Layered Cherry Basque Bars - Bake from Scratch (2024)

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat butter and granulated sugar at medium speed until fluffy, 3 to 4 minutes, stopping to scrape sides of bowl. Add 2 eggs (100 grams) and egg yolks, one at a time, beating well after each addition.

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. With mixer on low speed, gradually add flour mixture to butter mixture, beating just until combined. Turn out dough, and shape into a disk. Wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate until firm, about 2 hours or up to overnight.

Spray a 9-inch square baking pan with baking spray with flour. Line pan with parchment paper, letting excess extend over sides of pan.

On a heavily floured surface, roll dough to ¼-inch thickness. Cut a 9-inch square from dough. Gently transfer to prepared pan. (It will be a tight fit.) Cut 4 (9×2½-inch) rectangles from dough, and place widthwise on sides of prepared pan. Press dough together in corners to seal. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Reroll remaining dough to ¼-inch thickness, and cut a 9-inch square from dough. Transfer to a sheet of parchment paper, and refrigerate until ready to use.

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

In prepared crust, place Drunken Cherries in a single layer. Spoon Custard Filling on top of cherries, smoothing flat. Tap pan on a kitchen towel-lined counter 3 times to release air bubbles. Using a paring knife, trim dough to ⅛ inch above Custard Filling.

In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon (15 grams) water and remaining 1 egg (50 grams). Brush top of dough in pan with egg wash. Place 9-inch square on top, gently pressing flat onto filling and around edges to seal. Brush dough with egg wash.

Bake for 20 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 350°F (180°C), and bake until top is deep golden brown and a wooden pick inserted in top (but not in filling) comes out clean, about 30 minutes more, covering with foil after 20 minutes of baking to prevent excess browning. Let cool in pan for 15 minutes. Using excess parchment as handles, remove from pan, and let cool completely on a wire rack. Cover and refrigerate for 4 hours or up to overnight. Just before serving, garnish with confectioners’ sugar, if desired. Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

In a small saucepan, heat sugar, liqueur, and orange zest over low heat, stirring constantly, until sugar dissolves. Add cherries, and cook until softened, 3 to 5 minutes. Pour into a medium bowl; Cover and refrigerate for up to 4 hours.

Strain cherries through a fine-mesh sieve, and roughly chop.