Hey there, my dear readers! Let me take you on a quick and sweet culinary journey today with a recipe that’s very close to my heart: Sweet Cherry Bliss Squares. These dessert squares are a delightful fusion of cherries and cookies, all in one bite. To those who share my special love for cherry pie, this one’s for you! The best part? It’s effortless to make. Visit our blog Life with Jeviko for more such amazing recipes!
When the holidays roll around, I often find myself dreaming of the rich, tart flavor of cherry pie, but without all the hassle of pastry making. And that’s precisely how the Sweet Cherry Bliss Squares were born! You might be wondering, “Why Cherry Bliss Squares?” Here’s why: they combine the joy of biting into a cherry pie and the cozy comfort of munching on cookies. Plus, the topping is a heavenly glaze that adds the perfect finishing touch. Make it even more delightful by pairing it with some creamy vanilla bean ice cream – it’s absolutely divine!
Now, let’s dive into the preparation of our Sweet Cherry Bliss Squares.
Prep Time: 15 minutes.
Cook Time: 35 minutes.
Total Time: 50 minutes.
Ingredients:
- Butter, softened (2 sticks or 1 cup)
- Granulated sugar (2 cups)
- Eggs (4 large)
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon)
- Almond extract (1/4 teaspoon)
- All-purpose flour (3 cups)
- Salt (1 teaspoon)
- Cherry pie filling (2 cans of 21 ounces each)
For the Glaze:
- Powdered sugar (1 cup)
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon)
- Almond extract (1/2 teaspoon)
- Milk (2 tablespoons)
- Let’s create some magic now, shall we?
Instructions:
- Set your oven to preheat at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. While it’s warming up, get a 15x10x1 pan and lightly grease it to ensure your bliss squares slide out effortlessly.
- Now, let’s begin by creaming together the softened butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This is crucial as it incorporates air into the batter, making our squares softer and fluffier.
- Next, introduce your eggs into the mixture one at a time and mix well. Here’s a pro-tip: make sure your eggs are at room temperature. Room-temperature eggs mix well with the dough and rise easily when baked. If you forgot to take them out in advance, just soak them in warm water for about 10 minutes.
- It’s time to stir in the vanilla and almond extracts, which will give our dessert an aromatic allure.
- In a separate bowl, mix the all-purpose flour and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the creamed mixture, stirring just until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix!
- Now, spread 3 cups of the batter at the bottom of your pre-greased pan. Spread your favorite cherry pie filling over it to form a delicious fruity layer. With the remaining batter, drop dollops over the cherry filling.
- Bake this beauty for about 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow it to cool completely.
- In the meantime, let’s prepare our glaze. Simply whisk together the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, almond extract, and milk until smooth. Once the squares are cooled, drizzle this sweet concoction over the top, and voila!
Note:
- Room-Temperature Ingredients: Use room-temperature eggs and butter for a fluffy result.
- Measure Flour Properly: Don’t pack the flour into the cup—spoon it in and level it off.
- Pan Preparation: Grease your pan well for easy removal of squares.
- Experiment with Fillings: Try different pie fillings like apple, strawberry, or peach.
- Use the Right Pan: A 10x15x1 pan ensures even baking.
- Cool Before Glazing: Let the squares cool completely before drizzling the glaze.
