How to Make Cherry Pie Bars
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 15x10x1-inch baking pan (a jelly roll pan works well).
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the butter and sugar until the mixture is light, pale, and fluffy. This is the secret to that soft, cake-like texture.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Flavoring
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in both the vanilla and almond extracts — the almond flavor is what makes these bars unforgettable.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter mixture, stirring until just combined.
Step 5: Assemble the Bars
Spread about three cups of the batter evenly into your prepared pan. Spoon the cherry pie filling on top, spreading it gently to cover the crust. Drop spoonfuls of the remaining batter over the filling — it doesn’t have to be perfect; the cherries peeking through make it beautiful.
Step 6: Bake
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. (If using a 9×13-inch pan, add a few extra minutes of bake time.)
Step 7: Cool Completely
Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before glazing. This helps the texture set and keeps the glaze from melting into the crust.
Step 8: Glaze and Serve
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, vanilla, almond extract, and milk until smooth. Drizzle evenly over the cooled bars. Once the glaze sets, cut into squares and serve.
