Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (226g) Unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups (400g) Granulated sugar
  • 4 Large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 tsp (5ml) Pure vanilla extract
  • 0.5 tsp (2.5ml) Pure almond extract
  • 3 cups (375g) All-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp (5g) Kosher salt
  • 2 cans (21 oz each) Cherry pie filling
  • 1.5 cups (180g) Powdered sugar
  • 0.5 tsp (2.5ml) Vanilla extract for glaze
  • 3 tbsp (45ml) Whole milk

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl or stand mixer, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar for 3 minutes until pale and voluminous. Note: Don't rush this; the volume is what makes the bars light.
  2. Add eggs one at a time, followed by the 1 tsp vanilla and almond extracts, mixing until the emulsion is smooth.
  3. Gradually fold in the all purpose flour and salt until a thick, tacky dough forms.
  4. Spread 3/4 of the mixture into an ungreased 15x10-inch jelly roll pan using an offset spatula until the bottom is completely covered.
  5. Spread both cans of cherry pie filling evenly over the dough base, ensuring coverage into the corners.
  6. Drop the remaining 1/4 of the dough in small spoonfuls (dollops) over the cherry layer. Do not spread; they will expand during baking to create a rustic look.
  7. Bake for 35 minutes until the top is golden brown and the cherries are bubbling.
  8. While baking, whisk powdered sugar, 0.5 tsp vanilla, and milk in a small bowl until velvety and pourable.
  9. Remove the pan from the oven and let it sit for 10 minutes.
  10. Drizzle the glaze over the bars while they are still slightly warm so it sets into a beautiful crackly finish. Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting: A 40-Minute Recipe — Bake these moist Pumpkin Bars with tangy cream cheese frosting. Includes a st...Vanilla Cherry Ice Cream Recipe for 10 Servings — Master Vanilla Cherry Ice Cream with our scientifically tested formula for a ...No Bake Peanut Butter Pie with Oreo Crust in 20 Minutes — Master our no bake peanut butter pie with a step-by-step guide. Includes a co... $img_2$