CHERRY BARS

Cherry Bars Recipe Indulge in these delightful Cherry Bars, featuring a buttery base, sweet cherry filling, and a smooth glaze. This dessert is perfect for any occasion, sure to impress with its rich flavors and beautiful presentation. Ingredients: For the Bars: Butter (softened): 1 1/2 cups Granulated Sugar: 3 cups Salt: 1 1/2 teaspoons Large Eggs: 5 Vanilla Extract: 1 1/2 teaspoons Almond Extract: 1 1/2 teaspoons All-Purpose Flour: 5 1/2 cups Baking Powder: 1 1/2 teaspoons Cherry Pie Filling: 2 cans (21 oz. each) For the Glaze: Confectioners’ Sugar: 1 cup Milk: 3 tablespoons Instructions: Preparing the Bars: 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. 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. Add Eggs and Extracts: Beat in the salt, eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract, mixing until fully incorporated. Combine Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and baking powder to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix. Reserve Dough: Reserve 1 3/4 cups of the dough and set aside. Prepare the Base: Spread and press the remaining dough into the prepared baking pan, ensuring it is evenly distributed. Add Cherry Filling: Spread the cherry pie filling over the dough base. Top with Remaining Dough: Drop small pieces of the reserved dough over the cherry filling, distributing them evenly. Baking the Bars: 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. Cool: Remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool completely. Preparing the Glaze: Mix the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar and milk until smooth. Drizzle: Once the bars are completely cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top in a decorative pattern. Serving the Bars: Cut into Squares: Once the glaze has set, cut the bars into 35 squares. Serve: Arrange the cherry bars on a serving platter and enjoy! Tips for Success: Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that the butter and eggs are at room temperature before mixing. This helps in achieving a smooth and even batter. Even Dough Distribution: When spreading the dough in the pan, use an offset spatula to get an even layer. This ensures uniform baking. 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. 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!

Cherry Bars Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Bars:

For the Glaze:

Instructions:

Preparing the Bars:

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