Christmas Cherry Bars Recipe

There is something utterly magical about the Christmas Cherry Bars Recipe that makes it a standout treat during the holiday season. These bars blend buttery, tender dough with the sweet and slightly tart cherry pie filling, crowned by a delicate almond-glazed drizzle that adds the perfect finishing touch. Every bite offers a delightful harmony of flavors and textures that feels like a warm hug from a close friend. Whether for a festive dessert table or a cozy afternoon snack, this recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite you’ll reach for year after year.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind this Christmas Cherry Bars Recipe is in its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a key role, from the rich, soft butter that creates a luscious base to the vibrant cherry filling that bursts with festive flavor. These staples work together seamlessly to deliver that perfect balance of sweetness, tartness, and crumbly texture that makes these bars so irresistible.

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides a rich, creamy base essential for tender bars without adding excess saltiness.
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter evenly, ensuring a perfect subtle sweetness without overpowering the cherries.
• 4 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add moisture for a soft, cakey texture.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, aromatic note.
• 3 cups all-purpose flour: The core structural element gives the bars their satisfying, crumbly foundation.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder: Lightens the bars, helping them rise just enough for a tender crumb.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and deepens the flavors.
• 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling: Delivers juicy bursts of festive cherry flavor that’s both sweet and tangy.
• 1 cup powdered sugar: Forms the base of the glaze, adding a smooth finish and extra sweetness.
• 2 tablespoons milk: Thins the glaze for drizzling, adding a creamy consistency.
• ½ teaspoon almond extract: Adds a distinctive, nutty fragrance that pairs beautifully with the cherries and glaze.

How to Make Christmas Cherry Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 10×15-inch baking pan. Greasing the pan well will ensure the bars come out easily after baking, giving you those beautiful, clean edges we’re all aiming for.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This step is crucial—it aerates the batter, making your bars tender and airy. Then add eggs one by one, beating thoroughly after each addition to blend everything smoothly. Stir in the vanilla extract for that subtle warmth and depth.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures your leavening agents and seasoning are evenly distributed, so there are no surprises in the texture or taste. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overworking the batter.

Step 4: Layer the Base Dough

Reserve about one-quarter of your dough by setting it aside, then spread the remaining three-quarters evenly into the prepared pan. This layer forms the sturdy base of your Christmas Cherry Bars Recipe and needs to be spread evenly for consistent baking.

Step 5: Add the Cherry Filling

Next, spread the cherry pie filling evenly across the dough in the pan. The bright red cherries create a gorgeous visual contrast, making these bars just as pleasing to the eye as they are to the palate.

Step 6: Finish with the Top Dough

Use the reserved dough to drop small spoonfuls over the cherry layer. There’s no need to spread it out completely; these rustic dollops will bake into a lovely golden top that’s slightly crispy around the edges and soft within.

Step 7: Bake the Bars

Pop your pan into the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the top turns a warm golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The smell filling your kitchen at this point will be absolutely irresistible.

Step 8: Make the Almond Glaze

While the bars bake, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract in a small bowl until smooth. This glaze brings a sweet, fragrant finish that complements the cherries perfectly.

Step 9: Glaze and Cool

Once the bars are out of the oven, allow them to cool slightly before drizzling the glaze over the top. The glaze will set as the bars cool, giving you that classic holiday shine and extra burst of flavor with every bite.

Step 10: Cut and Serve

Wait until the bars are completely cooled before slicing into 24 squares. This ensures clean cuts and bars that hold their shape beautifully. Get ready to impress with every festive, fragrant bite!

How to Serve Christmas Cherry Bars Recipe

Garnishes

For a charming presentation, consider dusting the finished bars lightly with powdered sugar or adding a few fresh cherries or slivered almonds on top right before serving. These little touches add texture and visual drama, making them look as good as they taste.

Side Dishes

Serve these bars alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream to elevate the indulgence. A cup of hot cocoa, spiced tea, or even mulled wine pairs beautifully with the cherry and almond flavors, creating a memorable holiday spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, arrange Christmas Cherry Bars Recipe squares on a festive platter, layering with pine sprigs or cinnamon sticks for a seasonal touch. They also make lovely homemade gifts when wrapped in parchment paper and tied with a festive ribbon.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover bars keep well stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This makes them a fantastic option to prepare ahead for busy holiday weeks without worrying about freshness.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy these bars later, freeze them by wrapping individual squares tightly in plastic wrap, then placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They freeze beautifully for up to three months and thaw quickly at room temperature.

Reheating

To refresh your Christmas Cherry Bars Recipe, simply warm them in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. This brings back that fresh-baked softness and enhances the melted glaze experience.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cherry pie filling for this recipe?

Yes, frozen cherry pie filling works perfectly. Just thaw it completely before spreading over the dough to avoid excess moisture that could affect baking.

Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. You may need to adjust the amount slightly to get the right dough consistency.

Can I substitute almond extract in the glaze?

If you’re not a fan of almond extract, vanilla extract makes a delicious substitute and keeps the glaze flavorful and smooth.

How thick should the bottom layer of dough be?

Try to spread the base dough evenly and about half an inch thick. This thickness holds the cherry filling well and ensures the bars bake evenly.

What’s the best way to cut neat bars?

Once cooled, using a sharp knife dipped in hot water makes clean cuts easier. Wipe the knife clean between cuts to avoid dragging the glaze or cherry filling.

Final Thoughts

If you are looking to add a touch of sweet nostalgia with a vibrant festive twist, the Christmas Cherry Bars Recipe is your new best friend. With its luscious cherry layers, buttery crust, and irresistible almond glaze, this recipe is pure holiday joy in every bite. Give it a try—you’ll soon see why it’s a seasonal favorite that brings smiles all around.

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