CHERRY BARS RECIPE

### Instructions for Making Cherry Bars

#### 1. **Prepare the Baking Dish**
Preheat your oven to **350°F (175°C)**. Grease or line a **9×13-inch baking dish** with parchment paper for easy removal of the bars after baking.

#### 2. **Make the Cake Mix Base**
In a large mixing bowl, combine the **yellow cake mix**, **melted butter**, and **egg**. Mix together until everything is well combined and you have a dough-like consistency. The dough will be thick and slightly crumbly. Spread this mixture evenly in the bottom of your prepared baking dish, pressing it down gently to form the crust.

#### 3. **Add the Cherry Topping**
Spoon the **cherry pie filling** over the top of the crust, spreading it out evenly. You can use a spoon to distribute the cherries or leave them in slightly larger spoonfuls for a more rustic look. If you’d like to enhance the flavor, you can drizzle a little **almond extract** over the cherries to give them an extra depth of flavor.

#### 4. **Bake the Cherry Bars**
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for **35-40 minutes**, or until the top is golden brown, and the edges are slightly crispy. The cake base should be fully set, and the cherry filling will be bubbling.

#### 5. **Cool and Slice**
Once baked, remove the cherry bars from the oven and allow them to cool in the dish for about 10-15 minutes. This will help the bars set and make them easier to slice. After cooling, cut the bars into squares or rectangles, depending on your preference.

#### 6. **Optional: Add Powdered Sugar**
For an extra touch of sweetness, dust the tops of the cooled cherry bars with a light coating of **powdered sugar**. This step is optional but gives the bars a nice finishing touch and makes them look even more irresistible.

### Tips for the Best Cherry Bars

– **Use Fresh Cherries**: If you have fresh cherries in season, you can make your own cherry filling by cooking the cherries down with a bit of sugar and cornstarch to create a homemade filling. However, canned cherry pie filling is a convenient and reliable option.
– **Add a Crumble Topping**: If you like a bit of crunch, you can sprinkle a **crumbly streusel topping** on the bars before baking. Simply mix some oats, butter, and sugar together and sprinkle it on top of the cherries before baking.
– **Substitute Cake Mix**: While yellow cake mix is typically used, you can also experiment with **white cake mix** or **vanilla cake mix** for a slightly different flavor profile.
– **Store Properly**: Cherry bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to a week.
– **Serve with Whipped Cream or Ice Cream**: For an added indulgence, serve these cherry bars with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate dessert experience.

### Why Cherry Bars Are a Must-Try

**Cherry Bars** are a fantastic dessert option because they’re simple to prepare, use ingredients you likely already have on hand, and result in a deliciously satisfying treat. The sweet, buttery crust paired with the tangy cherry filling creates a perfect harmony of flavors and textures that’s guaranteed to please. Whether you’re a cherry lover or just looking for a dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth, these bars are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

### Serving Suggestions for Cherry Bars

– **With Coffee or Tea**: Enjoy these cherry bars with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon snack or dessert.
– **As a Picnic Treat**: Cherry bars are portable and easy to pack, making them a great option for picnics, barbecues, or any outdoor gathering.
– **For Holiday or Special Occasions**: These bars are perfect for serving at holiday dinners, birthday parties, or family reunions. Their bright, vibrant color makes them a festive addition to any dessert table.

### Final Thoughts

With their sweet, fruity filling and buttery crust, **Cherry Bars** are the ultimate crowd-pleasing treat. Easy to make and full of flavor, they’re perfect for any occasion—whether you’re hosting a party, bringing dessert to a gathering, or just satisfying a craving for something sweet. The best part is that they can be customized to your liking, making them a versatile dessert you’ll want to keep coming back to.

So, grab a can of cherry pie filling, and whip up a batch of these irresistible cherry bars today. You’ll be glad you did!