Cherry Bars Recipe
User Reviews
5
Cherry Bars Recipe
Description
Cherry Bars Recipe begins with a dough made by creaming softened butter, granulated sugar, and salt, then adding eggs and vanilla before folding in flour to form a firm crust. This crust is pressed into a sheet pan and baked. The filling is crafted from fresh pitted cherries simmered with sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, almond and vanilla extracts, then thickened with a cornstarch slurry. This results in a jam-like consistency that spreads evenly over the crust.
The bars bake until the crust turns golden and are then fully cooled before applying a glaze made from confectioners' sugar, vanilla, almond extracts, and milk to a pourable consistency. The final touch is a sprinkle of slivered almonds over the glaze, providing texture and a mild nutty flavor. The combination of a soft yet sturdy crust, rich and tart cherry filling, and sweet almond glaze creates complex layers of texture and taste.
These bars can be served at room temperature and make an elegant dessert or snack. Cooling completely before glazing helps preserve a smooth finish.
Ingredients
Cherry Bars Crust:
- 1 cup butter softened to room temperature
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar white
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 egg room temperature, large
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups flour
Fresh Cherry Filling:
- 6 cups Cherry pitted
- 1 1/2 cup granulated sugar white
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 4 tablespoons water
Glaze:
- 1 cup confectioners' sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 2-3 tablespoons milk whole
- ¼ cup almonds slivered
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Spray a 15x10 sheet pan with baking spray and set aside.
Crust:
- Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, cream butter, sugar, and salt on medium speed until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs, one at a time, then the vanilla extract.
- Gradually fold in the flour until combined and a dough forms.
- Press the dough into the prepared pan. Set aside.
Fresh Cherry Filling:
- Add the pitted cherries, sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest to a medium saucepan over medium heat, and cook until the sugar is completely dissolved. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- Stir in vanilla extract and almond extract.
- Mix cornstarch with water into a small bowl until completely dissolved. Then add it to the cherry mixture. Cook and stir until thickened and has the consistency of jam.
- Spread the cherry filling on top of the dough evenly.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until golden.
- Cool completely in the pan before glazing.
Glaze:
- In a small bowl, mix confectioners' sugar, vanilla, and almond extract and enough milk to reach the desired consistency.
- Drizzle over top of fully cooled bars. Sprinkle slivered almond on top.
- Let the glaze settle for 30 minutes before cutting the bars and serving.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 16bars
Amount Per Serving
Calories 427 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 427kcal | 21% |
| Carbohydrates | 73g | 24% |
| Protein | 5g | 10% |
| Fat | 14g | 22% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Cholesterol | 41mg | 14% |
| Sodium | 297mg | 12% |
| Potassium | 176mg | 4% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 52g | 104% |
| Vitamin A | 604IU | 12% |
| Vitamin C | 4mg | 4% |
| Calcium | 27mg | 3% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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