When it comes to baking for a large group, few desserts are as universally loved and easy to prepare as Cherry Bars. These bars are a wonderful combination of a buttery crust, a sweet and tangy cherry filling, and a delightful almond icing drizzle. The first time I made these bars was for a family reunion, and they were an instant hit. The ease of preparation and the beautiful presentation made them my go-to dessert for any large gathering.
Ingredients
For the Bars:
½ cup butter, softened
½ cup shortening
1¾ cups sugar
1½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
3 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 cans (21 ounces each) cherry pie filling
½ cup sliced almonds (optional)
For the Icing:
1½ cups confectioner’s sugar
¼ teaspoon vanilla or almond extract
3 to 4 teaspoons milk
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Bars
Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the oven is ready and at the right temperature when you’re ready to bake the bars.
Mix the Butter and Shortening: In a large mixing bowl, beat ½ cup of softened butter and ½ cup of shortening with an electric mixer on medium speed for about 30 seconds. This combination of butter and shortening provides a perfect balance of flavor and texture for the bars.
Add Sugar, Baking Powder, and Salt: To the butter and shortening mixture, add 1¾ cups of sugar, 1½ teaspoons of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Mix until well combined, occasionally scraping the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
Incorporate the Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in 3 eggs, one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and mix until combined. This step ensures a smooth and homogeneous batter.
Add the Flour: Gradually mix in 3 cups of all-purpose flour. The dough will be thick, which is perfect for forming the base and topping of the bars.
Reserve Part of the Dough: Once the dough is well-mixed, reserve 1½ cups of it for the topping. Set this aside.
Spread the Dough: Spread the remaining dough evenly in the bottom of an ungreased 15x10x1-inch baking pan. Use a spatula or your hands to ensure the dough covers the entire bottom of the pan uniformly.
Bake the Crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 12 minutes. This pre-baking step helps to set the crust and ensures it will hold up well under the cherry filling.
Add the Filling and Top the Bars
Add the Cherry Filling: Remove the pre-baked crust from the oven. Spread 2 cans of cherry pie filling evenly over the crust. The cherry filling adds a sweet and tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the buttery crust.
Add the Topping: Spoon the reserved dough into small mounds on top of the cherry filling. If you are using sliced almonds, sprinkle them evenly over the top. The mounds of dough will create a lovely, rustic look once baked.
Bake Again: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 30 minutes, or until the top is light brown. The filling should be bubbly, and the mounds of dough should be golden brown.
Cool the Bars: Allow the bars to cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 10 minutes. This cooling period helps to set the bars and makes them easier to handle.
Prepare the Icing
Mix the Icing: In a small bowl, combine 1½ cups of confectioner’s sugar and ¼ teaspoon of vanilla or almond extract. Gradually add 3 to 4 teaspoons of milk, mixing until the icing is smooth and has a drizzling consistency.
Drizzle the Icing: Once the bars have cooled for 10 minutes, drizzle the icing over the top. Use a spoon to create a zigzag pattern or any design you prefer. Allow the bars to cool completely so the icing can set.
Variations and Substitutions
These Cherry Bars are versatile and can be adapted to suit different tastes and dietary needs:
Different Fillings: Try using other fruit pie fillings such as blueberry, apple, or raspberry for a different flavor profile.
Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Nut-Free: Omit the sliced almonds if you need to avoid nuts, or replace them with shredded coconut or additional dough mounds.
Lower Sugar: Reduce the sugar in the dough by using 1¼ cups of sugar and ¼ cup of a sugar substitute.
Spiced Dough: Add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor.
Conclusion
Cherry Bars for a Crowd are the perfect dessert for any large gathering. The combination of a buttery crust, sweet and tangy cherry filling, and a drizzle of icing makes them both delicious and visually appealing. Whether you’re serving these bars at a family reunion, a potluck, or a holiday party, they are sure to be a hit. The ease of preparation and the ability to customize the recipe make it a versatile and enjoyable baking project. So go ahead, bake a batch of these delightful Cherry Bars, and watch them disappear as everyone reaches for seconds. Happy baking!