If you’re craving a dessert that perfectly balances nostalgia and a fresh twist, you’re going to adore this Cherry Pie Bars with Vanilla-Almond Glaze Recipe. Imagine the sweet, tart cherry pie filling nestled between tender, buttery bars, finished off with a luscious glaze that hints at vanilla and almond—this dessert brings all the warm, cozy flavors of a classic cherry pie, but in a fun, shareable bar form. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a hug in every bite and is sure to become a favorite at family gatherings or anytime you need a little pick-me-up treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to nailing the taste and texture of these cherry bars. The simplicity of each ingredient means nothing masks the others, creating a perfect harmony of buttery, fruity, and sweet with a delightful hint of almond.
- Butter: Use real butter for richness and a tender crumb that melts in your mouth.
- Sugar: Sweetens the bars perfectly without overwhelming the cherry filling.
- Eggs: Help bind everything together while adding a light, airy texture.
- Vanilla extract: Brings warm, comforting notes that enhance both the bars and glaze.
- Almond extract: Adds a subtle nutty aroma that pairs beautifully with cherries.
- All-purpose flour: The structure behind the bars, ensuring they hold their shape.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors in the recipe.
- Cherry pie filling: The star of the show, bursting with juicy cherries and vibrant color.
- Powdered sugar: Creates a smooth, sweet glaze that crowns the bars.
- Milk: Adjusts the glaze consistency to just the right drizzle consistency.
How to Make Cherry Pie Bars with Vanilla-Almond Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9×13-inch baking pan. This simple prep ensures your bars bake evenly and come out with that perfect non-stick finish every single time.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
Beat together the butter and sugar until smooth and creamy. This step creates the base of your bars, giving them that irresistible, tender texture that makes you want to go back for seconds.
Step 3: Mix in Wet Ingredients
Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the butter and sugar mixture, mixing well until everything is fully combined. These extracts elevate the flavor profile, making the bars taste truly special.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, stir together the flour and salt. Gradually add this to your wet mixture, mixing until just combined. This ensures the bars have a perfect structure without turning tough.
Step 5: Assemble the Bars
Spread half of the batter evenly in your prepared pan. Spoon the cherry pie filling evenly over the batter, then drop spoonfuls of the remaining batter on top, creating a beautiful layered look with pockets of cherry surprise in every bite.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake your bars for 35 to 40 minutes, until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. This method locks in the moist cherry filling while giving your bars that lovely crust everyone craves.
Step 7: Prepare and Apply the Glaze
Once the bars are completely cooled, whisk together the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, almond extract, and enough milk to make a smooth glaze. Drizzle generously over the top for a shiny, flavorful finish that ties everything together beautifully.
How to Serve Cherry Pie Bars with Vanilla-Almond Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate presentation, sprinkle a few slivered almonds or fresh cherries on top of the glaze. A dusting of powdered sugar just before serving adds a pretty wintery touch that’s as delightful to the eyes as it is to the palate.
Side Dishes
Pair these cherry pie bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The creamy sides complement the tartness of the cherries and add a cool contrast to the warm, buttery bars.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the bars on a rustic wooden board for a farmhouse feel or arrange them on pretty dessert plates with a drizzle of extra glaze on the side for dipping. You could even stack smaller bars with layers of cream cheese frosting for an indulgent twist at brunch or special occasions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your cherry pie bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If your kitchen is warm, popping them in the fridge will keep them fresh for up to a week without drying out.
Freezing
These bars freeze wonderfully! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or place in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to three months, making them perfect for prepping ahead for holidays or busy weekends.
Reheating
Enjoy the bars warm by microwaving a single piece for about 15 seconds or warming in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes. The glaze stays glossy, and the cherry filling becomes even more luscious when gently heated.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned cherry pie filling?
Yes! Using fresh cherries will give a brighter, more natural flavor, but you’ll need to cook them down with sugar and a thickener like cornstarch to mimic the pie filling’s texture before assembling the bars.
What can I substitute for almond extract?
If almond extract is not your favorite, you can omit it or replace it with an extra half teaspoon of vanilla extract. However, the subtle almond flavor complements the cherries wonderfully and is worth trying if you can.
Is it possible to make these bars gluten-free?
Absolutely. Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Be sure the blend contains xanthan gum for proper texture, or add it separately if needed.
Why is the glaze important in this recipe?
The vanilla-almond glaze adds a sweet finishing touch that melds the flavors together. It also gives the bars an attractive glossy sheen and a bit of extra moisture that makes every bite tender and heavenly.
Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?
Yes! Simply double all the ingredients but bake in a larger pan or two 9×13-inch pans. Keep an eye on bake time, as it may vary slightly depending on thickness.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly comforting about this Cherry Pie Bars with Vanilla-Almond Glaze Recipe that makes it an instant classic for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for family, surprising a friend, or just treating yourself, these bars bring together nostalgic cherry pie flavors with a fun and convenient twist. I can’t wait for you to try them and add your own personal touches to this warm, delicious favorite!
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Cherry Pie Bars with Vanilla-Almond Glaze Recipe
- Total Time: 50-55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cherry Pie Bars are a delightful twist on the classic cherry pie, offering a buttery, tender crust layered with sweet cherry pie filling and finished with a smooth vanilla-almond glaze. Perfect for gatherings or a simple dessert, they combine rich flavors and an easy preparation method suitable for bakers of all levels.
Ingredients
For the Bars:
- ½ cup butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 cups cherry pie filling
For the Glaze:
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 teaspoons milk
Instructions
- Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Cream: In a mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Then add the eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract, mixing until the batter is smooth and combined.
- Combine: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until fully incorporated to form a thick batter.
- Assemble: Spread about 3 cups of the batter evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Spoon the cherry pie filling evenly over the batter. Then spoon the remaining batter in dollops on top of the cherry layer, distributing it as evenly as possible.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the bars comes out clean. Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.
- Glaze: While the bars are cooling, whisk together the vanilla extract, almond extract, powdered sugar, and 2 to 3 teaspoons of milk until a smooth, pourable glaze forms. Drizzle this glaze evenly over the cooled bars. Let the glaze set before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Ensure the bars are completely cool before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting and becoming too runny.
- You can substitute cherry pie filling with other fruit fillings like blueberry or apple for variety.
- Use room temperature butter and eggs for easier mixing and better texture.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- For a nut-free option, omit almond extract or replace it with additional vanilla extract.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
