Description
Sweet temptations come alive in these irresistible cherry pie bars, blending classic dessert comfort with modern bakery charm. Buttery crust cradles juicy cherries, promising delectable moments that will satisfy your craving for a homemade treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Cherry Pie Bars
Main Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 4 eggs
- 2 cans (21 ounces each) cherry pie filling
Flavoring Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 teaspoon salt
Glaze Ingredients:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 350°F and coating a 15x10x1-inch pan with non-stick spray.
- Using a large mixing bowl, transform butter and sugar into a light, airy mixture through vigorous creaming.
- Introduce eggs individually, thoroughly blending each before adding the next, then incorporate vanilla and almond extracts for enhanced flavor complexity.
- Separately combine flour and salt, then gently integrate the dry mixture into the creamed base, ensuring uniform consistency.
- Distribute 3 cups of batter evenly across the pan’s surface, create a luscious layer of cherry pie filling, and delicately scatter remaining batter atop the cherries.
- Slide the pan into the preheated oven, baking for 30-35 minutes until a inserted toothpick emerges clean and pristine.
- Transfer the baked creation to a wire rack, allowing complete cooling and setting of the dessert.
- Craft a silky glaze by whisking powdered sugar with vanilla, almond extract, and milk until achieving a smooth, pourable consistency.
- Once fully cooled, artfully drizzle the glaze over the bars, permitting it to set before slicing into elegant squares for serving.
Notes
- Ensure butter is softened at room temperature for easier creaming and smoother batter consistency.
- Use fresh, high-quality cherries or premium canned pie filling for the most vibrant flavor profile.
- Consider reducing sugar by 2-3 tablespoons if using sweeter pie filling to balance overall sweetness.
- Swap almond extract with additional vanilla for nut-free version or if almond allergies are a concern.
- Line pan with parchment paper for easier removal and cleaner cutting of bars.
- Test doneness by checking center with toothpick – slight moist crumbs are okay, but no wet batter.
- Allow complete cooling before glazing to prevent runny, absorbed glaze and maintain crisp texture.
- Store bars in refrigerator for up to 4 days in airtight container to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg