Celebrate the holiday season with these delightful Christmas Cherry Bars! Combining a rich buttery crust, luscious cherry pie filling, and a silky vanilla-almond glaze, this recipe is perfect for festive gatherings. Easy to make and incredibly delicious, these bars will be a hit at your next holiday party.
Ingredients:
For the Cherry Bars:
1 cup butter, softened
2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon salt
4 large eggs, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 cans (21 oz each) cherry pie filling
For the Glaze:
1 cup confectioners’ sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
2–3 tablespoons whole milk
Directions:
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 15×10-inch sheet pan with baking spray to prevent sticking.
Prepare the Dough:
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, sugar, and salt until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Stir in the vanilla and almond extracts.
Gradually mix in the flour until a dough forms.
Assemble the Bars:
Press 3 cups of the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared sheet pan.
Spread the cherry pie filling over the dough layer.
Drop spoonfuls of the remaining dough over the cherry filling.
Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. Let the bars cool completely in the pan.
Prepare the Glaze:
In a small bowl, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, almond extract, and 2-3 tablespoons of milk until smooth.
Glaze and Serve:
Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars. Once the glaze is set, cut into squares and serve.
Serving Tips:
Festive Presentation: Serve these bars on a decorative holiday platter. You can garnish the platter with sprigs of fresh mint, candy canes, or a dusting of powdered sugar to enhance the festive feel.
Pair with Beverages: These cherry bars pair beautifully with warm beverages like hot chocolate, mulled cider, or coffee. For an extra indulgent touch, serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Cutting for Clean Edges: To achieve clean edges when cutting the bars, chill them in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes before slicing. Use a sharp knife, wiping it clean between cuts.
Storage Tips:
Room Temperature: Store the Christmas Cherry Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This will keep them fresh and soft.
Refrigeration: If you need to store them longer, refrigerate the bars in an airtight container for up to 5-7 days. Let them come to room temperature before serving.
Freezing: To freeze, place the bars in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or a resealable plastic bag. They can be stored for up to 2-3 months. Thaw the bars at room temperature or in the refrigerator before serving.
Glaze Consideration: If you plan to freeze the bars, it’s best to glaze them after thawing to maintain the freshness and texture of the glaze.
Related Recipes:
FAQs:
Can I use homemade cherry pie filling instead of canned?
Yes, you can definitely use homemade cherry pie filling if you prefer. Simply replace the canned filling with an equal amount of your homemade version. The flavor may vary slightly depending on your recipe, but it will still be delicious.
Can I substitute almond extract with something else?
If you’re not a fan of almond extract or have an allergy, you can substitute it with an equal amount of additional vanilla extract. Alternatively, you could use another flavor extract like lemon or orange for a different twist.
How do I prevent the bars from becoming soggy?
To prevent the bars from becoming soggy, ensure that they are fully baked and the top is golden brown before removing them from the oven. Also, make sure they cool completely before glazing and cutting, as this helps set the structure and keeps them firm.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, Christmas Cherry Bars can be made ahead of time. They can be stored at room temperature for a few days or refrigerated for up to a week. If freezing, it’s best to add the glaze after thawing for the freshest taste and appearance.
Conclusion:
These Christmas Cherry Bars are a wonderful way to spread holiday cheer and bring a touch of sweetness to your celebrations. Enjoy these bars with a hot cup of cocoa or as a delightful treat for your guests. Happy baking.
📖 Recipe:
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Christmas Cherry Bars
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 24 bars
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Christmas Cherry Bars are a festive holiday treat made with a buttery crust, sweet cherry pie filling, and a delicious vanilla-almond glaze. Perfect for holiday gatherings, they are easy to prepare and sure to be a hit with family and friends.
Ingredients
1 cup butter, softened
2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon salt
4 large eggs, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 cans (21 oz each) cherry pie filling
For the Glaze:
1 cup confectioners’ sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
2–3 tablespoons whole milk
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 15×10-inch sheet pan with baking spray.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, sugar, and salt until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla and almond extracts.
- Gradually add the flour, mixing until a dough forms.
- Press 3 cups of the dough into the bottom of the prepared sheet pan, spreading it evenly.
- Spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the dough layer.
- Drop spoonfuls of the remaining dough over the cherry filling.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, almond extract, and milk until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars. Once the glaze is set, cut into squares and serve.
Notes
For a festive touch, sprinkle red and green sugar crystals on top before baking.
If freezing, add the glaze after thawing for the best texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24 bars
- Calories: 290 kcal
