Get ready to experience a dessert that will make your taste buds dance with pure delight! These aren't just ordinary bars - they're a decadent symphony of creamy, sweet, and crunchy flavors that will transform your ordinary baking routine into an extraordinary culinary adventure. Imagine sinking your teeth into a luscious blend of cream cheese, vibrant cherry pie filling, and chunks of your favorite candy bars, all nestled in a buttery, golden blondie base. This recipe is about to become your new obsession - a dessert so irresistible, it'll have everyone begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 32 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 package cream cheese
- 1 cup cherry pie filling
- 1 cup candy bars, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan thoroughly with butter or line with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, using an electric mixer. This should take approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to create a uniform dry mixture.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
- Spread approximately two-thirds of the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan, creating a smooth base layer.
- In another bowl, soften the cream cheese and spread it carefully over the base layer, creating an even cream cheese layer.
- Spoon cherry pie filling over the cream cheese layer, distributing it as evenly as possible.
- Sprinkle chopped candy bars across the cherry and cream cheese layers.
- Drop remaining batter in small dollops across the top, creating a rustic, marbled appearance.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Remove from oven and let cool completely in the pan for at least 1 hour before cutting into bars.
- Cut into 32 equal squares, ensuring each bar has a mix of cream cheese, cherry, and candy bar elements.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Allow bars to come to room temperature before serving for best flavor and texture.
Tips
- Room Temperature Matters: Ensure your butter, eggs, and cream cheese are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better texture.
- Don't Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated to keep your bars tender and light.
- Choose Your Candy Wisely: Select candy bars that complement the cherry flavor - chocolate-based bars like Snickers or Milky Way work wonderfully.
- Check for Doneness: Use the toothpick test - it should come out with a few moist crumbs, but not wet batter.
- Cooling is Crucial: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to ensure clean, neat slices.
- Storage Hack: These bars actually taste even better the next day after the flavors have melded together!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 55mg