Simple Goodness: Cherry Bars

Looking for something sweet?

These simple Cherry Bars were a real treat!

I found a recipe on Taste of Home today

but had just one can of cherries in the pantry,

so the recipe was halved and baked in a smaller pan.

ingredients:
1 stick of butter (1/2 cup)
1 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
a couple drops of almond extract1 1/2 cups all purpose flour

Middle Layer: 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling

Glaze: 1/2 cup powdered sugar, 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract 

& 1/4 teaspoon almond extract plus one to two 

tablespoons of milk-----to your desired thickness.

I added all ingredients except the flour

to one large bowl and mixed with a spatula.

When thoroughly mixed, I added the flour all at once.

I had no problems doing so

but if you're one to follow directions like a good 

little doobee, add the flour gradually.

*Be sure to grease your pan.*

Using the same spatula, I spread about half 

of the mixture on the bottom

of the greased square pan. 

It's sticky, so don't be concerned. 

Spread the can of pie filling over the layer of dough 

and when complete, drop remaining dough on to the top 

of the pie filling layer. 

For a dark 8" square pan, I preheated the oven to 350 degrees

and baked it at the same temp for 30 minutes before 

increasing the temperature to 375 for about 15 minutes 

until the top is golden brown (approx. 45 minutes altogether).

Cool completely.

When cool, mix glaze ingredients and drizzle 

over the top of your baked masterpiece.

Slice and enjoy.

Happy Baking,

Heather