Festive Christmas Cherry Bars Recipe: Jolly Holiday Treats

Sweet, crumbly Christmas cherry bars tantalize taste buds with their festive charm and delightful layers of flavor.

Imagine a dessert that combines buttery textures with vibrant fruity notes and a hint of seasonal magic.

Soft, pillowy pastry cradles rich cherry filling, creating a mouthwatering experience that sparks memories of cozy holiday gatherings.

Delicate crumbles and smooth fruit preserve intertwine, promising a treat that’s both comforting and elegant.

Home bakers adore these bars for their simplicity and crowd-pleasing appeal.

Each bite promises a delectable journey through sweet, tangy sensations that capture the warmth of celebration.

You can want to savor every crumbly, fruity moment of this irresistible seasonal delight.

Christmas Cherry Bars That Taste Like Holiday Cheer

• These Christmas Cherry Bars burst with holiday cheer, combining sweet cherries and buttery pastry for a treat that screams Christmas celebration.
• The recipe offers a simple yet sophisticated dessert that looks impressive but requires minimal baking skills, perfect for home bakers of all levels.
• With its soft, cake-like texture and bright cherry filling, this dessert brings family and friends together, creating warm memories during the holiday season.
• From start to finish, these bars take less than an hour to prepare, making them an ideal last-minute dessert for busy holiday gatherings or spontaneous sweet cravings.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Christmas Cherry Bars

• Butter, Sugar: Creamy foundation for rich, sweet bars with soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Unsalted butter recommended for better flavor control.
• Eggs, Vanilla Extract: Provide structure, moisture, and deep flavor enhancement. Fresh eggs at room temperature blend more smoothly.

• Flour, Salt: Create tender cake-like base with balanced seasoning. All-purpose flour works best; use fine-grain salt for even distribution.

• Cherry Pie Filling: Adds fruity sweetness and vibrant color. Canned filling provides convenient, consistent flavor. Choose high-quality brand with real fruit chunks.
• Powdered Sugar, Milk, Vanilla Extract: Create smooth, sweet glaze with glossy finish. Use pure vanilla extract for best taste.

How to Bake Christmas Cherry Bars in Simple Steps

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking pan and lightly coat it with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create A Creamy Base

• Softened butter
• Sugar

Whip until the mixture looks light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract for extra flavor.

Step 3: Prepare The Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Salt

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, stirring until everything is smoothly incorporated.

Step 4: Layer The Deliciousness

Spread approximately 3 cups of batter evenly across the bottom of the prepared pan. Carefully spoon cherry pie filling over the first layer. Drop small dollops of remaining batter on top of the cherry layer, creating a rustic, swirled appearance.

Step 5: Bake To Golden Perfection

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. Watch for a golden-brown top and check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean.

Step 6: Cool And Rest

Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely on a wire rack. Patience is key for the perfect texture.

Step 7: Drizzle With Glaze

• Powdered sugar
• Milk
• Vanilla extract

Once the bars are fully cooled, drizzle the glaze generously over the top.

Step 8: Slice And Serve

Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes, then cut into delightful bars. Enjoy your homemade Christmas Cherry Bars with friends and family!

Pro Tips for Perfect Christmas Cherry Bars

• Butter Blending Technique: Cream butter and sugar thoroughly until light and fluffy to ensure a smooth, soft texture in your bars.
• Layering Precision: Spread batter evenly across the pan's bottom for consistent baking and a professional-looking dessert.
• Cherry Distribution Trick: Drop remaining batter in small clumps over cherry filling to create an attractive marbled effect and prevent soggy spots.
• Doneness Test Pro: Use the toothpick method to confirm bars are fully baked – it should come out clean with no wet batter clinging to it.
• Cooling Mastery: Allow bars to cool completely before adding glaze to prevent melting and ensure a clean, crisp drizzle pattern.

How to Store and Reheat Christmas Cherry Bar Leftovers

• Refrigerate: Store leftover Christmas Cherry Bars in an airtight container for up to 5 days, keeping them fresh and delicious in the refrigerator.
• Freeze: Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months for later enjoyment.
• Reheat: Thaw frozen bars in the refrigerator overnight, then warm briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore their soft, delectable texture.

Sweet Pairings for Christmas Cherry Bars

• Craft Sweet Holiday Wine Pairing: Match these cherry bars with a chilled dessert wine like Moscato d'Asti, which brings light bubbles and gentle sweetness that complement the rich cherry flavors.
• Enhance Creamy Coffee Companion: Serve alongside a warm vanilla latte or cappuccino, where the espresso's robust notes balance the bar's sweetness and the milk foam echoes the creamy glaze texture.
• Design Festive Beverage Contrast: Pair with spiced mulled cider, allowing the warm cinnamon and apple undertones to create a delightful seasonal counterpoint to the cherry's bright profile.
• Create Nutty Garnish Accent: Sprinkle toasted almond slivers or chopped pecans on top of the bars to add a delightful crunch and nutty depth that elevates the dessert's overall flavor complexity.

Fun Ways to Customize Christmas Cherry Bars

• Festive Fruit Fusion: Swap cherry pie filling with a mix of cranberry and raspberry preserves for a tangy holiday flavor that pops with seasonal brightness.
• Nutty Holiday Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or almonds over the top layer before baking to add a delightful texture and rich, warm undertones.
• Chocolate Cherry Celebration: Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the glaze and add chocolate chips to the batter for an indulgent winter dessert that feels extra special.
• Cream Cheese Swirl Special: Create a cream cheese mixture and swirl it through the batter before adding the cherry layer for a luxurious, velvety texture that elevates the traditional recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions on Christmas Cherry Bars

• Can I use homemade cherry pie filling instead of store-bought?

Yes! Homemade cherry pie filling works great and can add a more personal touch to your Christmas Cherry Bars.

• How do I store these bars to keep them fresh?

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. They’ll stay moist and delicious.

• Can I freeze these Christmas Cherry Bars?

Absolutely! Wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

• What if I don't have a 9×13-inch pan?

You can use a similar-sized baking dish, but adjust baking time slightly. Just make sure the batter spreads evenly and watch for golden brown color.

Christmas Cherry Bars Recipe

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4.6 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

These festive Christmas Cherry Bars blend sweet nostalgia with holiday cheer, promising delightful moments of pure indulgence. Buttery shortbread crust topped with tart cherry filling creates a simple yet irresistible dessert you’ll savor with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups sugar
• 4 eggs
• 1 can (21 ounces / 595 grams) cherry pie filling
• 1 cup (227 grams) butter, softened

Flavoring Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon salt

Optional Glaze Ingredients:

• 1 cup (120 grams) powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 350°F and coating a 9×13-inch baking vessel with a light grease layer to ensure effortless removal.
2. In a spacious mixing vessel, transform butter and sugar into a pillowy, aerated mixture by vigorously creaming together. Integrate eggs individually, whisking thoroughly after each addition, then incorporate vanilla extract for enhanced flavor complexity.
3. Simultaneously, combine flour and salt in a separate receptacle, meticulously blending dry ingredients before gradually folding into the butter mixture, ensuring smooth and consistent integration.
4. Distribute approximately three-quarters of the batter across the pan’s bottom, creating an even, uniform foundation. Artfully cascade cherry pie filling over the initial layer, then delicately disperse remaining batter in small, irregular clusters atop the crimson fruit surface.
5. Transfer the pan to the preheated oven, allowing the dessert to transform for 35-40 minutes. Monitor the surface, seeking a golden-brown hue and confirming doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center, which should emerge pristine.
6. Extract the pan and position on a cooling rack, permitting the bars to reach ambient temperature completely before embellishing.
7. Craft a silky glaze by whisking powdered sugar with milk and vanilla extract until achieving a smooth, pourable consistency. Elegantly drizzle the luminous mixture across the cooled bars.
8. Allow the glaze to solidify, then slice into individual servings, revealing the festive layers within.

Notes

• Perfectly prepare your pan by greasing it thoroughly to ensure easy bar removal and clean slicing.
• Creaming butter and sugar creates a light, fluffy base that guarantees tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Layer cherry pie filling strategically between batches of dough for a delightful fruity surprise in every bite.
• Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should emerge clean, indicating perfectly baked bars.
• Allow bars to cool completely before glazing to prevent runny, messy topping and ensure a professional finish.
• Drizzle glaze in artistic patterns for a festive, bakery-style presentation that makes these bars look as good as they taste.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 120 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 31 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg