For the Bars:
1 1/2 cups butter, softened
3 cups granulated sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
5 large eggs
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 1/2 teaspoons almond extract
5 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
2 cans (21 oz.) cherry pie filling
For the Glaze:
1 cup confectioner's sugar
3 tablespoons milk
Preheat Oven: Heat your oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 12x17-inch jelly roll pan with aluminum foil and spray with nonstick spray. Set aside.
Make the Batter:
In a stand mixer, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar for about 1-2 minutes until light and fluffy.
Add the salt, eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Continue mixing until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients in the stand mixer, mixing until just combined.
Assemble the Bars:
Spread two-thirds of the batter evenly into the prepared jelly roll pan.
Evenly spread the cherry pie filling over the batter layer.
Drop spoonfuls of the remaining batter over the cherry pie filling.
Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Prepare the Glaze:
In a small bowl, whisk together the confectioner's sugar and milk until smooth.
Finish the Bars:
Once the bars are baked, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool slightly.
Drizzle the glaze over the warm bars.
Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into squares. Enjoy your delicious cherry bars!
