CHERRY BARS

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• ✔️ Easier than traditional pie
• ✔️ Buttery, soft cookie-like base
• ✔️ Sweet and tangy cherry filling
• ✔️ Perfect for parties or potlucks
• ✔️ Beautiful and bakery-worthy

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🧂 Ingredients

🧈 For the Dough

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional but recommended)
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt

🍒 For the Filling

• 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling (or homemade)

🍥 For the Glaze

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

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🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Preheat & Prep

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line with parchment paper.

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2️⃣ Make the Dough

• In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
• Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
• Stir in vanilla and almond extract.
• Gradually mix in flour and salt until just combined.

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3️⃣ Layer the Bars

• Spread 2/3 of the dough evenly into the prepared pan.
• Spoon cherry pie filling evenly over the dough.
• Drop small spoonfuls of the remaining dough on top (it won’t fully cover—and that’s perfect!).

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4️⃣ Bake

Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
Let the bars cool completely in the pan.

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5️⃣ Make the Glaze

• In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and extract until smooth.

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6️⃣ Finish & Serve

• Drizzle glaze over cooled bars
• Cut into squares and serve

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💡 Tips for Best Results

• Don’t overmix the dough—keep it soft and tender
• Almond extract enhances the cherry flavor beautifully
• Let bars cool fully before glazing to avoid melting

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🍽️ Variations

• 🍓 Swap cherry for strawberry or blueberry filling
• 🍫 Add white chocolate chips to the dough
• 🍋 Use lemon extract for a fresh citrus twist

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🧊 Storage

• Store in an airtight container at room temp for 2–3 days
• Refrigerate up to 5 days
• Freeze for up to 2 months

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🍒 Final Thoughts

These Cherry Pie Bars are one of those desserts that look impressive but are incredibly simple to make. With their buttery base, vibrant fruit filling, and sweet glaze, they’re guaranteed to disappear fast wherever you serve them.