Cherry Bliss Bars Recipe

Cherry Bliss Bars Recipe: Sweet Summer Treats for Everyone

Sweet dreams come alive with these irresistible cherry bliss bars that promise pure indulgence.

Layers of creamy texture and fruity goodness await your taste buds.

Perfectly balanced between rich shortbread and vibrant cherry filling, this dessert feels like a culinary secret.

Homemade treats never looked so tempting or tasted so incredible.

Minimal ingredients and simple steps mean you can create magic in your kitchen.

Every bite whispers comfort and celebration.

Let’s make something deliciously unforgettable that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Cherry Bliss Bars A Slice Of Heaven In Every Bite

  • Bake with Ease: This recipe offers simple steps anyone can follow, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels from beginners to experienced home cooks.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Packed with sweet cherry flavor and a delightful glaze, these bars will be an instant hit at potlucks, family gatherings, and friendly get-togethers.
  • Quick Preparation Magic: With minimal ingredients and straightforward mixing technique, you can create a stunning dessert in under an hour, leaving more time to enjoy with loved ones.
  • Versatile Treat Potential: Serve these bars as a delectable dessert after dinner, pack them in lunch boxes, or enjoy as a midday snack that satisfies sweet cravings perfectly.

Ingredients For Cherry Bliss Bars That Wow The Crowd

For the Base:
  • Butter: A creamy ingredient that provides richness and helps bind the bar ingredients together.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender texture in the dessert.
  • Eggs: Provide structure and help bind the ingredients in the bar.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds a classic sweet flavor to the base.
  • Almond Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a nutty undertone.
For the Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: The primary structure and body of the cherry bars.
  • Salt: Balances and enhances the overall sweetness of the dessert.
For the Topping and Filling:
  • Cherry Pie Filling: Provides a fruity, sweet layer that adds moisture and flavor.
  • Powdered Sugar, Milk, Vanilla Extract, Almond Extract: Create a smooth, sweet glaze that adds a finishing touch to the bars.

How To Make Cherry Bliss Bars Simply And Quickly

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank up your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 15x10x1-inch baking pan and give it a quick spritz of non-stick spray to ensure easy removal later.

Step 2: Create a Creamy Base

In a large mixing bowl, whip together butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and looks like a cloud of sweet goodness.

Step 3: Add Richness and Flavor

Gently incorporate eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.

Splash in vanilla and almond extracts to create a depth of flavor that’ll make taste buds dance.

Step 4: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine:
  • Flour
  • Salt

Slowly fold these dry ingredients into the creamy butter mixture, creating a smooth and consistent batter.

Step 5: Layer the Deliciousness

Spread 3 cups of batter evenly across the prepared pan. Generously dollop cherry pie filling over the first layer.

Drop spoonfuls of the remaining batter on top of the cherry filling, creating a beautiful marbled effect.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean. If using a 9×13-inch pan, you might need to adjust baking time slightly.

Step 7: Cool and Calm

Transfer the pan to a wire rack and let the bars cool completely. Patience is key to achieving the perfect texture.

Step 8: Drizzle with Decadence

Whip up a luscious glaze by whisking together:
  • Powdered sugar
  • Vanilla extract
  • Almond extract
  • Milk

Stir until the mixture becomes silky smooth and glossy.

Step 9: Finish and Serve

Once the glaze has set, slice the bars into squares.

Serve and watch as everyone’s eyes light up with the first bite of these cherry-packed treats.

Tips For Perfect Cherry Bliss Bars Every Single Time

  • Use an exact 15x10x1-inch pan for consistent baking results and perfect bar thickness.
  • Combine vanilla and almond extracts for a deeper, more complex flavor profile that elevates the cherry taste.
  • Carefully drop remaining batter in spoonfuls over cherry filling to create beautiful marble-like patterns and ensure even coverage.
  • Whisk glaze ingredients until completely smooth to achieve a silky, professional-looking drizzle that adds a delightful sweet finish.
  • Allow bars to cool completely before glazing to prevent runny, absorbed icing and maintain the glaze's beautiful appearance.

Variations To Try On Cherry Bliss Bars Recipe

  • Tropical Paradise Bars: Replace cherry pie filling with mango or passion fruit preserves for a vibrant, exotic flavor profile.
  • Chocolate Cherry Indulgence: Swirl melted dark chocolate into the batter and sprinkle chocolate chips over the cherry filling for extra richness.
  • Nutty Cherry Crunch: Mix chopped almonds or pecans into the batter and sprinkle toasted nuts on top before baking for added texture.
  • Lemon Cherry Burst: Incorporate lemon zest into the batter and replace vanilla glaze with a tangy lemon glaze for a bright, citrusy spin.

