Christmas Cherry Bars have been a cherished part of my holiday traditions for as long as I can remember. The moment I catch the sweet, nutty aroma wafting from the oven, I’m transported back to my grandmother’s kitchen, the air thick with anticipation and the scent of baking. This classic Christmas cherry bar recipe creates a buttery, almond-kissed crust topped with a vibrant, sweet-tart cherry filling. They’re not just bars; they’re little bites of holiday magic, perfect for sharing. If you’re looking for festive cherry bar cookies that are as delightful to make as they are to eat, you’ve found them. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Cherry Bars
- Incredible Flavor: A perfect balance of buttery almond crust and bright, tangy cherry filling that screams holidays.
- So Easy to Make: These are truly easy Christmas cherry bars, perfect for busy bakers.
- Quick Prep Time: With just 15 minutes of prep, you can have this delicious holiday cherry bar recipe ready for the oven in no time.
- Budget-Friendly Treat: Uses common pantry staples, making them an affordable way to add festive cheer.
- Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike adore these sweet, festive bars – they disappear fast!
- Perfect for Sharing: Ideal for cookie exchanges, potlucks, or just brightening someone’s day.
- Visually Stunning: Their festive red and golden colors make them a beautiful addition to any dessert spread.
Christmas Cherry Bar Ingredients
Gathering the right Christmas cherry bar ingredients is the first step to baking these festive treats. For the base, you’ll need 1 cup unsalted butter, softened, which provides that rich, buttery flavor and tender texture. We’ll also use 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar to sweeten the crust and give it a lovely crispness. To bind everything together, we have 4 large eggs. Don’t forget the flavor boosters: 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and ½ teaspoon almond extract. The almond extract is particularly key for that signature holiday taste! For the dry ingredients, grab 3 cups all-purpose flour. The star of the show is undoubtedly 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling, offering that delightful sweet-tart burst. Finally, if you want a pretty glaze, have ½ cup powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon milk, and an extra pinch of ¼ teaspoon almond extract ready.
How to Make Christmas Cherry Bars
Ready to create these delightful holiday treats? Learning how to make Christmas cherry bars is surprisingly simple, perfect for even beginner bakers. Follow these steps for a truly delicious result.
- Step 1: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by either greasing it lightly or lining it with parchment paper. Using parchment paper with a slight overhang makes lifting the bars out much easier later!
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the 1 cup unsalted butter, softened and 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar. Beat them with an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2 to 3 minutes. This creaming process incorporates air, which helps create a tender crust.
- Step 3: Add the 4 large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure they are fully incorporated. Then, stir in the 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and the crucial ½ teaspoon almond extract for that signature holiday flavor.
- Step 4: Gradually mix in the 3 cups all-purpose flour until just combined. Be careful not to overmix at this stage; we want a tender dough, not a tough one.
- Step 5: Take about two-thirds of the prepared dough and spread it evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan. Press it down firmly to create a solid base for your cherry filling.
- Step 6: Spoon the 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling evenly over the dough base. Spread it gently, trying not to disturb the crust layer underneath too much. The vibrant red filling looks so inviting!
- Step 7: Now, take the remaining one-third of the dough and drop it by spoonfuls over the cherry layer. Don’t worry about spreading it perfectly; the pieces will bake down and create a lovely marbled, rustic top. This is part of what makes this simple Christmas cherry bar recipe so appealing.
- Step 8: Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top of the bars is golden brown and the cherry filling is bubbly around the edges. The aroma filling your kitchen will be amazing!
- Step 9: Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the Christmas cherry bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This is essential for them to set properly before slicing.
- Step 10: Once cooled, if you’re opting for the glaze, whisk together the ½ cup powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon milk, and ¼ teaspoon almond extract until smooth. Drizzle this glaze over the cooled bars before slicing and serving. Enjoy your homemade Christmas cherry dessert bars!
Pro Tips for the Best Christmas Cherry Bars
Want to elevate your holiday baking? These tips will ensure your Christmas cherry bars are a guaranteed hit!
- Chill the Dough: If your dough feels too soft to handle, pop it in the fridge for 10-15 minutes before pressing the base and dropping the topping. This makes it much easier to work with.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the bars towards the end of the baking time. Overbaking can dry out the crust, so aim for a golden top and bubbly filling.
- Cool Completely: Patience is key! Letting the bars cool entirely in the pan before slicing prevents them from crumbling. For super clean cuts, chill them in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes after they’ve cooled to room temperature.
- Parchment Paper is Your Friend: Using parchment paper with an overhang allows you to lift the entire slab of bars out of the pan easily. This makes for much neater slicing and less mess.
What’s the secret to perfect Christmas Cherry Bars?
The real magic behind the best Christmas cherry bars lies in the balance of flavors and textures. The crucial almond extract in the buttery crust, combined with the sweet-tart cherry filling, creates an unforgettable taste. Don’t overmix the dough, and ensure it’s cooled before slicing for that perfect crumbly bite.
Can I make Christmas Cherry Bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! These bars are fantastic for making ahead. You can bake them up to 2 days in advance and store them at room temperature. If you need to make them even further ahead, they freeze beautifully too. Just ensure they are completely cooled before storing. For more make-ahead dessert ideas, check out these holiday chocolate chip cookies.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Christmas Cherry Bars?
A common pitfall is overmixing the dough, which can lead to tough bars. Also, don’t try to slice them while they’re still warm; they need to cool completely to set. Finally, ensure your oven temperature is accurate to prevent under or overbaking. Understanding oven temperatures can be crucial for baking success; learn more about common baking substitutions.
Best Ways to Serve Christmas Cherry Bars
These festive treats are incredibly versatile and make a wonderful addition to any holiday gathering. For a classic presentation, serve them simply cut into squares as is, perhaps with a dusting of powdered sugar for extra sparkle. They are also divine alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream, creating a delightful contrast in temperature and texture. If you’re assembling a dessert platter, these Christmas cherry dessert bars pair beautifully with other holiday favorites like gingerbread cookies or peppermint bark, offering a burst of fruity sweetness to balance richer flavors. You could even serve them warm with a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra decadent touch! For other festive dessert options, consider these fried strawberry cheesecake sandwiches.
Nutrition Facts for Christmas Cherry Bars
These delightful bars offer a sweet treat with reasonable values. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutrition per serving (based on 24 bars):
- Calories: 190
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Sugar: 17g
- Protein: 2g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used and bar size.
How to Store and Reheat Christmas Cherry Bars
Proper storage is key to keeping your homemade Christmas cherry bars tasting fresh and delicious. Once they’ve completely cooled in the pan, you can remove the entire slab using parchment paper overhangs. For short-term storage, keep the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need them to last longer, transfer them to the refrigerator, where they’ll stay good for about 3 to 4 days. For long-term keeping, these bars freeze wonderfully. Wrap them securely in plastic wrap, then in foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw them overnight in the fridge. To reheat, a few minutes in a warm oven (around 300°F or 150°C) or even a quick zap in the microwave can bring back that fresh-from-the-oven warmth and aroma.
Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas Cherry Bars
Can I use fresh cherries instead of pie filling for Christmas Cherry Bars?
While canned cherry pie filling is convenient for a quick Christmas cherry bar recipe, you can certainly use fresh or frozen cherries! You’ll need to pit about 3 cups of fresh cherries or use 21 oz of frozen (don’t thaw). You’ll also need to cook them down with a bit of sugar and cornstarch to thicken them into a pie filling consistency. This might add a little extra time, but it can make for a wonderfully tart and fresh flavor in your homemade Christmas cherry bars.
What makes these Christmas Cherry Bars so festive?
The festive appeal comes from a few things! The vibrant red cherry filling is visually striking against the golden crust, making them perfect for holiday displays. The hint of almond extract in both the crust and optional glaze adds a classic, warm holiday aroma that’s reminiscent of traditional Christmas baking. They truly look and smell like a holiday treat, embodying the spirit of the season in every bite.
How do I get perfect slices for my Christmas cherry slice recipe?
To achieve those clean, beautiful slices for your Christmas cherry slice recipe, the key is chilling. After the bars have completely cooled to room temperature, pop the entire pan (or the slab lifted out with parchment paper) into the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This firms up the crust and filling, allowing a sharp knife to cut through cleanly without dragging. For even better results, you can use a long, thin knife and wipe it clean between cuts.
Are there ways to make Christmas Cherry Bars quicker?
Yes, these are already quite quick! To make them even faster, you could use a store-bought pie crust for the base if you’re really pressed for time, though the homemade crust is superior. Another tip for quick Christmas cherry bars is to have all your ingredients measured out and ready to go before you start mixing. This minimizes downtime between steps and ensures a smooth, efficient baking process.
Variations of Christmas Cherry Bars You Can Try
While the classic recipe is divine, there are so many fun ways to adapt these festive bars! If you’re exploring different Christmas bar recipes with cherries, consider adding a twist to your next batch. For a delightful texture change, try swapping some of the flour for almond flour in the crust to create more of a cherry shortbread Christmas bars feel. You could also fold in some chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts into the topping for an extra crunch. For a richer flavor, try a chocolate variation by adding cocoa powder to the crust dough or drizzling melted chocolate over the finished bars. If you want a gluten-free option, experiment with a good quality gluten-free flour blend. These simple tweaks can lead to entirely new, delicious holiday treats!
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Christmas Cherry Bars: Delightful Holiday Treat
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Christmas Cherry Bars feature a buttery, almond-scented crust topped with sweet-tart cherry filling. They are an easy and festive holiday treat, perfect for cookie exchanges, dessert trays, or seasonal snacking.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
- ½ cup powdered sugar (optional, for glaze)
- 1 tablespoon milk (optional, for glaze)
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract (optional, for glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla and almond extracts.
- Gradually mix in the flour until fully combined. Do not overmix.
- Spread two-thirds of the dough into the prepared baking pan, pressing it evenly into the bottom.
- Spoon the cherry pie filling evenly over the dough, spreading gently to avoid disturbing the base.
- Drop the remaining dough by spoonfuls over the cherry layer. Do not spread—it will bake into a marbled top.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden and set.
- Remove from oven and let cool completely in the pan before slicing.
- Optional: Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract together for glaze and drizzle over cooled bars before serving.
Notes
- For cleaner slices, refrigerate the bars for 30 minutes after cooling completely.
- Use parchment paper with overhang to easily lift the entire slab out of the pan for slicing.
- Don’t skip the almond extract—it’s key to the signature flavor of these bars.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg