Introduction

Looking for a delicious recipe that’s both easy and impressive? This Cherry Bars is exactly what you need! With its perfect blend of flavors and simple preparation, this dish is ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Let’s get started on creating this tasty masterpiece!

Of course! Cherry Bars are a classic, easy-to-make dessert that’s perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a simple sweet treat at home. They offer all the delicious flavor of a cherry pie with the convenience of a bar cookie.

Here are two fantastic versions: a classic shortbread-crust style and an easy cake-mix style.

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Recipe 1: Classic Cherry Bars with Shortbread Crust

This is the from-scratch version with a buttery, crumbly crust and topping. It’s absolutely divine.

Yields: 9×13 inch pan (about 24 bars)
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 35-45 minutes

Ingredients

For the Crust & Topping:

· 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
· 2 cups all-purpose flour
· ½ cup granulated sugar
· ¼ teaspoon salt
· ½ teaspoon almond extract (highly recommended for that classic “cherry” flavor)

For the Filling

· 2 (21 oz) cans cherry pie filling
· 1 tablespoon lemon juice
· ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Glaze (Optional)

· 1 cup powdered sugar
· 2-3 tablespoons milk or lemon juice
· ½ teaspoon vanilla or almond extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Make the Crust: In a large bowl (or using a food processor), combine the softened butter, flour, sugar, and salt. Mix until it resembles coarse crumbs. You can use a pastry cutter, a fork, or your fingers.
3. Press the Crust: Set aside about 1 ½ cups of the crumb mixture for the topping. Press the remaining mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
4. Pre-Bake Crust: Bake the crust for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are just barely starting to turn golden.
5. Prepare Filling: While the crust bakes, stir the cherry pie filling, lemon juice, and vanilla extract together in a bowl.
6. Assemble: Remove the hot crust from the oven. Spread the cherry filling evenly over the warm crust. Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture evenly over the top of the cherries.
7. Bake: Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the cherry filling is bubbly.
8. Cool Completely: This is crucial for clean cuts! Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This can take 1-2 hours.
9. Glaze and Slice: If using the glaze, whisk the ingredients together in a small bowl until smooth and drizzle over the cooled bars. Once the glaze is set, slice into squares.

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Recipe 2: Easy Cake Mix Cherry Bars

This is the ultimate shortcut recipe that comes together in minutes with a box of cake mix.

Yields: 9×13 inch pan
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Bake Time: 25-30 minutes

Ingredients:

· 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow or white cake mix
· 1 large egg
· ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
· 1 (21 oz) can cherry pie filling
· ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional, but recommended)
· Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, stir together the dry cake mix, melted butter, and egg until a soft dough forms. It will be thick.
3. Press the Crust: Press about two-thirds of the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
4. Add Filling: Spread the cherry pie filling (mixed with the almond extract, if using) over the dough.
5. Add Topping: Take the remaining one-third of the dough and crumble it randomly over the cherry filling. It won’t cover it completely, and that’s perfect.
6. Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and the filling is bubbly.
7. Cool and Serve: Let the bars cool in the pan before dusting with powdered sugar and slicing.

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Pro Tips for Perfect Cherry Bars:

· Cooling is Key: Both recipes require thorough cooling. If you try to cut them while warm, they will be messy and fall apart.
· Almond Extract: This is the secret ingredient that makes cherry desserts taste like cherry desserts. It complements the fruit flavor perfectly.
· Customize the Filling: Don’t like cherries? This recipe works wonderfully with blueberry, apple, or raspberry pie filling.
· Add Nuts: For extra crunch, mix ½ cup of chopped pecans or sliced almonds into the crumb topping for the classic recipe.
· Easy Clean Slices: For super clean cuts, chill the bars in the refrigerator for an hour after they have cooled to room temperature. Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts.

Whether you choose the from-scratch classic or the super-easy cake mix version, you’re in for a delicious treat! Enjoy

Conclusion

Congratulations on making this delicious Cherry Bars! We hope you and your loved ones enjoyed every bite of this flavorful dish. This recipe is perfect for sharing with family and friends, and we’re confident it will become a regular favorite in your kitchen.

🍽️ Looking for more amazing recipes? Browse through our collection of delicious dishes on YumPost! From quick weeknight dinners to impressive desserts, we have something for every taste and occasion.

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