My First Cherry Pie Bars
I first made these bars for a church picnic. I was in a big hurry. I wanted pie, but a whole pie takes too long. So I tried this bar idea instead. Everyone loved them. They were gone in minutes. I still laugh at that.
Now, these bars are my go-to treat. They feel fancy but are so simple. That matters because good food should bring joy, not stress. What is your favorite dessert to bring to a party? I would love to know.
Why The Almond Extract Matters
You might wonder about the almond extract. It is the secret. Cherries and almonds are like best friends. The almond flavor makes the cherries taste even more like cherries. Isn’t that funny?
*Fun fact: Almonds and cherries are actually related! They come from the same family of trees.* That is why they taste so good together. Using both extracts makes the flavor deep and warm. It matters because small details make a big difference.
The Joy of Pressing Dough
My grandkids love to help with this part. You press half the dough into the pan with your fingers. It is soft and a little sticky. It feels like playing with clay. It is a wonderful, messy thing.
Then you spread that glossy red filling. Doesn’t that look amazing? You just dollop the rest of the dough on top. No need to be perfect. Those little dough bits bake into golden puffs. Do you like baking with your hands, or do you prefer a mixer?
That Smell From the Oven
While they bake, your kitchen will smell incredible. It is the smell of butter, sugar, and warm cherries. It feels like a hug. I always peek through the oven window. I watch for the golden crust and bubbly filling.
You must let them cool completely. I know, it is hard to wait. But if you cut them warm, they will be messy. The wait is worth it for neat bars. Trust me on this.
The Final Drizzle of Glaze
The glaze is the happy finish. You just stir sugar, extracts, and a splash of milk. You want it thin enough to drizzle. Then take a spoon and zig-zag it all over the top. It looks so pretty.
This makes them special. A plain bar becomes a celebration. That is what I love about cooking. A tiny extra step can make someone smile. What is your favorite “finishing touch” on a dessert? Is it glaze, sprinkles, or something else?
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Butter | 1 cup | softened |
| Sugar | 1 cup | |
| Large eggs | 2 | room temperature |
| Almond extract | 1 teaspoon | |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon | |
| All-purpose flour | 2 ½ cups | |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon | |
| Cherry pie filling | 1 (21 oz) can | premium |
| Confectioners’ sugar | 1 cup | for glaze |
| Almond extract | 1 teaspoon | for glaze |
| Vanilla extract | ½ teaspoon | for glaze |
| Milk | as needed | for glaze, to reach drizzling consistency |
Instructions
Step 1: First, let’s make the dough. Cream your soft butter and sugar together. It should look light and fluffy. I love that sweet, creamy smell. Add the eggs and both extracts, mixing well. (Use room-temperature eggs for a smoother dough.)
Step 2: Now, stir in your flour and salt. You’ll get a lovely soft dough. Press half of it into your greased pan. This is your bottom crust. Press it down nice and even with your fingers.
Step 3: Open that can of cherry pie filling. Spread it all over the crust. Isn’t that ruby red gorgeous? Now, take the rest of your dough. Just drop little pieces of it all over the cherries. It doesn’t have to be perfect!
Step 4: Bake it until the top is golden. You’ll see the cherries bubbling. Let the whole pan cool completely. This is the hard part—waiting! What’s your favorite pie filling? Share below! Then, whisk the glaze ingredients together. Drizzle it over the cooled bars. I still laugh at my first messy drizzle.
Creative Twists
Lemon Zest Glaze: Add lemon zest to your glaze for a sunny zip.
Chocolate Chip Crust: Mix mini chocolate chips into the dough. A sweet surprise!
Nutty Topping: Sprinkle sliced almonds on top before baking. So crunchy and nice.
Which one would you try first? Comment below!
Serving & Pairing Ideas
Serve a bar warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The melt is wonderful. For a pretty plate, add a few fresh cherries on the side. A cold glass of milk is always the perfect partner. Which would you choose tonight?
Keeping Your Cherry Bars Fresh and Tasty
Let’s talk about keeping these bars delicious. They store wonderfully. First, let them cool completely. Then, cover the pan tightly with foil. They will be happy on the counter for two days. For longer storage, the fridge is best. They will keep for up to a week there.
