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Cherry Pie Bars
With a buttery crust and a sweet cherry filling, these Cherry Pie Bars are the perfect dessert for gatherings, holidays, or anytime you’re craving a fruity treat. The combination of vanilla and almond extracts gives these bars an extra depth of flavor that pairs beautifully with the tart cherry filling.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Cherries: High in antioxidants, vitamin C, and fiber, they add natural sweetness and color.
- Almond Extract: Adds a nutty depth without extra nuts, making it perfect for nut-free diets.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp almond extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 cans (21 oz each) cherry pie filling
- For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp almond extract
- 2 tbsp milk
Cooking Tips:
- Softened Butter: Ensure the butter is at room temperature for easy creaming with the sugar.
- Cherry Filling: Use high-quality cherry pie filling for the best flavor. You could also experiment with other fruit fillings like blueberry or apple.
- Pan Size: A 15x10x1-inch pan is recommended, but a 9×13-inch pan can work too; just keep an eye on baking time as it may take slightly longer.
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 15x10x1-inch baking pan with non-stick spray.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes on medium speed.
- Add Eggs and Extracts: Beat in the eggs one at a time, allowing each egg to incorporate fully before adding the next. Mix in the vanilla and almond extracts, blending until smooth.
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the creamed butter and sugar, mixing on low speed until well combined.
- Assemble the Bars: Spread 3 cups of the batter evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form a base layer. Spoon the cherry pie filling over the base layer, spreading it evenly. Drop spoonfuls of the remaining batter over the cherry filling, allowing some of the filling to peek through for a marbled effect.
- Bake: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If you’re using a 9×13-inch pan, be aware that the baking time may be longer, so monitor it closely.
- Cool: Remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool completely before glazing.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, almond extract, and milk until smooth and pourable. Adjust the consistency with a little more milk if needed.
- Drizzle and Serve: Once the bars are fully cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top. Allow it to set for a few minutes, then cut into squares and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions:
These Cherry Pie Bars are delightful on their own, but for an extra indulgent treat, serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Dietary Information:
- Nut-Free: Despite the almond flavor, these bars are nut-free, making them great for those with nut allergies.
- Vegetarian-Friendly
Storage Tips:
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigeration: For longer storage, keep in the fridge for up to a week.
- Freezing: These bars freeze well; just wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
These bars are easy to make and deliver a beautiful combination of textures and flavors. The buttery crust, rich cherry filling, and sweet glaze make these bars a family favorite that’s perfect for potlucks, holidays, or a special treat at home.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 30-35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 24 bars
