Irresistible Cherry Bars with Sweet Vanilla Frosting

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s as delightful to look at as it is to taste, these cherry bars will be your new go-to recipe! Imagine a soft, buttery base with a burst of vibrant cherry filling, topped with a luscious vanilla frosting that brings it all together. These cherry bars are sweet, slightly tart, and packed with flavor in every bite. Perfect for family gatherings, bake sales, or whenever you need a burst of color and flavor in your life.

Ingredients

For the Cherry Bars:

• 1 box of yellow cake mix (or 1 1/2 cups homemade cake mix)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 can (21 ounces) cherry pie filling

For the Frosting:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons milk
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

Preheat the Oven & Get Your Pan Ready:

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal once your cherry bars are baked and cooled.

Whisk Up the Cake Base:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir until everything is well mixed, and you have a thick batter. This will form the base of your cherry bars, so spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan. Don’t worry if it seems a little thick – that’s exactly how it should be!

Top with Cherry Goodness:

Spoon the cherry pie filling over the batter, spreading it out gently or leaving dollops here and there to create that beautiful marbled effect. The cherries will sink into the batter while baking, adding a delicious burst of flavor throughout.

Bake to Perfection:

Now, it’s time for your cherry bars to bake! Pop them in the oven and let them bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the center is firm and a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean. The edges will turn golden brown, and your kitchen will smell amazing! Once done, allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before adding the frosting.

Whip Up the Sweet Frosting:

While your cherry bars are cooling, whip up the frosting. Beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together in a medium-sized bowl until it’s smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla extract, milk, and a pinch of salt, and continue mixing until you get a light, fluffy texture. If the frosting seems a little thick, add a tiny bit more milk until you reach the perfect spreadable consistency.

Frost the Cherry Bars:

Once your cherry bars have cooled, spread the creamy frosting over the top in an even layer. You can drizzle extra cherry syrup on top for added flair or sprinkle a few extra cherry bits over the frosting for that perfect finishing touch.

Slice and Serve:

Cut into squares or bars, serve, and enjoy! These cherry bars are a perfect balance of sweet and tart, with a hint of buttery goodness and a rich, velvety frosting that makes each bite unforgettable.

Final Thoughts

These cherry bars are the ultimate dessert for anyone who loves the combination of sweet, fruity flavors and soft, buttery cake. With the luscious frosting and vibrant cherry filling, they’re a treat that’s bound to stand out on any dessert table. Plus, they’re quick and easy to make – what’s not to love? Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself, these cherry bars will never disappoint.

Stick around—every visit tastes better than the last at The Buttered Bliss.