Cherry Bars Recipe

Ingredients

For the Bars:

• 1 1/2 cups butter, softened
• 3 cups granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 5 large eggs
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 teaspoons almond extract
• 5 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 2 cans (21 oz. each) cherry pie filling

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup confectioner’s sugar
• 3 tablespoons milk

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12×17-inch jelly roll pan with aluminum foil and spray with nonstick spray. Set aside.
2. Make the Dough: In a stand mixer, cream together the butter and sugar for about 1-2 minutes. Add the salt, eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Mix until fully incorporated.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour and baking powder to the mixture, blending until just combined. Reserve 1 3/4 cups of the dough.
4. Assemble the Bars: Spread or press the remaining dough into the prepared baking pan. Top with the cherry pie filling. Drop the reserved dough in small pieces over the cherry filling.
5. Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes or until the bars are golden brown.
6. Cool: Remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack.
7. Make the Glaze: Whisk together the confectioner’s sugar and milk until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars.
8. Serve: Cut into 35 squares and enjoy!