Top with festive red or white sprinkles for an extra holiday touch.

Enjoy your sweet and tangy Cherry Bars—they’re sure to be a holiday hit!

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