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
