CHERRY BARS RECIPE

Instructions for Making Cherry Bars

1. Prepare the Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal of the bars after baking.

2. Make the Cake Mix Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and egg. Mix together until everything is well combined and you have a dough-like consistency. The dough will be thick and slightly crumbly. Spread this mixture evenly in the bottom of your prepared baking dish, pressing it down gently to form the crust.

3. Add the Cherry Topping

Spoon the cherry pie filling over the top of the crust, spreading it out evenly. You can use a spoon to distribute the cherries or leave them in slightly larger spoonfuls for a more rustic look. If you’d like to enhance the flavor, you can drizzle a little almond extract over the cherries to give them an extra depth of flavor.

4. Bake the Cherry Bars

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown, and the edges are slightly crispy. The cake base should be fully set, and the cherry filling will be bubbling.

5. Cool and Slice

Once baked, remove the cherry bars from the oven and allow them to cool in the dish for about 10-15 minutes. This will help the bars set and make them easier to slice. After cooling, cut the bars into squares or rectangles, depending on your preference.

6. Optional: Add Powdered Sugar

For an extra touch of sweetness, dust the tops of the cooled cherry bars with a light coating of powdered sugar. This step is optional but gives the bars a nice finishing touch and makes them look even more irresistible.

Tips for the Best Cherry Bars

• Use Fresh Cherries: If you have fresh cherries in season, you can make your own cherry filling by cooking the cherries down with a bit of sugar and cornstarch to create a homemade filling. However, canned cherry pie filling is a convenient and reliable option.
• Add a Crumble Topping: If you like a bit of crunch, you can sprinkle a crumbly streusel topping on the bars before baking. Simply mix some oats, butter, and sugar together and sprinkle it on top of the cherries before baking.
• Substitute Cake Mix: While yellow cake mix is typically used, you can also experiment with white cake mix or vanilla cake mix for a slightly different flavor profile.
• Store Properly: Cherry bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to a week.
• Serve with Whipped Cream or Ice Cream: For an added indulgence, serve these cherry bars with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate dessert experience.

Why Cherry Bars Are a Must-Try

Cherry Bars are a fantastic dessert option because they’re simple to prepare, use ingredients you likely already have on hand, and result in a deliciously satisfying treat. The sweet, buttery crust paired with the tangy cherry filling creates a perfect harmony of flavors and textures that’s guaranteed to please. Whether you’re a cherry lover or just looking for a dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth, these bars are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

Serving Suggestions for Cherry Bars

• With Coffee or Tea: Enjoy these cherry bars with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon snack or dessert.
• As a Picnic Treat: Cherry bars are portable and easy to pack, making them a great option for picnics, barbecues, or any outdoor gathering.
• For Holiday or Special Occasions: These bars are perfect for serving at holiday dinners, birthday parties, or family reunions. Their bright, vibrant color makes them a festive addition to any dessert table.

Final Thoughts

With their sweet, fruity filling and buttery crust, Cherry Bars are the ultimate crowd-pleasing treat. Easy to make and full of flavor, they’re perfect for any occasion—whether you’re hosting a party, bringing dessert to a gathering, or just satisfying a craving for something sweet. The best part is that they can be customized to your liking, making them a versatile dessert you’ll want to keep coming back to.

So, grab a can of cherry pie filling, and whip up a batch of these irresistible cherry bars today. You’ll be glad you did!