CHERRY BARS FOR A CROWD

There’s something truly special about the combination of sweet cherries and a tender cookie crust that makes Cherry Bars for a Crowd an irresistible treat. Whether you’re hosting a large gathering or simply indulging your sweet tooth, these cherry bars are both easy to make and eye-catching. With vibrant cherry pie filling nestled between layers of soft cookie dough and topped with a simple vanilla glaze, this dessert is sure to impress your guests. Plus, you can change things up with different fillings like blueberry, making it a versatile addition to any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Cherry Bars are a hit for several reasons. First, they are quick to prepare, taking only about 20 minutes of active time. The recipe uses common pantry ingredients, making it convenient for last-minute baking. The bars are also visually stunning with their rich red color, perfect for holiday tables or any festive gathering. And let’s not forget the delightful flavor combination of cherry and almond, which elevates these bars to a whole new level.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Jelly roll pan (12×17 inches)
• Aluminum foil
• Nonstick spray
• Wire rack
• Whisk

Ingredients

For the Bars:

• 1 1/2 cups butter, softened
• 3 cups granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 5 large eggs
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 teaspoons almond extract
• 5 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 2 cans (21 oz.) cherry pie filling

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup confectioner’s sugar
• 3 tablespoons milk

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Line a jelly roll pan with aluminum foil and spray it with nonstick spray. Set aside.
3. In the bowl of your stand mixer, cream together the butter and sugar for about 1-2 minutes until light and fluffy.
4. Add the salt, eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract, stirring until fully incorporated.
5. Mix in the flour and baking powder until just combined.
6. Reserve 1 3/4 cups of the dough for topping.
7. Spread or press the remaining dough into the prepared baking pan.
8. Top the dough with the cherry pie filling evenly.
9. Drop small pieces of the reserved dough over the cherry filling.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
11. Remove from the oven and let the pan cool completely on a wire rack.
12. Once cooled, prepare the glaze by whisking together the confectioner’s sugar and milk until smooth. Drizzle over the bars.
13. Cut into 35 squares and serve.

Tips for Success

• Ensure your butter is softened for easier creaming with the sugar.
• If you prefer a thicker glaze, reduce the amount of milk.
• Make sure the bars are completely cooled before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting into the bars.

Additional Tips or Variations

• For a tangy twist, mix together some cream cheese, sugar, and an egg, and spread it over the bottom crust before adding the cherry filling.
• Experiment with different pie fillings, such as blueberry or apple, for a different flavor profile.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

Calories: TBD
Carbohydrates: TBD
Protein: TBD
Fat: TBD
Please note that nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use fresh cherries instead of cherry pie filling?
Yes, you can use fresh cherries. Simply cook them with sugar and cornstarch to create a thick filling before using.

Can these bars be frozen?
Absolutely! Once cooled and cut, wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to serve.

How do I store leftover bars?
Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Conclusion

Cherry Bars for a Crowd are a delightful dessert that combines the classic flavors of cherry and almond in a soft, cookie-like bar that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday gathering or bringing them to a potluck, these bars are sure to please. Try them out and let us know how they turned out for you! We’d love to hear your thoughts and any variations you tried in the comments below.