Cherry Bars for a Crowd (Recipe)

These Cherry Bars for a Crowd are the perfect sweet treat for any gathering. With their fruity cherry flavor and easy-to-make recipe, they are sure to be a hit with a large crowd. This recipe can satisfy up to 60 dessert enthusiasts, making it ideal for parties, potlucks, or any occasion. The bars come together quickly and are made with simple ingredients like butter, sugar, eggs, and cherry pie filling. The addition of almond extract adds a delicious twist to the flavor. With a soft and buttery base and a sweet cherry filling, these bars are a crowd-pleaser and will leave everyone wanting more.

Key Takeaways:

• Cherry Bars for a Crowd are a delicious and easy dessert option for large gatherings.
• This recipe can satisfy up to 60 dessert enthusiasts.
• The bars are made with simple ingredients like butter, sugar, eggs, and cherry pie filling.
• The addition of almond extract adds a delicious twist to the flavor.
• Cherry Bars for a Crowd are a crowd-pleaser and will leave everyone wanting more.

Ingredients and Step-by-Step Instructions

To make these Cherry Bars for a Crowd, you will need the following ingredients:

• butter
• sugar
• salt
• eggs
• vanilla extract
• almond extract
• cherry pie filling
• all-purpose flour
• powdered sugar
• milk

The recipe also includes step-by-step instructions for easy preparation. Here’s how to make these delicious bars:

1. Cream together the softened butter, sugar, and salt until light and fluffy.
2. Add the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla and almond extracts.
3. Gradually add in the flour, stirring just until combined.
4. Spread most of the dough in a greased baking pan.
5. Top the dough with cherry pie filling.
6. Drop teaspoonfuls of the remaining dough over the filling.
7. Bake the bars in a preheated oven until golden brown.
8. Cool the bars and drizzle them with a glaze made from powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk.
9. Cut into bars and enjoy!

Tips and Variations

Here are some tips and variations to consider when making Cherry Bars for a Crowd.

Tips:

1. If you don’t have a jelly roll pan, you can use a 9×13 pan, but the baking time may be longer.
2. To prevent sticking and make cutting and serving easier, line the pan with parchment paper.

Variations:

“Cream Cheese Layer”

Add a cream cheese layer by beating together softened cream cheese, sugar, and an egg, and spreading it over the dough before adding the cherry pie filling. This adds a creamy and tangy element to the bars.

“Different Pie Fillings”

You can try using different pie fillings like blueberry, peach, raspberry, or apple for variety. This allows you to customize the bars and cater to different preferences.

Variations

Experimenting with these tips and variations will allow you to create large batch cherry bars that are truly homemade and perfect for a group. Whether you choose to add a cream cheese layer or try different pie fillings, these variations will elevate the flavor and make your cherry bars even more delicious and unique.

Storage and Freezing Instructions

After making these delicious homemade cherry bars, you may find yourself with leftovers. Don’t worry, they can be stored and enjoyed later!

Storing Cherry Bars

To keep your cherry bars fresh, follow these simple storage instructions:

1. Place the bars in an airtight container to prevent moisture and air exposure.
2. Refrigerate the container, ensuring it is kept at a temperature of 40°F (4°C) or below.
3. Your cherry bars can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

When you’re ready to enjoy the bars again, simply take them out of the refrigerator, serve, and indulge!

Freezing Cherry Bars

If you’d like to freeze the cherry bars for future enjoyment, follow these freezing instructions:

1. It’s recommended to freeze the bars without the glaze, as the texture of the glaze may change after thawing.
2. Transfer the bars to a freezer-safe container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
3. Label the container or wrap with the date of freezing for reference.
4. Place the container or wrapped bars in the freezer, ensuring a temperature of 0°F (-18°C) or below.
5. Your cherry bars can be frozen for up to three months without a significant loss in quality.

When you’re ready to thaw and serve the bars, follow these steps:

1. Remove the frozen bars from the freezer and place them in the refrigerator overnight to thaw gradually and evenly.
2. Prepare the glaze by combining powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk in a bowl, stirring until smooth.
3. Drizzle the glaze over the thawed cherry bars for added sweetness and decoration.

Now you’re ready to enjoy the homemade cherry bars once again, whether you’re enjoying them freshly refrigerated or thawed from the freezer!

Conclusion

These Cherry Bars for a Crowd are a must-try dessert for any occasion. With their irresistible combination of sweet cherry filling and buttery base, they are guaranteed to be a hit with your guests. Whether you’re hosting a party, attending a potluck, or simply craving a homemade cherry dessert, this easy cherry bars recipe is the perfect choice.

Not only are these bars delicious, but they are also incredibly simple to make. With just a handful of basic ingredients, you can whip up a batch of these crowd-pleasing cherry bars in no time. The recipe can even be customized to your taste by adding a cream cheese layer or experimenting with different pie fillings.

So, the next time you need a dessert that can feed a crowd, look no further than these homemade cherry bars. They are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth and leave everyone asking for the recipe. Give them a try and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors in every bite!