CHERRY BARS

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line a 12×17-inch jelly roll pan with aluminum foil and spray it with nonstick spray. Set aside.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar for about 1-2 minutes until light and fluffy.
3. Add Eggs and Extracts: Beat in the salt, eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and baking powder to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Reserve Dough: Reserve 1 3/4 cups of the dough and set aside.
6. Prepare the Base: Spread and press the remaining dough into the prepared baking pan, ensuring it is evenly distributed.
7. Add Cherry Filling: Spread the cherry pie filling over the dough base.
8. Top with Remaining Dough: Drop small pieces of the reserved dough over the cherry filling, distributing them evenly.

Baking the Bars:

1. Bake: 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 center comes out clean.
2. Cool: Remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool completely.

Preparing the Glaze:

1. Mix the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar and milk until smooth.
2. Drizzle: Once the bars are completely cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top in a decorative pattern.

Serving the Bars:

1. Cut into Squares: Once the glaze has set, cut the bars into 35 squares.
2. Serve: Arrange the cherry bars on a serving platter and enjoy!

Tips for Success:

1. Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that the butter and eggs are at room temperature before mixing. This helps in achieving a smooth and even batter.
2. Even Dough Distribution: When spreading the dough in the pan, use an offset spatula to get an even layer. This ensures uniform baking.
3. Prevent Overbaking: Check the bars at the 50-minute mark to prevent overbaking. The edges should be golden brown, and the center should be set.
4. Chill Before Cutting: For cleaner cuts, chill the bars in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes after glazing. This will help the glaze to set firmly.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can I use a different fruit filling?

Absolutely! You can substitute the cherry pie filling with your favorite fruit filling, such as blueberry, apple, or raspberry.

2. What if I don’t have almond extract?

If you don’t have almond extract, you can simply double the amount of vanilla extract or use another flavoring like lemon or orange extract for a different twist.

3. How do I store the cherry bars?

Store the cherry bars 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 up to three months.

These Cherry Bars are a perfect combination of buttery crust, sweet cherry filling, and a smooth glaze, making them an irresistible treat for any dessert lover. Enjoy these delightful bars at your next gathering, and watch them disappear!