Instructions
1. Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 15×10×1-inch baking pan, or spray it with non-stick cooking spray for easier cleanup.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
3. Add Eggs and Extracts
Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla and almond extracts until evenly mixed.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the batter.
5. Assemble the Bars
Spread approximately 3 cups of the batter evenly in the prepared pan to form the base. Spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the crust layer. Drop spoonfuls of the remaining batter over the top of the cherry filling in small sections, creating a marbled effect.
6. Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Note: If using a smaller 9×13-inch pan, baking time may increase slightly.
7. Cool
Allow the bars to cool completely on a wire rack before applying the glaze.
8. Prepare the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, almond extract, and milk until smooth. Adjust the consistency with more milk or powdered sugar if necessary.
9. Glaze and Serve
Drizzle the glaze evenly over the cooled bars. Let it set for 10–15 minutes before cutting into squares. Serve and enjoy!
Chef’s Tips
- Cherry Filling: For a fresher taste, substitute one can of cherry pie filling with fresh or frozen pitted cherries cooked with sugar and cornstarch.
- Make Ahead: These bars can be made a day in advance and stored in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge.
- Glaze Variations: Add a few drops of lemon juice for a citrus twist, or sprinkle toasted almonds on top for extra texture.
These Cherry Pie Bars combine the nostalgia of classic cherry pie with a simple, modern twist—easy to make, easy to serve, and always a crowd-pleaser.
