These bars are a love letter to the classic fruit cake, transformed into a convenient and equally delicious form. Perfect for picnics, potlucks or a simple afternoon treat, each bite offers a burst of cherry goodness that’s sure to put a smile on your face.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup softened butter
- 2 cups sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 cans (21 oz each) cherry pie filling
For the glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 to 3 tablespoons 2% milk
Method:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking tin.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Whisk in the vanilla and almond extracts. Gradually add the flour and salt, beating until just combined.
Pour three-quarters of the mixture into the prepared tin. Spread the cherry filling on top. Drop the remaining pastry by the teaspoonful over the filling.
Bake in the oven for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
While the bars are cooling, whisk together the icing sugar, vanilla extract, almond extract and enough milk to make a glaze.
When the bars have cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top.
