Cream Cheese Cherry Bars

cream cheese cherry bars

 

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!

 

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Cream Cheese Cherry Bars
Author: 
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
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. Once the bars are cool, mix together the sugar, extracts, and enough milk to smooth consistency. Drizzle glaze over the top and enjoy

 

 

I am a blessed mother of two fun and active children. I enjoy cooking, baking, and trying new recipes. I love to prepare and decorate for events and holidays. I am truly inspired by God's magnificent creation, catching any minute I can to be outdoors.

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