Imagine biting into a tender, buttery base, followed by a burst of vibrant cherry filling, finished with a delicate glaze that adds just the right amount of sweetness. These bars are not only easy to prepare, but they also deliver professional bakery-quality results, making them an irresistible choice for home bakers.

Ingredients and Their Role

For the Cherry Bars:

• 1 1/2 cups butter, softened: Provides richness, moisture, and a tender crumb for the bars.
• 3 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps create a golden-brown crust during baking.
• 1 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavor, balancing the sweetness and intensifying the cherry taste.
• 5 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add structure and moisture.
• 1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds depth and warmth to the dough.
• 1 1/2 teaspoon almond extract: Enhances the cherry flavor and adds a subtle nutty aroma that complements the filling.
• 5 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the sturdy base for the bars while keeping them tender.
• 1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the dough rise slightly and maintain a light, airy texture.
• 2 cans (21 oz.) cherry pie filling: The star ingredient! Provides the sweet and tangy fruit layer that makes these bars unforgettable.

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup confectioner’s sugar: Adds smooth sweetness and creates a visually appealing finish.
• 3 tablespoons milk: Adjusts the consistency of the glaze for drizzling over the bars.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12×17-inch jelly roll pan with aluminum foil and lightly spray with nonstick cooking spray. This ensures easy removal of the bars and minimal cleanup.
2. Cream butter and sugar: In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar for 1-2 minutes until light and fluffy. This step incorporates air into the dough, giving the bars a tender texture.
3. Add eggs and flavorings: Mix in the salt, eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract until fully combined. These ingredients create the rich, aromatic base that pairs beautifully with the cherry filling.
4. Incorporate dry ingredients: Add the flour and baking powder to the wet mixture and stir until just combined. Overmixing can make the bars tough, so gentle folding is key.
5. Reserve part of the dough: Scoop out 1 3/4 cups of the dough and set it aside. This reserved dough will be used for the top layer.
6. Press dough into pan: Spread the remaining dough evenly into the prepared pan. Use your hands or the bottom of a measuring cup to press it firmly and evenly. This forms the sturdy base that supports the cherry filling.
7. Add cherry pie filling: Spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. This ensures each bite has a balanced amount of fruit and dough.
8. Top with reserved dough: Drop the reserved dough in small pieces over the cherry filling. Don’t worry if it doesn’t cover the filling completely; it will bake down and create a beautiful rustic look.
9. Bake the bars: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the dough comes out clean. The aroma of baked cherries and almond extract will fill your kitchen!
10. Prepare the glaze: While the bars cool, whisk together 1 cup confectioner’s sugar and 3 tablespoons milk until smooth. Adjust milk as needed for a drizzle consistency.
11. Cool and glaze: Allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes. Drizzle the glaze evenly over the bars and allow it to set before slicing into squares.

Why This Recipe is Loved

These Cherry Bars are adored for their simplicity and flavor. Unlike traditional pies, they don’t require time-consuming crusts or delicate rolling. The buttery, slightly crumbly dough pairs perfectly with the sweet-tart cherry filling, and the almond extract adds a subtle depth that elevates the flavor profile. Perfect for holidays, birthdays, or a casual afternoon treat, these bars are guaranteed crowd-pleasers.

They’re also extremely versatile. You can swap cherry filling for other fruit pie fillings like blueberry or apple for endless variations. The recipe scales easily for larger or smaller batches, making it perfect for entertaining or everyday snacking.

Pro Tips for Perfect Cherry Bars

• Room temperature ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for smooth, well-incorporated dough.
• Even spreading: Press the dough evenly into the pan to prevent uneven baking.
• Check doneness: Keep an eye on the bars near the end of baking. If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil.
• Cooling is key: Let the bars cool completely before glazing to avoid a runny mess.
• Storage: Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Serving Suggestions

Cherry Bars are versatile and can be enjoyed in multiple ways:

• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
• Pair with fresh whipped cream and a sprinkle of slivered almonds for extra elegance.
• Cut into smaller squares for party platters or lunchbox treats.
• Dust lightly with powdered sugar for a beautiful finishing touch.

Conclusion: Simple, Delicious, and Crowd-Pleasing

In just over an hour, you can create Cherry Bars that rival bakery desserts in flavor and appearance. With a buttery base, sweet-tart cherry filling, and a delicate glaze, this dessert delivers a perfect balance of textures and flavors in every bite. Easy to make, visually appealing, and loved by all ages, this recipe is an essential addition to your dessert repertoire. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving something sweet, these bars are guaranteed to impress. Don’t let the simplicity fool you—every bite is pure, irresistible indulgence!