If you’re searching for a delightful, festive dessert that effortlessly captures the spirit of the season, this Christmas Cherry Bars Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Bursting with sweet-tart cherry pie filling and enveloped in a tender, buttery crumb, these bars are the perfect balance of nostalgic holiday flavor and simple, satisfying texture. Whether you’re making treats for a family gathering or bringing a homemade gift to a party, these cherry bars offer a warm, inviting slice of holiday cheer that everyone will adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Christmas Cherry Bars Recipe relies on a handful of simple yet essential ingredients that come together beautifully to create a comforting and festive dessert. Each component plays a key role: the butter brings richness and tenderness, the sugar provides sweetness and moisture, and the cherry pie filling adds that delicious seasonal pop of color and flavor.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: For a rich, melt-in-your-mouth base that balances the tartness of the cherries.
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a soft, slightly crisp crust.
- 4 large eggs: Bind everything together while contributing to a moist texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances overall flavor with a warm, comforting note.
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The structure of these bars depends on the perfect amount of flour for a tender crumb.
- ½ teaspoon baking powder: Just enough leavening for a light, fluffy texture.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and deepens flavor complexity.
- 1 (21-ounce) can cherry pie filling: The star ingredient that delivers juicy bursts of festive cherry flavor.
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional): A subtle boost to amplify the cherry essence.
- Powdered sugar for dusting or glaze (optional): Adds a pretty finish and a touch of extra sweetness.
How to Make Christmas Cherry Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure your cherry bars come out cleanly and effortlessly. Taking care of this early step paves the way for a smooth baking experience.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial—it helps create a tender texture and ensures your bars aren’t dense or heavy. Use a hand or stand mixer to make this easier and faster.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Flavorings
Beat in the eggs one at a time, giving each a good stir before adding the next. Then, mix in the vanilla extract along with the almond extract if you’re using it. This combo adds depth and a subtle sweetness that pairs beautifully with the cherry topping.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening and seasoning, which is key for that perfect crumb you want in your Christmas Cherry Bars Recipe.
Step 5: Bring Wet and Dry Together
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until everything is combined. Overmixing will make the bars tough, so be gentle but thorough!
Step 6: Layer Batter and Cherry Filling
Spread about two-thirds of the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Then spoon the cherry pie filling over this base, spreading it into a nice, even layer. Finally, drop spoonfuls of the remaining batter on top—don’t worry if the cherries peek through; it only adds to the appeal.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes. You’re looking for a lightly golden top and a toothpick inserted into the center to come out clean. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan—this is important for clean slicing and for the flavors to settle.
How to Serve Christmas Cherry Bars Recipe
Garnishes
To keep things festive, dust your bars with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or drizzle them with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a touch of milk. These small touches not only add sweetness but also make your bars look irresistible, perfect for holiday tables.
Side Dishes
These cherry bars are wonderfully versatile and pair well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat. They also work nicely alongside a warm cup of coffee or rich hot cocoa, making them an ideal dessert after a cozy family meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider cutting the bars into festive shapes using cookie cutters for a fun party platter. Present them on decorative holiday plates or tiered dessert stands to add a touch of elegance. Wrapping individual bars in parchment paper tied with ribbon makes a lovely homemade gift that friends and neighbors will cherish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
One of the best things about this Christmas Cherry Bars Recipe is how well it keeps. Store any leftovers covered at room temperature for up to two days to maintain their perfect texture. This makes them a convenient treat you can bake in advance without any fuss.
Freezing
If you want to save these bars for later, they freeze beautifully. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag or airtight container. Frozen bars last up to three months, letting you enjoy that festive cherry flavor well beyond the holidays.
Reheating
To bring thawed bars back to just-baked deliciousness, warm them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10 minutes. This restores their tenderness and lightly crisp edges without any sogginess, making each bite feel fresh and inviting.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned cherry pie filling?
Absolutely! If you prefer fresh cherries, pit and chop about 3 cups of them, then sweeten and thicken with a little sugar and cornstarch before layering. Keep in mind fresh cherries may yield a slightly different texture but will taste wonderfully fresh.
Is almond extract necessary in this Christmas Cherry Bars Recipe?
Almond extract is optional but highly recommended as it enhances the cherry flavor and adds a lovely aromatic note. If you’re not a fan, feel free to leave it out and simply rely on the vanilla extract for flavor.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend meant for baking. Just check that it contains xanthan gum or add a little yourself to mimic the texture that gluten provides.
How long do these bars stay fresh?
Stored properly at room temperature in an airtight container, the bars stay fresh and delicious for about two days. For longer storage, freezing is your best option to maintain freshness.
Can I double this recipe for a larger batch?
Definitely! Just double all the ingredients and bake in a larger pan or two 9×13-inch pans. Adjust the baking time slightly, keeping an eye on the bars so they don’t overbake.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly heartwarming about baking this Christmas Cherry Bars Recipe, whether it’s the wonderful aroma filling your kitchen or the joy your loved ones feel with every bite. This recipe is easy to follow, yields plenty of bars to share, and keeps the holiday spirit alive with every sweet cherry bite. I encourage you to give it a try and make it part of your festive dessert lineup — you’ll soon wonder how you ever celebrated the holidays without it!
Print
Christmas Cherry Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these festive Christmas Cherry Bars featuring a buttery, tender base layered with luscious cherry pie filling and a hint of almond extract, perfect for holiday gatherings or a sweet treat any time of year.
Ingredients
Base Batter
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
Filling and Topping
- 1 (21-ounce) can cherry pie filling
- Powdered sugar for dusting or glaze (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the bars.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for your bars.
- Add Eggs and Extracts: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract and almond extract if you choose to use it, which adds a delightful cherry-enhancing flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning.
- Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet butter mixture, mixing until just combined to avoid overworking the batter for tender bars.
- Layer the Batter and Cherry Filling: Spread about two-thirds of the batter evenly in the prepared baking pan. Spoon the cherry pie filling over this layer in a smooth, even layer. Then drop the remaining batter in small spoonfuls on top of the cherry layer, allowing some of the cherry filling to peek through.
- Bake the Bars: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the bars are fully baked.
- Cool and Finish: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, dust them with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple glaze for an elegant finishing touch before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Adding almond extract enhances the cherry flavor for a more festive taste.
- These bars can be prepared a day in advance and stored covered at room temperature without losing freshness.
