These Cherry Bars are the ultimate combination of buttery, soft cookie dough and sweet, tart cherry pie filling. They’re baked to golden perfection and drizzled with a simple vanilla glaze, making them a perfect dessert for holidays, potlucks, or anytime you need a fruity treat!
Why You’ll Love These Cherry Bars
Soft & Buttery Base – A melt-in-your-mouth cookie-like crust.
Sweet Cherry Filling – The perfect balance of tart and sweet.
Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and no special skills required.
Perfect for Sharing – Makes 35 squares, great for large gatherings!
Ingredients & Their Roles
For the Bars:
1 ½ cups butter (softened) – Creates a rich, tender texture.
3 cups granulated sugar – Adds sweetness and helps with structure.
1 ½ teaspoons salt – Enhances flavor.
5 large eggs – Provides structure and moisture.
1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract – Enhances the sweet, buttery taste.
1 ½ teaspoons almond extract – Pairs beautifully with cherries.
5 ½ cups all-purpose flour – The base of the dough.
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder – Helps with lightness and texture.
2 cans (21 oz.) cherry pie filling – The star of the recipe, packed with fruity goodness.
For the Glaze:
1 cup confectioners’ sugar – For a smooth, sweet glaze.
3 tablespoons milk – Thins out the glaze for drizzling.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Pan
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Line a 12×17-inch jelly roll pan with aluminum foil and spray with nonstick spray.
Step 2: Make the Dough
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar together for 1-2 minutes.
4. Add salt, eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Mix until fully combined.
5. Gradually add flour and baking powder until just incorporated.
Step 3: Assemble the Cherry Bars
6. Reserve 1 ¾ cups of dough for the topping.
7. Spread/press the remaining dough evenly into the prepared pan.
8. Top with cherry pie filling, spreading it evenly over the dough.
9. Drop small pieces of the reserved dough over the cherry filling.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
10. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until golden brown.
11. Remove from the oven and place the pan on a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 5: Make the Glaze
12. In a small bowl, whisk confectioners’ sugar and milk until smooth.
13. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cherry bars.
14. Cut into 35 squares and serve!
Pro Tips for the Best Cherry Bars
Use High-Quality Butter – Real butter ensures a rich, flavorful crust.
Don’t Overmix – Overmixing the dough can make it tough instead of tender.
Chill the Dough – If the dough is too soft, refrigerate for 10 minutes before pressing into the pan.
Let It Cool Completely – This allows the bars to set before cutting.
Serving Suggestions
With Whipped Cream – Adds a light, creamy contrast.
With Vanilla Ice Cream – The ultimate indulgence.
With a Cup of Coffee – A perfect sweet treat for breakfast or an afternoon snack.
Final Thoughts – A Must-Try Cherry Dessert
These Cherry Bars are sweet, buttery, and bursting with juicy cherry flavor. Whether you’re making them for a holiday dessert, bake sale, or family treat, they’re guaranteed to be a hit.
Have you tried this recipe? Let me know in the comments below how it turned out!