Cherry Bars with Glaze

These Cherry Bars with Glaze are a delightful treat that combine a soft, buttery base with luscious cherry filling, making them perfect for any occasion.

Topped with a sweet almond-flavored glaze, they’re easy to make and sure to please a crowd. Whether for a family gathering or a cozy dessert at home, these bars are sure to become a favorite!

Cherry Bars with Glaze

Ingredients

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

1 tsp vanilla extract (or substitute almond extract for a stronger almond flavor)

4 eggs

1 ¾ cups sugar

1 ½ tsp baking powder

3 cups flour

1 large can cherry pie filling

Glaze:

1 cup confectioners sugar

1 to 2 tbsp milk

½ tsp almond extract

Instructions

Step 1:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan by greasing or spraying it well.

In a large bowl, mix the softened butter, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

Combine the flour and baking powder, then mix into the butter mixture until just incorporated.

Pour about two-thirds of the batter into the prepared jelly roll pan, spreading it evenly.

Carefully layer the cherry pie filling over the batter.

Step 2:

Drop spoonfuls of the remaining batter on top of the cherry filling.

Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Allow the jelly roll pan to cool completely on a cooling rack.

Step 3:

In a small bowl, whisk together the confectioners sugar, milk, and almond extract until you reach your preferred consistency for the glaze.

Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cherry bars.

Let the glaze set and harden before cutting into pieces.

Optional: Serve with a dollop of whipped topping if desired.

Enjoy your delicious cherry bars!

Notes:

Butter Temperature: Make sure the butter is softened at room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother batter.

Eggs: For best results, use eggs that are at room temperature; this helps the batter mix more uniformly.

Flour Measurement: When measuring flour, spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife to avoid packing it down, which can lead to dry bars.

Cherry Filling: You can use homemade cherry filling or another fruit pie filling if you prefer a different flavor.

Glaze Consistency: Adjust the amount of milk in the glaze to achieve your desired consistency—less milk for a thicker glaze, more for a thinner drizzle.

Storage: Store the cherry bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or in the refrigerator for a week. They can also be frozen for longer storage.

Serving Suggestions: These bars pair beautifully with whipped cream, ice cream, or even a sprinkle of nuts for added texture.

Nutrition Information:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use fresh cherries instead of pie filling?

Yes! You can use fresh cherries, but you’ll need to cook them down with some sugar and cornstarch to create a filling-like consistency.

What can I substitute for butter?

You can use margarine or a dairy-free butter substitute if you need a non-dairy option.

Keep in mind that this may slightly alter the flavor.

How do I store leftover cherry bars?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

They can also be frozen for longer storage.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare them a day in advance.

Just wait to glaze them until you’re ready to serve.

What can I use instead of almond extract?

You can use additional vanilla extract or simply omit it if you prefer a more neutral flavor.

How do I know when the bars are done baking?

They are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs.

The edges should also be lightly golden.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double the recipe! Just use a larger baking pan and adjust the baking time as needed.

What should I serve with cherry bars?

They pair well with whipped cream, ice cream, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for extra indulgence.

Why is my batter crumbly?

If your batter is crumbly, it might be due to over-measuring the flour.

Make sure to spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level it off for accuracy.

Can I add other fruits to the filling?

Yes! You can mix in or substitute other fruits like blueberries or raspberries for a mixed fruit bar.