You can also freeze them. I wrap individual bars in plastic wrap. Then I tuck them into a freezer bag. They keep for three months this way. Thaw them overnight in the fridge. My first time, I froze a whole pan. It was a lifesaver for unexpected guests!
Batch cooking like this matters. It gives you a sweet treat ready anytime. It turns baking once into joy for many days. It saves you time and energy later. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!
Simple Fixes for Common Baking Hiccups
Baking can have little problems. Do not worry. Here are easy fixes. First, a sticky dough. If your dough sticks to your hands, just flour them. This makes pressing the crust much easier. I remember when my dough was like glue. A little flour saved the day.
Second, a soggy bottom crust. Make sure your pie filling is thick. Drain any extra liquid. This keeps the bottom crisp. Third, a broken glaze. If your glaze is too thick, add more milk. If it is too thin, add more sugar.
Fixing these issues matters. It builds your confidence in the kitchen. You learn that mistakes are okay. It also makes the flavor and texture perfect. Which of these problems have you run into before?
Your Quick Questions, Answered
What are Grandma’s Cherry Almond Bliss Bars?
They are my easy, comforting dessert bars. They have a buttery crust and a sweet cherry filling. A simple almond glaze is drizzled on top. They are perfect for sharing with family and friends. They taste like a slice of cherry pie but are easier to serve. *Fun fact: The almond extract makes the cherry flavor taste even brighter and sweeter.*
How do you make cherry almond bliss bars?
You make a simple dough from butter, sugar, and flour. Press half into a pan. Spread cherry pie filling over it. Dollop the rest of the dough on top. Bake until golden. Let it cool completely. Then mix a glaze and drizzle it over everything. Finally, cut into squares and enjoy your homemade treat.
What are the ingredients for cherry almond bliss bars?
You need butter, sugar, eggs, and all-purpose flour. You also need almond and vanilla extracts, and salt. For the filling, use a can of cherry pie filling. The glaze uses confectioners’ sugar, more almond and vanilla extract, and a little milk. These are simple ingredients you likely have already. They come together to make something special.
Can I use frozen cherries for bliss bars?
You can, but it takes more work. Thaw and drain the frozen cherries very well. Then cook them with a little sugar and cornstarch to thicken. This makes your own filling. The canned pie filling is easier and reliably thick. It helps prevent a soggy crust. So for your first time, I recommend the canned filling for perfect results.
How do you store cherry almond bars?
Store cooled bars in a covered container. They last two days at room temperature. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze them for three months. Wrap them well in plastic and foil. Thaw frozen bars in the refrigerator overnight before you want to eat them.
Are cherry almond bliss bars gluten-free?
This recipe is not gluten-free. It uses regular all-purpose flour which contains gluten. To make them gluten-free, use a good gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure the blend is meant for baking. Also, check that your cherry pie filling and other ingredients are certified gluten-free. This swap should work well for a delicious gluten-free version.
Which tip will you try first?
From My Kitchen to Yours
I hope you love making these bars as much as I do. Baking should be fun and full of love. It is about sharing simple joys. I would love to hear about your baking adventure.
Have you tried this recipe? Tell me all about it in the comments below. Did your family enjoy them? I read every note you leave. Thank you for baking with me today.
Happy cooking!
—Grace Ellington.
Grandmas Cherry Almond Bliss Bars
Description
Experience the classic, comforting taste of Grandma’s kitchen with these Cherry Almond Bliss Bars, featuring a buttery crust, sweet cherry filling, and a delicate almond glaze.
Ingredients
For the glaze:
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cream together 1 cup of softened butter and 1 cup of sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add 2 large eggs, room temperature, 1 teaspoon almond extract, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, mixing well after each addition.
- Gradually stir in 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour and ½ teaspoon salt to create a soft dough.
- Press half of this dough evenly into a greased 15×10-inch baking pan.
- Spread 1 (21 oz) can of premium cherry pie filling evenly over the crust.
- Dollop the remaining dough in small pieces over the cherries.
- Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbly. Let the bars cool completely on a wire rack.
- For the glaze, mix 1 cup confectioners’ sugar with 1 teaspoon almond extract, ½ teaspoon vanilla, and enough milk to reach a drizzling consistency. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars.
Notes
- For best results, ensure the bars are completely cool before adding the glaze to prevent it from melting and absorbing. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.