Door County Cherry Bars

Indulge in the irresistible sweetness of Door County Cherry Bars, a Midwest classic that combines a tender, buttery crust with the vibrant tang of Door County cherry pie filling. These dessert bars feature a golden, crumbly topping with pockets of glossy, jewel-like cherries that peek through for a beautiful presentation. Drizzled with a luscious almond glaze, they strike the perfect balance between sweet and tart. Easy to prepare in just under an hour, this recipe makes enough to serve a crowd, making it ideal for potlucks, holidays, or casual gatherings. With every bite bursting with cherry goodness, these bars celebrate the rich flavors of Wisconsin’s famed cherry harvest.

Nutriscore Rating: 37/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 24

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cans (21 ounces each) Door County cherry pie filling
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 0.5 teaspoons almond extract

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 13x18-inch sheet pan or line it with parchment paper.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy using a hand or stand mixer.

Step 3

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, mix in the vanilla extract.

Step 4

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.

Step 5

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. The dough will be thick.

Step 6

Spread about two-thirds of the dough evenly into the prepared sheet pan, using a spatula or your hands to press it flat.

Step 7

Evenly spoon the Door County cherry pie filling over the dough layer, spreading it to cover the entire surface.

Step 8

Drop spoonfuls of the remaining dough over the cherry filling, leaving some gaps so the cherries peek through.

Step 9

Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are set.

Step 10

Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

Step 11

In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract to create a smooth glaze.

Step 12

Once the bars are cool, drizzle the glaze over the top. Let the glaze set before cutting into squares or bars.

Step 13

Serve and enjoy! Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1416.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5387.0

Total Fat 216.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 128.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 1263.3mg	0%
Sodium 1968.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 819.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 10.4g	0%
Total Sugars 534.5g
Protein 64.2g	0%

Vitamin D 173.0IU	0%
Calcium 252.6mg	0%
Iron 21.1mg	0%
Potassium 797.8mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 35.5%

Protein: 4.7%

Carbs: 59.8%