Hey y'all! If you're looking for a sweet treat that's perfect for potlucks, brunches, or just a cozy night in, this CHERRY BARS RECIPE is about to become your new favorite. Imagine layers of soft, buttery cake paired with the bright flavor of cherry pie filling, all drizzled with a simple vanilla glaze. They're easy to make, crowd-pleasing, and look as stunning on a platter as they taste. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This
- Ultra-soft, buttery texture blends perfectly with juicy cherry filling.
- Makes a generous batch—great for sharing!
- No fancy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients required.
- Perfect balance of sweetness and tart cherry flavor.
- Simple vanilla glaze adds the finishing touch.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract (optional, but recommended!)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cans (21 ounces each) cherry pie filling
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 15x10-inch jelly roll pan or line it with parchment paper for easier removal.
Step 2: Make the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes). Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla and almond extracts.
Gradually add salt and flour, mixing just until combined. Reserve about 1 ½ cups of batter for topping.
Step 3: Assemble the Bars
Spread the remaining batter evenly into the prepared pan (it will be thick, so use a spatula!). Spoon cherry pie filling over the batter, avoiding the edges. Drop small spoonfuls of the reserved batter over the filling.
Step 4: Bake
Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until golden and the top is set. Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
Step 5: Glaze and Serve
Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle glaze over cooled bars, let set, then cut into squares or bars. Enjoy!
Notes
- For best results, let the bars cool fully before glazing to avoid melting.
- If you love more fruit, use an extra half-can of pie filling.
- Line your pan with parchment for easy removal and clean-up.
Variations
- Blueberry Bars: Swap cherry pie filling for blueberry pie filling.
- Lemon Glaze: Replace milk in the glaze with fresh lemon juice for a citrusy twist.
- Nutty Cherry Bars: Sprinkle ½ cup slivered almonds over the top before baking.
Required Equipment
- 15x10-inch jelly roll pan
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Spatula
- Wire rack
Storage Instructions
Store cherry bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze bars (un-glazed) tightly wrapped for up to 2 months—thaw before glazing and serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat.
- Add a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
- Pair with fresh coffee or tea for the perfect snack.
Pro Tips
- Room temperature butter ensures a smooth, creamy batter.
- Patch any cracks in the batter layer to keep the filling from oozing out.
- Chill bars before slicing for the cleanest cuts.
FAQ
Can I use homemade cherry filling instead of canned?
Absolutely! Just be sure to use about 4 cups of thick homemade cherry pie filling to avoid runny bars.
Can I bake this in a 9x13-inch pan?
Yes, but the bars will be thicker and may need a few extra minutes of baking time—watch closely for doneness.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, just substitute a cup-for-cup gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular flour.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
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1Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 15x10-inch baking pan.
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2In a large bowl, cream together butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract.
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3In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until combined.
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4Spread two-thirds of the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Spoon cherry pie filling evenly over the batter. Drop remaining batter by spoonfuls over the cherry layer.
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5Bake for 35 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
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6In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and milk to make a glaze. Drizzle over cooled bars before slicing and serving.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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