When it comes to pleasing a crowd with a sweet treat, nothing beats the simplicity and deliciousness of Cherry Bars. These bars are a perfect blend of tart cherries and a buttery, crumbly crust, making them an irresistible dessert that’s easy to make and sure to impress. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, a potluck, or just want to make a sweet treat for your loved ones, these Cherry Bars are the ideal choice. Follow this recipe to create a dessert that’s bound to become a favorite.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 3/4 cups sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 can (21 ounces) cherry pie filling
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
Prepare the Base:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream the Butter and Sugar:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla:
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each egg is well incorporated before adding the next.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- Combine Flour and Salt:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
Assemble the Bars:
- Prepare the Pan:
- Spread 3 cups of the dough in an ungreased 15x10x1-inch baking pan, pressing evenly to form the base.
- Add the Cherry Filling:
- Spread the cherry pie filling over the base layer.
- Top with Remaining Dough:
- Drop the remaining dough by teaspoonfuls over the cherry filling. It’s okay if it doesn’t cover completely; it will spread while baking.
Bake and Serve:
- Bake the Bars:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Cool:
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Optional Dusting:
- If desired, dust the cooled bars with powdered sugar before cutting them into squares.
Serve:
- Cut and Enjoy:
- Cut the Cherry Bars into squares and serve. These bars are perfect on their own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.
Cherry Bars are a classic dessert that combines the tartness of cherries with a sweet, buttery crust, creating a treat that’s perfect for any occasion. The recipe is straightforward and yields a generous amount, making it ideal for serving a crowd. Whether for a festive holiday gathering or a casual get-together, these Cherry Bars will be a hit. Enjoy the delightful flavors and the smiles they bring to your friends and family!
