These cherry bars are small pie bites that contain bursts of flavor. They are sure to be a big hit at summer gatherings!

Ingredients:

1 cup butter, softened

2 cups sugar

1 tsp salt

4 large eggs

1 tsp vanilla extract

¼ tsp almond extract

3 cups all-purpose flour

2 cans (21 ounces each) cherry pie filling

Glaze:

1 cup confectioners’ sugar

½ tsp vanilla extract

½ tsp almond extract

2 to 3 tbsp milk

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 350° F. In a large bowl, make the dough by creaming the butter, sugar and salt together with a whisk until light and fluffy, about  5-7 minutes. Then, add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in the vanilla and almond extract. Gradually add flour.

Spread 3 cups of the dough into a greased 15x10x1 inch baking pan. Then, spread the cherry filling onto the dough. Drop the remaining dough over the filling by the teaspoon. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

In a small bowl, mix confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, almond extract and enough milk to reach desired consistency; drizzle on top of the bars once cooled. 

This piece also appears in our June 2022 print edition.