I thought I would try out a new recipe the other day. I was looking for something fruity and cake-like, something that would work for a breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon / evening dessert. Then I found out there was a cream cheese layer in between these bars…and that did it! I decided I would be making them, today!
I really enjoy a homemade fresh cherry pie with ice cream. However, sometimes I prefer the simplicity of easily grabbing a versus serving a piece of pie. These bars are much like a cherry pie + cheesecake combination. Yum! Cherries are not only tasty, but they can look really pretty and would make for a fun Valentine’s treat, too! This recipe was just down my alley, and it makes a bunch!
Cream Cheese Cherry Bars
Author: Molly (adapted from Inspired By Charm)
Cuisine: dessert, bars
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 16
Ingredients
- 1 c. unsalted butter, softened
- 2 c. sugar
- 1 t. kosher salt
- 4 eggs
- 1 t. vanilla extract
- 1 t. almond extract
- 3 c. all-purpose flour
- 1 t. baking powder
- 2 cans (21 oz. each) cherry pie filling
- Cheesecake layer:
- 1 pkg. (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- ¼ c. sugar
- 1 egg
- Glaze:
- 1 c. powdered sugar
- ½ t. vanilla extract
- 1 t. almond extract
- 3 T. milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- With a stand mixer, cream together the butter, sugar, and salt until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time. Beat well after each addition. Then put in the vanilla and almond extract. Finally, gradually add in the flour and baking powder.
- Spread 2½ c. of this batter into a greased 15 x 10 x 1 inch baking sheet. I would recommend greasing a spatula to spread out the batter.
- In a medium bowl, beat together the cream cheese, sugar, and egg. Add this on top of the first layer of batter. Then, spread out the cherry pie filling.
- Drop remaining batter by the spoonfuls over the filling. Bake for about 40 minutes or until golden brown. Cool in a pan on a wire rack.
- Once the bars are cool, mix together the sugar, extracts, and enough milk to smooth consistency. Drizzle glaze over the top and enjoy
