CHERRY BARS

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional, but recommended)
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt

For the Filling:

• 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling (or homemade cherry filling)

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1–2 tablespoons milk
• 1/4 teaspoon almond or vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Make the dough:
   In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
   Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
   Mix in the vanilla and almond extract.
   Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until just combined.
3. Layer the bars:
   Spread about 2/3 of the dough evenly into the prepared pan.
   Spoon the cherry pie filling evenly over the dough.
   Drop spoonfuls of the remaining dough over the cherry layer (it won’t cover it completely, and that’s okay).
4. Bake:
   Bake for 35–40 minutes or until golden brown.
   Let cool completely in the pan.
5. Prepare the glaze:
   In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and almond or vanilla extract until smooth.
6. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars.
   Cut into squares and serve.