Description
Delicious Cherry Pie Bars featuring a buttery, sweet base layered with cherry pie filling, topped with a sweet glaze. Perfect as a dessert or snack for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Batter
- 1 cup softened unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
Filling
- 2 (21-ounce) cans cherry pie filling
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- 2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a 9 x 13 x 2-inch baking pan with pan spray and set aside.
- Prepare batter: Cream together 1 cup softened unsalted butter and 2 cups granulated sugar. Add 4 large eggs and beat well. Beat in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and ¼ teaspoon almond extract.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine 3 cups all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon salt. Add the flour mixture to the creamed mixture and mix until combined.
- Layer batter and filling: Spread 3 cups of the batter evenly on the bottom of the prepared pan. Top with the 2 (21-ounce) cans of cherry pie filling, spreading evenly across the batter. Drop dollops of the remaining batter as evenly as possible over the top until all batter is used.
- Bake: Bake for 40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean and the top is lightly golden brown. If using a 15 x 10-inch pan, bake for about 30 minutes. Allow to cool completely.
- Prepare glaze: Whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, ½ teaspoon almond extract, and 2 tablespoons milk.
- Apply glaze: Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars before serving.
Notes
- Use room temperature butter for easier creaming and better texture.
- Ensure the bars are completely cool before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting.
- If cherry pie filling is unavailable, homemade cherry preserves can be used as a substitute.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- For a nuttier flavor, consider adding ½ cup chopped pecans or almonds to the batter.
