CHERRY BARS

Ingredients:

For the Bars:

1 1/2 cups butter, at room temperature

3 cups granulated sugar

1 1/2 teaspoon salt

5 large eggs

1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 1/2 teaspoon almond extract

5 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

2 cans (21 oz. each) cherry pie filling

For the Glaze:

1 cup confectioner’s sugar

3 tablespoons milk

Instructions:

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. Prep a 12x17 jelly roll pan by lining it with aluminum foil. Make sure to spray the foil with a non-stick spray and keep the pan ready.

Taking the stand mixer bowl, combine butter and sugar, blending them together until smooth. This should take around 1-2 minutes.

Into the butter-sugar mixture, add the salt, eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Continue mixing until everything is well incorporated.

Introduce the flour and baking powder to the mixture, ensuring you mix until just combined.

Keep 1 3/4 cups of the dough aside. Take the remaining dough and spread or press it evenly into the pre-prepped baking pan.

Now, layer the cherry pie filling over the dough base. With the reserved dough, drop small chunks sporadically over the cherry layer.

Transfer the pan to the oven and bake for approximately 50-60 minutes, or until you notice a beautiful golden brown hue.

Once baked, remove the pan and set it on a wire rack, allowing the bars to cool completely.

As the bars are cooling, prepare the glaze. In a bowl, whisk the confectioner's sugar and milk together until smooth. Generously drizzle this glaze over the cooled bars.

Finally, slice the treat into 35 squares, and they're ready to be relished!