Cherry Bars With Vanilla Glaze

Cherry bars with vanilla glaze are a delightful treat that combines a buttery base, sweet cherry filling, and a delicious vanilla glaze. These bars are perfect for any occasion and are simple to make.

Why Make This Recipe

These cherry bars are easy to make and perfect for sharing. They combine the rich flavors of cherries and vanilla, making them a crowd-pleaser. Plus, they look beautiful and taste amazing!

How to Make Cherry Bars With Vanilla Glaze

Ingredients

For the Bars:

1 cup butter, softened
2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon salt
4 eggs
3 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 teaspoon almond extract
2 cans cherry pie filling
Cooking spray

For the Glaze:

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

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Coat a 10″ x 15″ jelly roll pan with cooking spray.
In a mixer, beat the butter, sugar, and salt until fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Add the eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition.
With the mixer on low speed, slowly add the flour. Stir in the vanilla and almond extracts.
Spread 2/3 of the dough evenly over the bottom of the prepared pan.
Spread the cherry pie filling over the dough.
Place teaspoon-sized dollops of the remaining dough all over the surface of the pie filling.
Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely in the pan.
To make the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, almond extract, and milk. Add more milk, 1 teaspoon at a time, if you prefer a thinner glaze.
Drizzle the glaze over the bars. Let the glaze harden, then cut into squares and serve.

How to Serve Cherry Bars With Vanilla Glaze

Serve these cherry bars at room temperature. They’re perfect on their own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.

How to Store Cherry Bars With Vanilla Glaze

Store the cherry bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Tips to Make Cherry Bars With Vanilla Glaze

Make sure the butter is softened for easier mixing.
Let the bars cool completely before adding the glaze to ensure it sets properly.
Use parchment paper with an overhang for easy removal of the bars from the pan.

Variation

You can try different fillings like blueberry or apple pie filling for a different flavor. Just follow the same steps with your preferred filling.

FAQs

Can I use homemade cherry pie filling?

Yes, you can use homemade cherry pie filling if you prefer. It will give the bars a fresh, homemade taste.

Can I freeze the cherry bars?

Yes, you can freeze the bars. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.