Cherry Bars are a classic dessert that combines the perfect balance of tart cherries, buttery crust, and a smooth vanilla glaze. Made entirely from scratch, these bars stand out with their homemade cherry filling and rich, flaky crust, offering a refreshing change from store-bought treats. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday, family gathering, or just a sweet treat to enjoy, Cherry Bars are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Cherry Filling:

4 cups fresh or frozen sweet cherries, pitted
1 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons lemon juice
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
⅛ teaspoon sea salt
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons water
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For the Crust and Topping:

1 cup (2 sticks) salted butter, softened
1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon almond extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon sea salt

For the Glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons whole milk
½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Directions

Prepare the Cherry Filling: In a medium saucepan, combine cherries, sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, and sea salt. Cook over medium heat until cherries soften and release their juices, about 5 minutes. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water until smooth; add to the cherry mixture. Cook, stirring, until thickened, approximately 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla extract, and let cool slightly.
Make the Crust and Topping: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, beat softened butter and sugar until combined, about 1 minute. Add eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract; beat until light and fluffy. Gradually add flour and sea salt, mixing until large crumbs form.
Assemble the Bars: Press about two-thirds of the dough into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish to form an even crust. Spread the cooled cherry filling over the crust. Crumble the remaining dough over the cherry layer.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden. Remove from oven and let cool completely on a wire rack.
Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cherry bars.
Serve: Once the glaze is set, cut into squares and serve.

Nutrients (per serving, based on 24 servings)

Calories: 252
Total Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 56mg
Sodium: 105mg
Total Carbohydrates: 38g
Sugars: 24g
Protein: 3g

The Appeal of Homemade Desserts

One of the most charming aspects of homemade desserts is the ability to control every element of the recipe, ensuring that each bite is fresh, flavorful, and made with love. Cherry Bars, in particular, highlight the simplicity of traditional baking—no artificial preservatives or canned fillings are necessary. By using fresh or frozen cherries and other pantry staples, these bars offer a natural, wholesome taste that is hard to replicate with pre-made ingredients.

Additionally, the versatility of Cherry Bars makes them suitable for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday like Christmas or summer gatherings such as picnics or barbecues, these bars will not only look stunning on your dessert table but also provide a sweet, satisfying treat for all ages. The combination of tart cherries and the buttery sweetness of the crust offers a flavor that appeals to everyone, making these bars a fantastic option for diverse crowds.

The Heart of the Cherry Bars: The Cherry Filling

The star of these Cherry Bars is undoubtedly the homemade cherry filling. Unlike using canned fillings or store-bought fruit preserves, this recipe allows the cherries to shine in their natural state. By using fresh or frozen sweet cherries, you capture the true essence of the fruit. The result is a vibrant, tangy filling with the perfect amount of sweetness, providing a burst of fruity flavor with every bite.

The secret to the filling’s smooth texture lies in the cornstarch, which helps thicken the juice released by the cherries during cooking. By combining the sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, and sea salt with the cherries, you create a balanced flavor profile that enhances the fruit’s natural sweetness while adding a subtle hint of warmth from the cinnamon. The slight acidity from the lemon juice also helps to brighten up the filling, bringing out the natural tartness of the cherries.

As the filling cooks, it becomes thick and syrupy, forming a luscious, fruit-forward layer in the middle of the bars. The inclusion of vanilla extract adds depth to the cherry mixture, infusing the filling with a hint of warmth that complements the other ingredients. The result is a cherry filling that’s not only delicious but also offers a homemade touch that you simply can’t get from a pre-made option.

The Crust: Buttery and Flaky

The crust of the Cherry Bars is equally important as the filling. This buttery, slightly sweet crust provides the perfect foundation for the fruit filling and serves as the frame for the entire dessert. Made with salted butter, granulated sugar, and eggs, the crust has a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture that contrasts beautifully with the tart cherry filling. The inclusion of vanilla extract and almond extract enhances the flavor of the crust, giving it a delicate yet flavorful base that pairs perfectly with the cherries.

The dough is simple to make, and once baked, it forms a golden-brown, slightly crisp crust that holds the cherry filling in place. The combination of butter and sugar ensures that the crust remains tender and flaky, without becoming overly greasy. The addition of sea salt helps balance the sweetness of the crust, giving it a subtle savory note that complements the sweetness of the cherry filling.

The Sweet Vanilla Glaze: The Finishing Touch

What truly makes these Cherry Bars stand out is the sweet vanilla glaze that is drizzled over the top. This glaze, made with powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, adds a smooth, glossy finish to the bars that enhances both the appearance and the flavor. The glaze’s sweetness provides a perfect contrast to the tangy cherry filling and adds a rich, creamy layer that binds the entire dessert together.

The glaze is simple to prepare and can be adjusted to your desired consistency. For a thicker glaze, you can use less milk, while adding a little more milk will make it more pourable. This sweet topping adds a touch of elegance to the bars, giving them a polished, professional look that’s perfect for sharing at family events, holiday parties, or any occasion that calls for a little extra flair.

The Versatility of Cherry Bars

One of the most appealing aspects of Cherry Bars is their versatility. While they are delicious as-is, there are many ways to customize the recipe to suit your preferences or the season. You can experiment with different types of fruit, such as blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries, to create your own variation of these bars. Alternatively, a blend of fruits can be used for a more complex filling.

If you prefer a less sweet option, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the filling or use a sugar substitute to make them more diabetic-friendly. The glaze can also be adjusted to your taste—try adding a little lemon juice or almond extract to give it a unique twist, or even omit the glaze altogether for a more rustic, less sweet option.

These bars can be served warm or at room temperature, and they’re just as perfect for an elegant dinner party as they are for a casual afternoon snack. They also store well in an airtight container for several days, making them a great make-ahead option for gatherings or meal prep.

Why You Should Try These Cherry Bars

These Cherry Bars offer a unique and delicious take on traditional fruit bars, combining the best of homemade baking with the delightful flavors of fresh cherries and a buttery, flaky crust. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a dessert that is not only flavorful but also visually stunning. The combination of sweet and tart flavors, paired with the silky glaze, will leave everyone asking for the recipe.

What sets these Cherry Bars apart from others is the emphasis on homemade quality. From the cherry filling to the sweet, buttery crust, every element of this dessert is made from scratch, ensuring that every bite is fresh and full of flavor. The addition of the vanilla glaze takes these bars from simple to elegant, making them suitable for a variety of occasions.

Conclusion: A Classic Dessert with a Homemade Touch

In conclusion, these Cherry Bars are a wonderful addition to any recipe collection. Their homemade quality, combined with the sweet-tart flavors of cherries and the rich, buttery crust, creates a dessert that is as comforting as it is elegant. Whether you’re preparing them for a holiday gathering, a birthday celebration, or a simple family treat, these bars are sure to impress.

By making these Cherry Bars from scratch, you not only get to enjoy the superior taste and texture of a homemade dessert, but you also get the satisfaction of creating something truly special. The simple, wholesome ingredients and the ease of preparation make this dessert perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned experts alike.

So, whether you’re a fan of fruity desserts or just looking for a new recipe to add to your repertoire, these Cherry Bars are guaranteed to be a hit.

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