These christmas CHERRY BARS are a festive, buttery, and fruity dessert that’s perfect for the holiday season! With a soft shortbread-like base, a luscious cherry filling, and a crumbly, golden topping, these bars are easy to make and great for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or gifting. The bright red cherries add a festive pop of color, making them a holiday must-have! 🍒🎄✨
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Ingredients
For the Crust and Topping:
- 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups (350 g) granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp almond extract (optional, but enhances the cherry flavor)
- 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp salt
For the Cherry Filling:
- 1 (21 oz / 595 g) can cherry pie filling
- ½ tsp cinnamon (optional, for extra holiday warmth)
For the Glaze (Optional but Recommended):
- 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
- ½ tsp vanilla or almond extract
Directions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
Step 2: Make the Crust and Topping
- In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
- Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in vanilla and almond extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
Step 3: Assemble the Bars
- Spread ⅔ of the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Spread the cherry pie filling over the dough in an even layer.
- Drop spoonfuls of the remaining dough over the cherry filling (it won’t fully cover it, but that’s okay—it creates a pretty, rustic look!).
Step 4: Bake the Bars
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and set.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely before glazing.
Step 5: Make the Glaze (Optional but Delicious!)
- In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla or almond extract until smooth.
- Drizzle over the cooled bars.
Step 6: Slice and Serve
- Cut into squares and enjoy! Perfect for holiday platters, gifting, or a festive dessert.
Notes
- Want extra crunch? Sprinkle sliced almonds or chopped pecans on top before baking.
- Use different fruit: Swap cherry pie filling for raspberry, strawberry, or apple.
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Freezing: Freeze bars without the glaze for up to 2 months.
Why This Recipe Works
The buttery crust and crumbly topping balance perfectly with the sweet-Tart Cherry filling, creating a festive, bakery-style bar that’s easy to make and impossible to resist!
Conclusion
These Christmas Cherry Bars are a delicious, eye-catching holiday dessert that’s perfect for Christmas parties, potlucks, and cookie trays. Simple, festive, and full of cherry goodness, they’ll quickly become a family favorite! 🎄🍒✨ Try them today and add a little holiday cheer to your dessert table!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these Christmas Cherry Bars ahead of time, and if so, how should I store them?
Yes, these bars are great for making ahead! You can bake them a day or two in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. If you plan to freeze them, do so without the glaze; thaw completely before adding the glaze for the best results.
What ingredient substitutions can I make if I don’t have everything on hand?
You can substitute the almond extract with an equal amount of vanilla extract (½ tsp). If you don’t have cherry pie filling, you can use other fruit pie fillings like raspberry or strawberry, though the flavor profile will change. For the butter, ensure it is unsalted. You can also substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, though the texture might be slightly different.
How do I know when the Christmas Cherry Bars are perfectly baked?
The bars are done when the top is golden brown and set, which usually takes about 35-40 minutes. You should also see the edges pulling away slightly from the sides of the pan. A toothpick inserted into the crust should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs, indicating the dough is cooked through.
Can I double or scale up this recipe for a larger gathering?
Yes, you can easily double the recipe! Use a larger baking dish, such as a 9×13 inch pan, and adjust the baking time accordingly, adding a few extra minutes. Ensure your oven is preheated properly, and keep an eye on the bars to avoid overbaking. You may need to bake them in two batches if your oven space is limited.
What are the nutritional highlights of these Christmas Cherry Bars?
These bars provide carbohydrates from the flour and sugar, along with some fiber from the flour. The cherries in the filling contribute antioxidants and some vitamins. The butter provides fat, which helps create the tender texture. While this is a dessert and should be enjoyed in moderation, the cherries add a touch of fruit and a festive appeal.
Christmas Cherry Bars
Delicious and festive cherry bars, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Prep
: 10
Total
: 25 minutes
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour sifted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 0.75 cup butter softened
- 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 21 ounces cherry pie filling
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- In a medium bowl, combine flour, sugar, butter, baking soda, and salt. Mix until crumbly.
- Reserve 1 cup of mixture for topping. Press the remaining mixture into the prepared pan.
- Spread cherry pie filling over the crust.
- Sprinkle reserved crumb mixture over the cherry filling.
- Bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown. Allow to cool before cutting into bars.
Notes
These cherry bars are best served fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
