The Jolly Christmas Cherry Bars Recipe: Sweet Holiday Magic

Festive holiday gatherings become magical with these delightful Christmas cherry bars that sparkle with sweet memories.

Creamy layers meld perfectly between buttery crusts and vibrant ruby-red fruit.

Delicate crumbles promise pure comfort during seasonal celebrations.

Bright maraschino cherries dance across soft cream cheese bases, creating irresistible textures.

Dessert enthusiasts will adore this simple yet elegant treat that comes together effortlessly.

Every bite connects you to cherished moments of joy and warmth.

Let’s make something spectacular that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Christmas Cherry Bars – Reasons to Bake for the Holidays

• Whip Up Holiday Cheer: Perfect dessert to spread festive joy with minimal kitchen effort.
• Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Guaranteed to delight both kids and adults with its sweet cherry flavor and delightful texture.
• Quick Baking Magic: Super simple recipe that transforms basic ingredients into a stunning holiday dessert in just a few steps.
• Versatile Celebration Dessert: Great for potlucks, family gatherings, and seasonal parties where you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients for Festive Christmas Cherry Bar Desserts

• Butter: A rich and creamy ingredient that provides a smooth texture and helps bind the bar together.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender, golden-brown crust.
• Eggs: Provide structure and help bind the ingredients in the Christmas cherry bars.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a warm and aromatic note.

• All-Purpose Flour: The main structural component that gives the bars their cake-like texture.
• Baking Powder: Helps the bars rise and creates a light, fluffy consistency.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile.

• Cherry Pie Filling: Provides a fruity and festive center with a sweet and tangy flavor.
• Powdered Sugar, Milk, Almond Extract: Creates a smooth and sweet glaze that adds extra richness to the bars.

How to Make Cherry Bars for Christmas Gatherings

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350F (175C).

Grab a 10×15-inch baking pan and give it a light coating of grease to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Whip Up Butter and Sugar

In a spacious mixing bowl, blend softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light, airy, and creamy.

Step 3: Incorporate Eggs

Gently add eggs one at a time, thoroughly mixing after each addition to create a smooth, consistent batter.

Step 4: Splash of Flavor

Pour in vanilla extract and stir to distribute the rich, aromatic essence throughout the mixture.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt

Ensure all dry ingredients are well blended.

Step 6: Merge Wet and Dry Mixtures

Slowly incorporate the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients.

Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

Step 7: Create the Base Layer

Spread approximately three-quarters of the dough evenly across the prepared baking pan.

This will form the delicious foundation of your bars.

Step 8: Add Cherry Goodness

Carefully spread the cherry pie filling over the dough layer, ensuring an even distribution.

Step 9: Top with Remaining Dough

Drop small spoonfuls of the reserved dough randomly over the cherry filling, creating a rustic, artistic pattern.

Step 10: Bake to Perfection

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes.

Look for a golden-brown top and test with a toothpick – it should come out clean when inserted into the center.

Step 11: Prepare Glorious Glaze

• Powdered sugar
• Milk
• Almond extract

Blend until the mixture is silky smooth.

Step 12: Finish with Glaze

Once the bars are slightly cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top, creating an enticing finishing touch.

Step 13: Serve and Enjoy

Allow the bars to cool completely, then slice into delectable squares.

Serve and watch as everyone falls in love with these festive treats!

Tips for Soft, Cherry-Filled Christmas Bars

• Drain maraschino cherries thoroughly to prevent excess moisture from making the bars soggy.
• Use parchment paper with overhang for easy removal and clean cutting of bars.
• Add milk gradually to powdered sugar to control thickness and achieve smooth drizzling texture.
• Experiment with different pie fillings like blueberry or raspberry for unique flavor profiles.
• Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and soft texture.

Christmas Cherry Bar Variations for More Cheer

• Gluten-Free Cherry Bars: Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Vegan Cherry Delight: Substitute butter with coconut oil, eggs with flax eggs, and use plant-based milk in glaze.
• Low-Sugar Cherry Treat: Use sugar substitute like stevia, reduce sugar quantity, and opt for no-sugar-added cherry filling.
• Almond Cherry Squares: Add chopped almonds to the dough, use almond flour partially, and enhance almond extract in glaze.

Presenting Cherry Bars on Holiday Platters

• Festive Party Platter: Arrange these cherry bars on a decorative holiday tray with fresh mint leaves and dusted powdered sugar for an elegant dessert presentation.
• Cozy Coffee Companion: Serve warm bars alongside a steaming mug of cinnamon coffee or hot chocolate for a comforting winter treat that warms the soul.
• Dessert Gift Idea: Package individual bars in clear cellophane with a festive ribbon as a homemade holiday gift for neighbors, teachers, or friends who love sweet surprises.
• Family Brunch Delight: Include these bars on a breakfast buffet with other pastries, creating a delectable spread that everyone will enjoy during Christmas morning celebrations.

Storing Christmas Cherry Bars for Best Freshness

• Store cooled Christmas Cherry Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain freshness and prevent drying out.
• Place bars in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Warm refrigerated bars at 325F for 8-10 minutes to restore their soft texture and bring back the fresh-baked taste. Cover loosely with foil to prevent over-browning.
• Heat individual bars for 15-20 seconds on medium power. Check temperature and add a few more seconds if needed, ensuring the bars don't become too dry or tough.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of fruit filling?

Yes, you can substitute cherry pie filling with other fruit fillings like blueberry, raspberry, or apple to create variety.

• Is it possible to make these bars gluten-free?

Definitely! Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

• How do I know when the bars are perfectly baked?

Look for a golden brown top and insert a toothpick in the center – it should come out clean, indicating the bars are fully cooked.

• Can I freeze these Christmas Cherry Bars?

Absolutely! These bars freeze wonderfully for up to 3 months when wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and stored in an airtight container.

Christmas Cherry Bars Recipe

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4.6 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Rich, buttery Christmas Cherry Bars meld festive sweetness with classic holiday charm, offering delightful crimson-studded squares perfect for seasonal celebrations. Crumbly shortbread base and tangy cherry filling create irresistible dessert bars you’ll want to share with family and friends.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 12 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 can (21 ounces/595 grams) cherry pie filling

Leavening and Seasoning:

• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract

Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350F (175C) and coat a 10×15-inch baking pan with grease to prevent sticking.
2. Using an electric mixer, blend softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes airy and pale.
3. Incorporate eggs individually into the butter mixture, thoroughly mixing after each egg to ensure smooth integration.
4. Fold in vanilla extract, blending until evenly distributed.
5. In a separate mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt, whisking to eliminate any potential lumps.
6. Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until a consistent dough forms.
7. Distribute approximately three-quarters of the dough evenly across the prepared baking pan, creating a uniform base layer.
8. Carefully spread cherry pie filling across the dough, ensuring complete and even coverage.
9. Dot the reserved dough over the cherry filling using small spoonfuls, creating a rustic, textured topping.
10. Position the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until the surface turns golden brown and a toothpick emerges clean when inserted.
11. During baking, prepare the glaze by whisking powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract until achieving a smooth, pourable consistency.
12. Allow the baked bars to cool slightly, then drizzle the glaze across the surface for added sweetness.
13. Once completely cooled, slice into individual bars and serve.

Notes

• Softened butter ensures smooth mixing and creates a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture for the bars.
• Room temperature eggs blend more evenly, preventing lumpy batter and ensuring consistent consistency.
• Use fresh, high-quality cherry pie filling for the most vibrant flavor and best results.
• For gluten-free option, swap all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to maintain the original texture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 240
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 110 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg