Step-by-step instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease or line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the sugar cookie dough, melted butter, egg, flour, vanilla extract, and salt until well mixed.
- Set aside 1/4 of the dough, and press the remaining dough into the bottom of the prepared pan, spreading to the edges.
- Bake the crust for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to brown.
- Once baked, spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the hot crust.
- Crumble the reserved dough over the cherry filling. It may look sparse, but it will spread out during baking.
- Return to the oven and bake for an additional 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the topping has a matte finish (tent the pan with foil if it’s browning too quickly).
- Allow the bars to cool completely.
- For the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and cream (use 2–3 tbsp for your desired drizzle consistency). Drizzle it over the cooled bars.
Best ways to enjoy it
Easy Cherry Bars are delightful on their own, but why not elevate your presentation? Serve these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on the side for an indulgent treat. A sprinkle of powdered sugar on top can add a lovely finishing touch, and if you’re feeling adventurous, try pairing them with a light fruit salad for a refreshing contrast.
How to store
To keep your Easy Cherry Bars fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to save them for longer, they can be refrigerated for about a week, or frozen for up to three months. When freezing, make sure to wrap them well to prevent freezer burn. Always remember to practice safe food handling by ensuring proper cooling before storing!
Helpful cooking tips
Here are some pro tips to ensure your cherry bars turn out perfectly every time:
- Chill the cookie dough for a bit before mixing in the other ingredients. This makes it easier to handle.
- Don’t skip the tenting step if the bars are browning too quickly; it will prevent burning while ensuring everything is cooked through.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before glazing; this will prevent the icing from melting and ensures a beautiful presentation.
Creative twists
Feeling adventurous? Give these cherry bars a unique twist! You could add a layer of cream cheese between the cookie crust and cherry filling for a rich, tangy flavor. Alternatively, swap out the cherry pie filling for other fruit fillings like lemon curd, or incorporate nuts into the crumble for added crunch. Experimenting with spices like cinnamon or almond extract can create an exciting flavor profile, too!
Common questions
How long do these bars take to prepare?
You can have these bars ready to serve in about an hour, including prep and bake time!
Can I substitute the sugar cookie dough?
Yes! You can use homemade sugar cookie dough or even snickerdoodle dough for a different flavor profile.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
If you’ve stored the bars in the refrigerator, simply let them sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes to soften. If you prefer them warm, pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, just enough to take the chill off.
Enjoy your Easy Cherry Bars and the wonderful memories made while baking!
