Almond Cherry Bliss Bars are the perfect blend of sweet, nutty, and fruity flavors that are sure to delight your taste buds. With a rich almond-infused batter and luscious cherry filling, these bars are a standout treat for any occasion. Whether you're baking for a family gathering or just treating yourself, these bars offer a delightful indulgence.
Butter serves as the rich base of the batter, providing moisture and flavor. You’ll want it softened for easy creaming with sugar. Granulated sugar sweetens the batter and helps achieve a light, fluffy texture when creamed with butter. Almond extract enhances the nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with cherries. Eggs act as a binder and add richness to the bars.
All-purpose flour is the structural backbone of the bars, while baking powder provides a bit of lift to keep the bars soft and tender. Salt balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor. Cherry pie filling adds a burst of fruity goodness and moisture. Sliced almonds offer a lovely crunch and a visual appeal on top. Powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract combine to create a sweet drizzle that finishes the bars beautifully.
These bars are versatile and can be served as a dessert or a sweet treat alongside tea. Try pairing them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent experience. For a festive touch, dust with extra powdered sugar just before serving.
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9x13 inch baking pan to prevent sticking. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for the texture of the bars, so take your time! Add the almond extract and then the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure everything is well incorporated.
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to your wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bars tough.
Spread two-thirds of the batter evenly into your prepared pan. Next, spread the cherry pie filling over this layer, making sure it's distributed evenly. Drop spoonfuls of the remaining batter over the cherries and gently spread it out as best as you can. Now, sprinkle the sliced almonds over the top.
Bake the bars in your preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let them cool completely in the pan before moving on to the glaze.
To make the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl. Drizzle this over the cooled bars, then slice and serve!
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