Cherry Bars

A delectable layered dessert featuring a tender almond-scented cookie base, a sweet cherry filling, and a delicate drizzle of vanilla-almond glaze. Ideal for entertaining and perfectly portioned for a crowd.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 40

Total Time 50

Ingredients

For the Bars

1 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon almond extract
2 cups sugar
3 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 eggs
2 cans cherry pie filling
1 cup butter softened
Cooking spray

For the Glaze

1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
2 tablespoons milk
1 cup powdered sugar

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly coat a 10" x 15" jelly roll pan with cooking spray. In the bowl of a mixer, combine butter, sugar, and salt, and beat for 2–3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. With the mixer on low, gradually blend in the flour until just combined. Stir in the vanilla and almond extracts. Spread two-thirds of the dough evenly across the prepared pan. Layer the cherry pie filling on top of the dough. Drop remaining dough in teaspoon-sized amounts over the cherry layer. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. For the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla extract, almond extract, and milk until smooth. Adjust the consistency with additional milk if needed. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars. Once the glaze has set, cut into squares and serve.

Notes

For ease, use an offset spatula to evenly distribute both the dough and the cherry filling. A 15" x 10" jelly roll pan is recommended, though a 9" x 13" pan can be used for thicker bars; just extend the baking time accordingly.