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Christmas Cherry Bars Recipe: A Festive, Buttery Holiday Treat
Few desserts capture the spirit of the holidays like these Christmas Cherry Bars. With their buttery shortbread crust, sweet cherry filling, and light almond glaze, these bars are a merry explosion of flavor and color. They’re soft, rich, and visually stunning — the bright red cherries gleaming against the golden crust make them a perfect addition to any Christmas dessert table. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or a festive party, these bars are sure to bring joy with every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These cherry bars are more than just a dessert — they’re a holiday tradition. The recipe combines the richness of buttery cake batter with the vibrant sweetness of cherry pie filling, all finished with a drizzle of almond glaze that ties everything together beautifully. They’re easy to prepare, slice perfectly for sharing, and stay moist and flavorful for days. Perfect for cookie exchanges, Christmas brunches, or cozy nights by the fire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Bars:
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cups granulated sugar
– 4 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 teaspoon almond extract
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
For the Glaze:
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
– 2–3 tablespoons milk (adjust for consistency)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later. This ensures even baking and a perfectly golden crust.
Step 2: Make the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for creating a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla and almond extracts for that signature holiday aroma.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. The batter should be thick but spreadable — similar to cookie dough in consistency.
Step 4: Assemble the Bars
Spread about two-thirds of the batter evenly over the bottom of the prepared pan. Using a spatula or the back of a spoon, make sure the layer is smooth and reaches the edges. Spoon the cherry pie filling evenly over the batter, spreading gently so it doesn’t mix too much with the base. Then, drop small spoonfuls of the remaining batter over the cherries, leaving bits of red peeking through for a festive look.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center (avoiding the cherries) comes out clean. The aroma will fill your kitchen with pure holiday cheer!
Step 6: Cool and Glaze
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, almond extract, and milk until smooth and pourable. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars using a fork or spoon for a beautiful, glossy finish.
Step 7: Slice and Serve
Once the glaze has set, slice the bars into squares or rectangles. Serve them on a festive platter or pack them into gift boxes lined with parchment paper. They’re as lovely to give as they are to eat!
Tips for Perfect Christmas Cherry Bars
– Don’t overmix: Once you add the flour, mix only until combined to keep the bars tender.
– Room temperature ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temp for smoother blending.
– Use quality pie filling: The better the cherries, the better the flavor — look for bright, plump ones.
– Make ahead: These bars actually taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
– Drizzle creatively: Try a zigzag pattern for a professional bakery-style look.
Variations You’ll Love
Cherry-Almond Bliss: Add a handful of slivered almonds on top before baking for crunch.
Berry Medley: Replace cherry pie filling with blueberry, raspberry, or strawberry for a different twist.
Chocolate Drizzle: Melt a bit of dark chocolate and drizzle over the glaze for extra indulgence.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute with a high-quality gluten-free baking blend.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Christmas Cherry Bars with a cup of hot cocoa, eggnog, or freshly brewed coffee for a comforting holiday pairing. They make a stunning addition to dessert tables, cookie swaps, or Christmas brunch spreads. You can even serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert experience.
Storage and Freezing
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. If you want to make them ahead for gifting or parties, freeze the baked (unglazed) bars for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, thaw completely and drizzle with fresh glaze before cutting.
Why Everyone Loves Them
These bars are the epitome of Christmas baking — festive, nostalgic, and filled with love. The buttery crust melts in your mouth, the cherries add a bright pop of flavor, and the almond glaze gives a sweet finishing touch. They’re simple yet elegant, making them a must-bake for the holiday season.
Nutrition Information (Approximate per bar)
Calories: 280
Fat: 11g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Sugar: 28g
Protein: 3g
Sodium: 160mg