Cherry Almond Bars

These Bars are delicious for dessert or even to serve at your next brunch.

Cherry and Almond are one of the great flavor combinations. This recipe makes an entire half sheet pan so you can serve a crowd if you cut smaller bars. However, this dessert is so good, my family likes to have a nice big piece. My husband likes to eat his warm with a dollop of butter on top for breakfast.

Serve this with a nice cold glass of milk or a rich cup of coffee and your guests will be in heaven!

CHERRY ALMOND BARS

Ingredients:

• 2 (21 oz.) Cans Cherry Pie Filling
• 1 & 1/2 Teaspoons Almond Extract
• 1 & 1/4 Cups Unsalted Butter, softened
• 5 Eggs
• 2 & 1/4 Cups Sugar
• 1 & 1/4 Teaspoon Salt
• 3 & 1/4 Cups Flour
• 1/3 Cup Sliced Almonds

Glaze Ingredients:

• 1 & 1/4 Cup Powdered Sugar
• 1 Teaspoon Almond Extract
• 3 Tablespoons Half and Half

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. In a medium bowl stir together the Flour and Salt with a fork and set aside.

3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the Sugar and Butter using a handheld mixer until fluffy.

4. Add in the Almond Extract and mix in thoroughly.

5. Add the Eggs one at a time, mixing in well.

6. Now stir in the Flour mixture. The Batter will start to come together as you stir. Be sure to scrape the edges of the bowl and get all the Flour combined.

7. Spray non-stick baking spray on a half sheet baking pan (18 x 13).

8. Spread about 2/3 of the batter onto the prepared baking sheet pan, as you see here.

9. Next spread the Pie Filling over the top of the batter. Don’t go all the way to the edge.

10. With the remaining batter, drop by tablespoons in a random pattern on top of the Pie Filling as you see here. It doesn’t have to be perfect and in fact looks more rustic and home made if you don’t.

11. Bake the Bars for 35-45 minutes. All ovens cook differently so check at the 30 minute mark for doneness. You want the batter to be set and golden brown.

12. Allow the Bars to cool completely prior to adding glaze.

13. Once the Bars have cooled you can make the Glaze. Combine all Glaze ingredients in a medium mixing bowl and whisk together well. The Glaze should be smooth, no lumps.

14. Using a spoon, drizzle the Glaze over the top of the bars. Then sprinkle the Almonds over the top of the Glaze as you see here.

15. Allow the Glaze to set, then you are ready to serve!

Recipe by: Hot Dish Homemaker