This holiday season, delight your family and friends with Cherry Pie Bars that capture the essence of festive baking! These delicious bars are a perfect blend of buttery crust and sweet cherry filling, making them an ideal treat for holiday gatherings, dessert tables, or as a sweet gift to share.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 2 cups sugar
- 4 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp almond extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 (21-ounce) cans cherry pie filling
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp almond extract
- 2 tablespoons milk
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a 15x10x1 inch pan with pan spray and set aside, preparing your kitchen for holiday baking.
- Cream the Mixture: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla and almond extracts for that festive flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the flour and salt. Gradually add this flour mixture to the creamed mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Layer the Bars: Spread 3 cups of the batter evenly on the bottom of the prepared pan. Pour the cherry pie filling over the batter, spreading it out evenly. Then, drop dollops of the remaining batter over the top, covering the cherries as much as possible.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If using a 9×13 inch pan, be prepared for a longer baking time. Once done, allow to cool completely.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, ½ teaspoon vanilla, ½ teaspoon almond extract, and milk until smooth. Drizzle this festive glaze over the cooled bars to add a sweet finishing touch.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes | Servings: 26
Enjoy these delightful Cherry Pie Bars, a sweet treat that’s perfect for sharing and celebrating the holiday spirit!