Christmas Cherry Bars

Christmas Cherry Bars are a delightful treat perfect for the holiday season. With their rich buttery base and sweet cherry filling, these bars not only taste amazing but also bring a festive touch to any dessert table. They are easy to make and a great way to share holiday cheer with family and friends.

Why Make This Recipe

Making Christmas Cherry Bars is a great choice for several reasons. Firstly, they are simple and quick to whip up, making them a perfect last-minute addition to your holiday baking. Secondly, the combination of buttery cake and sweet cherries makes for a delicious flavor. Finally, sharing these bars with loved ones is a lovely way to spread joy during the holidays.

How to Make Christmas Cherry Bars

Creating these tasty cherry bars is straightforward. Follow the steps below to bring this festive recipe to life.

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
1 cup powdered sugar
2-3 tablespoons milk

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla and almond extracts.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
Spread two-thirds of the batter evenly in the prepared baking dish. Spoon the cherry pie filling evenly over the batter. Drop spoonfuls of the remaining batter on top, spreading gently for a rustic, uneven look.
Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and set. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before glazing.
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Drizzle the glaze evenly over the cooled cherry bars.
Cut into squares and serve these festive treats at your next holiday gathering or enjoy them with your family at home.

How to Serve Christmas Cherry Bars

Christmas Cherry Bars can be served fresh out of the oven or at room temperature. They are great on their own, but you can also enjoy them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra special touch.

How to Store Christmas Cherry Bars

To store Christmas Cherry Bars, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the bars in a tightly sealed container for up to 2 months.

Tips to Make Christmas Cherry Bars

Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for better mixing.
Don’t overmix the batter; mix until just combined for a lighter texture.
Feel free to adjust the amount of cherry filling based on your preference for a fruitier bar.

Variation

For a chocolate twist, feel free to mix in some chocolate chips with the batter or drizzle some melted chocolate over the glaze for added richness.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh cherries instead of cherry pie filling?
Yes, you can use fresh cherries! Just make sure to pit and chop them. You might want to add a little sugar to taste since fresh cherries can be less sweet than pie filling.

2. Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make them up to 2 days in advance. Store them in an airtight container until you are ready to serve.

3. What can I use instead of almond extract?
If you prefer not to use almond extract, you can simply omit it or substitute with an additional teaspoon of vanilla extract for flavor.

Enjoy baking and sharing these delightful Christmas Cherry Bars this holiday season!