Cherry Dessert Bars are a delightful treat that perfectly balance the buttery richness of a crumbly crust with the tangy sweetness of cherry filling. Whether you’re hosting a casual brunch or looking for a festive dessert, these bars are sure to impress. The addition of a light icing drizzle not only enhances their flavor but also adds an elegant touch. Simple yet indulgent, these bars are the perfect addition to your dessert repertoire. In this recipe, we’ll walk you through the steps to create these irresistible bars in under an hour.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
- Total Time: 50–55 minutes
Ingredients
For the crust and topping:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the filling:
- 2 cans (21 oz each) cherry pie filling
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
For the icing drizzle:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Prepare the Crust and Topping
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, softened butter, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using).
- Use a pastry cutter or your hands to mix the ingredients until the mixture forms a crumbly dough.
- Divide the dough in two portions, with one slightly larger than the other.
- Press the larger portion of the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust.
Step 3: Add the Cherry Filling
- In a separate bowl, stir the cherry pie filling with the almond extract (if using).
- Spread the cherry filling evenly over the crust layer.
Step 4: Create the Topping
- Crumble the remaining dough over the cherry filling. Ensure the topping is evenly distributed but not completely covering the filling—some cherries should peek through for visual appeal.
Step 5: Bake
Bake the dessert bars in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack before adding the icing drizzle.
Step 6: Prepare the Icing Drizzle
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk (start with 2 tablespoons and add more as needed), and vanilla extract until smooth. The consistency should be slightly thick but pourable.
- Drizzle the icing over the cooled dessert bars using a spoon or piping bag.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once the icing has set, cut the bars into squares or rectangles and serve. These bars pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea and are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Tips for Success
- For a nuttier flavor, you can add a handful of sliced almonds to the topping before baking.
- If you’d like a slightly tart flavor, mix in a tablespoon of lemon juice with the cherry pie filling.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Cherry Dessert Bars with Icing Drizzle are a versatile and easy-to-make dessert that will quickly become a favorite in your household. With their buttery crust, vibrant cherry filling, and sweet icing, these bars are a delightful indulgence for any occasion. Perfect for potlucks, holidays, or just a cozy afternoon treat, they’re as beautiful as they are delicious. Give this recipe a try and watch as these bars disappear from the plate faster than you can make them!