By CHERRY BARS is a comfort-food classic made simpler for home cooks. With everyday ingredients and reliable technique, it delivers big flavor with little effort.
CHERRY BARS captures the essence of breads & pastries while staying approachable for everyday cooking. The method focuses on maximizing flavor with minimal steps, using common pantry items and fresh ingredients. From the first bite you’ll notice a balance of texture and taste that feels both familiar and exciting. To build depth, we combine proper seasoning with simple techniques: gentle heat for aromatics, accurate measurements, and attention to doneness. Small details—like resting time or layering ingredients—make a noticeable difference in the final dish. This recipe is designed to be flexible. You can swap in seasonal produce, adjust spices to match your preferences, or adapt the base to suit dietary needs. The goal is to keep the spirit of the dish while letting you tailor it to your kitchen. Serving ideas are wide open: pair with a crisp salad, roasted vegetables, warm bread, or your favorite grains. Leftovers store well and often taste even better the next day as flavors settle. That makes the recipe suitable for meal prep and busy schedules. For best results, read the steps once before you start, assemble ingredients, and cook with confidence. Taste as you go, and don’t be afraid to adjust seasoning. With these principles, CHERRY BARS becomes a reliable addition to your rotation—crowd-pleasing, practical, and full of flavor.
INGREDIENTS
For the Bars:
1 1/2 cups butter, softened
3 cup granulated sugar
1 1/2 teaspoon salt
5 large eggs
1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
5 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
2 cans (21 oz.) cherry pie filling
For the Glaze:
1 cup confectioner’s sugar
3 tablespoons milk
How To Make Cherry Bars
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a jelly roll pan (12×17) with aluminum foil. Spray with nonstick spray. Set aside.In the bowl of your stand mixer, cream together butter and sugar, about 1-2 minutes. Add salt, eggs, and vanilla and almond flavorings and continue stirring until fully incorporated.
Add flour and baking powder and mix until just combined. Reserve 1 3/4 cup of dough. Spread/Press remaining dough into the prepared baking pan. Top with cherry pie filling. Drop remaining batter in small pieces over the cherry filling.Place in the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes or until golden brown.
Remove from the oven and place pan on a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled prepare the glaze. Whisk together confectioners’ sugar and milk until smooth and drizzle over the bars. Cut into 35 squares and serve.
PREPARATION STEPS
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F
Line a jelly roll pan (12×17) with aluminum foil
Spray with nonstick spray
Set aside.In the bowl of your stand mixer, cream together butter and sugar, about 1-2 minutes
Add salt, eggs, and vanilla and almond flavorings and continue stirring until fully incorporated.
Add flour and baking powder and mix until just combined
Reserve 1 3/4 cup of dough
Spread/Press remaining dough into the prepared baking pan
Top with cherry pie filling
Drop remaining batter in small pieces over the cherry filling.Place in the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes or until golden brown.
ORIGIN STORY
Home-style cooking inspired by classic flavors and modern, reliable methods.
META INFOS
Prep: 25 min | Cook: 25 min | Total: 50 min | Servings: 10 | Calories: ~260 kcal | Difficulty: Medium
BENEFITS
Balanced flavor with approachable prep. Nutrition-friendly options and make-ahead friendly for busy schedules.
OCCASIONS
Weeknight dinners; Family gatherings; Potlucks; Holidays; Picnics; Meal prep
VARIATIONS
Swap seasonal produce; Adjust spices; Offer gluten-free or low-carb options where suitable; Try alternative proteins.
PAIRING
Green salad; Roasted vegetables; Rice or bread
STORAGE
Refrigerate in airtight container 2–4 days; freeze up to 2 months. Reheat gently to preserve texture.
TIPS
Measure accurately; Preheat pans/oven; Avoid overcooking; Taste and adjust seasoning; Rest before slicing when needed.
