If you’re craving a festive treat that’s bursting with sweet, tart cherries and wrapped in buttery, tender layers, this Christmas Cherry Bars Recipe is just what you need. Imagine a luscious cherry pie filling sandwiched between a soft yet slightly crumbly crust, finished with a delicate almond glaze that adds just the right touch of sweetness. It’s perfect for holiday gatherings or simply treating yourself to a cozy, joyful bite of Christmas spirit in every bar. Trust me, once you try these bars, they’ll become your new go-to for the season.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the simplicity of these ingredients fool you—each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of texture, flavor, and festive cheer found in the Christmas Cherry Bars Recipe.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Gives the bars their rich, tender crumb and buttery flavor.
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps achieve a light, fluffy dough when creamed with butter.
- 4 large eggs: Bind the ingredients and add moisture for a soft texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with warmth and depth.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: The base of the dough, providing structure.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the bars rise just enough for a tender bite.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies flavors.
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling: The star ingredient—juicy, tart cherries add that unmistakable Christmas charm.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: Mixes into the glaze to add a sweet, smooth finish.
- 2 tablespoons milk: Thins out the glaze for easy drizzling.
- ½ teaspoon almond extract: Gives the glaze a fragrant, nutty twist that pairs beautifully with cherries.
How to Make Christmas Cherry Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat
Start off by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Greasing a 10×15-inch baking pan ensures nothing sticks and the bars come out in perfect squares without fuss. This simple prep step sets the stage for baking success!
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat your softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This important step traps air and adds a tender, melt-in-your-mouth quality to your bars, making every bite heavenly.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Incorporate the eggs one at a time into the creamed butter and sugar, beating well after each addition. This gradual process ensures a smooth batter. Don’t forget to stir in the vanilla extract to infuse your bars with inviting warmth and sweetness.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually add these dry ingredients to your wet mixture, blending just until combined to avoid overworking the dough—this keeps the bars tender, not tough.
Step 5: Assemble the Base
Spread about three quarters of the dough evenly into your greased pan. This forms the sturdy yet tender bottom crust that supports the cherry filling perfectly, giving each bar a delightful foundation.
Step 6: Add the Cherry Filling
Generously spread the cherry pie filling over the base layer of dough. The cherries bring a juicy pop of tartness and festive color that instantly makes this dessert feel like Christmas in every bite.
Step 7: Top with Remaining Dough
Instead of rolling out the reserved dough, drop it in small spoonfuls over the cherry layer. This creates delightful pockets of buttery goodness amid the fruit, adding texture and charm to your bars.
Step 8: Bake Until Golden
Pop your assembled pan into the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top turns a beautiful golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This bake time nails the perfect soft center without undercooking the crust.
Step 9: Prepare the Almond Glaze
While those bars are cooling slightly, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract until smooth and glossy. This glaze is the final flourish, adding a delicate sweetness and nutty aroma that complements the cherries magnificently.
Step 10: Drizzle and Slice
Once your bars are just warm, drizzle the glaze generously over the top. Let them cool completely before cutting into 24 squares so each bar sets nicely and serves up clean, neat bites that are as pretty as they are delicious.
How to Serve Christmas Cherry Bars Recipe
Garnishes
Think fresh mint leaves or a sprinkle of finely chopped toasted almonds to add an extra pop of color and subtle crunch. These little touches elevate the bars, making them perfect for sharing as holiday gifts or party treats.
Side Dishes
Pair these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the tart cherries with creamy richness. Hot cocoa or spiced mulled wine also complement the bars beautifully, creating a cozy holiday experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the bars on a festive platter lined with holly leaves or dusted with powdered sugar for a snowy effect. For a charming twist, serve smaller bite-sized squares on decorative toothpicks at a holiday gathering to impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These cherry bars keep wonderfully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or in the fridge for up to a week. The flavors deepen over time, making them even more enjoyable the next day!
Freezing
You can freeze the bars wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to three months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge and refresh the glaze before serving for a delightful holiday treat anytime you crave these festive flavors.
Reheating
If you prefer warm bars, simply microwave individual servings for about 15-20 seconds or reheat in a low oven (around 300°F) for 5-7 minutes. The cherry filling warms through perfectly, and the glaze will soften into a lovely finishing touch.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned pie filling?
Absolutely! Fresh cherries will add a lovely natural flavor and texture, but be sure to cook them down with a bit of sugar and cornstarch to achieve the right consistency for the filling in this Christmas Cherry Bars Recipe.
Is there a gluten-free version of this recipe?
Yes, you can swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend. Just make sure the blend you use is a 1-to-1 substitute for wheat flour and includes xanthan gum for best results.
Can I make these bars nut-free?
Definitely! Simply omit the almond extract in the glaze and replace it with vanilla extract, or your favorite flavoring, to keep the recipe safe for those with nut allergies.
How thick should I spread the dough in the pan?
About three quarters of your dough should cover the bottom of your pan evenly, roughly ½ inch thick. This ensures a sturdy but tender base that holds up well to the cherry filling.
Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?
You can! Just be sure to use a larger pan or split the batter between two pans. Adjust baking time accordingly, checking for doneness with a toothpick starting around 30 minutes.
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Cherry Bars Recipe is a true holiday treasure—deliciously simple to make, bursting with festive flavor, and perfect for sharing with loved ones. I encourage you to give it a try and watch it become a beloved classic in your holiday dessert lineup!
Print
Christmas Cherry Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
Description
Delight in these festive Christmas Cherry Bars, featuring a buttery, soft cake base layered with luscious cherry pie filling and topped with a sweet almond glaze. Perfect for holiday gatherings, these bars combine a tender crumb with fruity tartness and a smooth, sugary finish.
Ingredients
Base and Topping Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Cherry Filling
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
Almond Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 10×15-inch baking pan to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Make the Dough: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract to infuse flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until just combined to form the dough.
- Assemble Base Layer: Spread about three-quarters of the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan to create a firm base layer. Reserve the remaining dough for topping.
- Add Cherry Filling: Spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the dough base, distributing it carefully to cover the entire surface.
- Top with Remaining Dough: Drop small spoonfuls of the reserved dough over the cherry filling, creating a patchwork topping that will bake into a golden crust.
- Bake the Bars: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating doneness.
- Prepare the Almond Glaze: While the bars bake, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract until the glaze is smooth and free of lumps.
- Glaze the Bars: Once baked, allow the bars to cool slightly before drizzling the almond glaze evenly over the top to add sweetness and a hint of almond flavor.
- Serve: Cut the bars into 24 pieces and serve once completely cooled to let the glaze set and flavors meld.
Notes
- For a sharper cherry flavor, use a cherry filling with natural tart cherries.
- If you prefer a thicker glaze, reduce the milk slightly or add more powdered sugar until desired consistency is reached.
- These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
- Allow bars to cool completely before cutting to ensure clean slices.
- You can substitute almond extract with vanilla extract if you prefer a more classic glaze flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