Pairings That Go Well With Cherry Bliss Bars Dessert

  • Brew Blissful Coffee: Rich medium-roast coffee with caramel notes complements the sweet cherry flavor, balancing the dessert's richness and enhancing its fruity undertones.
  • Sip Sparkling Rosé: Light, crisp rosé wine cuts through the bars' sweetness, providing a refreshing contrast and highlighting the cherry's bright, tangy essence.
  • Match Creamy Vanilla Milk: Chilled vanilla-infused milk creates a smooth, comforting pairing that softens the dessert's intense flavors and adds a delightful creamy texture.

Best Storage Tips For Cherry Bliss Bars Freshness

Store cooled bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Warm individual bars on a microwave-safe plate for 10-15 seconds. Check temperature to avoid overheating and maintain soft texture.

Let frozen or refrigerated bars sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to restore their original softness and flavor.

FAQs

  • How do I prevent the cherry filling from burning or sticking to the pan?

Use non-stick spray and spread the batter evenly as a base layer before adding cherry filling. This creates a protective barrier and ensures smooth removal.

  • Can I use fresh cherries instead of pie filling?

Fresh cherries work, but they’re more watery. Drain excess liquid and toss with a little cornstarch to help them set properly during baking.

  • Why add both vanilla and almond extracts?

These extracts complement each other, creating a deeper, more complex flavor profile that enhances the cherry’s natural sweetness and adds a subtle nutty undertone.

  • How do I know if the bars are fully baked?

Insert a toothpick in the center – it should come out clean with no wet batter. The edges will be slightly golden and the top will look set and slightly firm to touch.

Print
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Cherry Bliss Bars Recipe

Cherry Bliss Bars Recipe


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4.9 from 27 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Indulgent cherry bliss bars bring sweet nostalgia from family kitchens, offering a perfect balance of tart cherries and buttery crumble. Delicate layers melt together, creating an irresistible dessert that connects memories and comfort in one delightful bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 cup butter, softened
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour

Flavor and Moisture:

  • 1 can (21 ounces) cherry pie filling
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Finishing Ingredients:

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 23 tablespoons milk

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to 350F (175C) and coat a 15x10x1-inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray.
  2. Using an electric mixer, blend butter and sugar until achieving a whipped, airy consistency.
  3. Incorporate eggs individually, then mix in vanilla and almond extracts thoroughly.
  4. Sift together flour and salt in a separate mixing container, then gradually fold into the creamy butter mixture.
  5. Distribute 3 cups of batter evenly across the prepared pan, creating a smooth base layer.
  6. Gently spread cherry pie filling over the initial batter layer, ensuring uniform coverage.
  7. Delicately drop remaining batter spoonfuls across the cherry filling, creating a rustic, marbled appearance.
  8. Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick that emerges clean.
  9. Remove from oven and allow bars to cool completely on a wire cooling rack.
  10. Prepare the glaze by whisking powdered sugar, vanilla extract, almond extract, and milk until achieving a silky, pourable consistency.
  11. Once bars have reached room temperature, drizzle the glaze elegantly across the surface.
  12. Allow glaze to set for 10-15 minutes, then slice into squares and serve.

Notes

  • Precision matters when measuring ingredients, as baking requires exact proportions for perfect texture and flavor.
  • Use room temperature butter and eggs to ensure smoother mixing and more consistent batter consistency.
  • Fresh, high-quality cherry pie filling elevates the taste, so choose a premium brand or make homemade filling for enhanced flavor.
  • For gluten-free adaptation, swap all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to maintain the bar’s delicate structure.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 180 kcal
  • Sugar: 15 g
  • Sodium: 120 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
Ethan Caldwell

Ethan Caldwell

Founder & Culinary Innovator

Expertise

Farm-to-table cooking, Seasonal recipe creation, Culinary storytelling, Food photography and styling​

Education

The Chef’s Academy (Indianapolis, IN)

  • Program: Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on sustainable cooking practices, regional American cuisine, and recipe development.​

Ethan didn’t just fall in love with food, he grew into it, surrounded by fields, farmers’ markets, and family meals that told a story.
After sharpening his skills at The Chef’s Academy, he took his passion straight into the farm-to-table movement, working side-by-side with local growers and seasonal flavors.
He believes every recipe should feel like a walk through a summer market: colorful, fresh, and full of possibility.
Outside the kitchen, Ethan’s idea of a perfect day is hiking mountain trails, digging into heirloom vegetables, and hosting casual dinners where seconds are always encouraged.

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