These Cherry Bars are a delightful dessert with a buttery crust, a sweet cherry filling, and a drizzle of glaze. Easy to make and perfect for just becauseโtheyโre always a crowd-pleaser! ๐
๐ Ingredients:
For the Bars:
- ๐ง 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ๐ฌ 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- ๐ฅ 4 large eggs
- ๐ฟ 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ๐พ 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ๐ง 1/2 tsp salt
- ๐ 1 (21 oz) can cherry pie filling
For the Glaze:
- ๐ 1 cup powdered sugar
- ๐ฅ 2-3 tbsp milk
- ๐ฟ 1/2 tsp almond or vanilla extract
๐ฅ Instructions:
1๏ธโฃ Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2๏ธโฃ Make the Batter:
- In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until combined.
3๏ธโฃ Layer the Bars:
- Spread 2/3 of the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Spoon the cherry pie filling over the batter, spreading it evenly.
- Drop the remaining batter by spoonfuls over the cherry filling.
4๏ธโฃ Bake:
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are set. Let cool completely.
5๏ธโฃ Prepare the Glaze:
- In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and almond/vanilla extract until smooth.
6๏ธโฃ Glaze and Serve:
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars, slice into squares, and serve.
๐ฏ Why Youโll Love This Recipe:
- Sweet & Buttery: A perfect balance of fruity filling and tender crust.
- Simple & Versatile: Quick to prepare and adaptable with other pie fillings.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for gatherings, holidays, or as an everyday treat.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Stays delicious for days!
Bake up a batch of these Cherry Bars and treat yourself to a dessert thatโs as easy as it is delightful! ๐โจ