Christmas Cherry Bars: 10 Easy Sweet Treats

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Christmas Cherry Bars have been a staple in my holiday baking for years, bringing a burst of festive color and flavor to every celebration. I remember my mom making these every December, the sweet, almond-scented dough baking while the house filled with that incredible aroma. These bars are more than just a dessert; they’re a warm hug on a cold day, perfect for sharing with loved ones. If you’ve ever wondered how to make Christmas cherry bars that are both beautiful and delicious, you’re in the right place! They truly are the most festive cherry bars for Christmas, bringing cheer to any cookie platter. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Cherry Bars Recipe

These festive bars are an absolute winner for so many reasons! They strike the perfect balance between sweet and tart, with a wonderful buttery, almond-kissed crust that melts in your mouth. You’ll be thrilled at how quick they are to whip up, making them perfect for busy holiday schedules. Plus, they’re surprisingly budget-friendly, using common pantry staples. These easy Christmas cherry bars are a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike. Honestly, making these homemade Christmas cherry bars feels like a warm hug from your grandma, bringing joy to your table without breaking the bank. They’re simply delightful!

• Incredible taste: A perfect blend of buttery crust and sweet-tart cherry filling.
• Quick prep time: Ready to bake in under 20 minutes!
• Budget-friendly: Uses simple, inexpensive ingredients.
• Family favorite: Kids and adults adore these festive treats.
• Visually stunning: Their bright red color makes them perfect for holiday platters.
• Satisfyingly simple: These easy Christmas cherry bars are foolproof.
• From your own kitchen: Enjoy the satisfaction of making these homemade Christmas cherry bars.

Christmas Cherry Bar Ingredients

Gathering the right Christmas cherry bar ingredients is the first step to baking these delightful treats. You’ll need:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened – Using softened butter is crucial for creaming with sugar to create a light and airy base.
• 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar – This provides sweetness for both the crust and the topping.
• 4 large eggs – Eggs bind the ingredients together and add richness.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – For a classic sweet aroma and flavor.
• ½ teaspoon almond extract – This is the secret ingredient that gives these bars their signature festive flavor!
• 3 cups all-purpose flour – The base for our buttery crust.
• 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling – This pre-made filling makes these Christmas bars with cherries so easy and delicious.
• ½ cup powdered sugar – Optional, for a sweet glaze.
• 1 tablespoon milk – Optional, to thin the glaze.
• ¼ teaspoon almond extract – Optional, to enhance the glaze flavor.

Having all these components ready ensures your baking process for these Christmas cherry bars goes smoothly. For more information on baking best practices, you can refer to resources on ingredient substitutions.

How to Make Easy Christmas Cherry Bars

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by greasing it well or lining it with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang for easy removal later.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the 1 cup unsalted butter, softened and 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar. Beat them until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes. This step is key for a tender crust.
3. Step 3: Add the 4 large eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Stir in the 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and the crucial ½ teaspoon almond extract. You’ll start to smell that wonderful holiday aroma!
4. Step 4: Gradually incorporate the 3 cups all-purpose flour into the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough bars, and we want these Christmas bars with cherries to be delightfully chewy.
5. Step 5: Spread about two-thirds of this delicious dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan. Press it down firmly to create a solid base for your cherry filling.
6. Step 6: Spoon the 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling evenly over the dough base. Gently spread it out, trying not to disturb the dough layer beneath too much. The vibrant red color is already so festive!
7. Step 7: Take the remaining dough and drop spoonfuls randomly over the cherry layer. Don’t worry about covering it completely or spreading it flat; the dough will bake into a beautiful marbled effect, making these simple Christmas cherry bars look as good as they taste.
8. Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the top is golden brown and appears set. The kitchen will be filled with the irresistible scent of baked cherries and almond!
9. Step 9: Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This is essential for them to set properly before slicing.
10. Step 10: If you’re opting for a glaze, whisk together the ½ cup powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon milk, and ¼ teaspoon almond extract until smooth. Drizzle this over the cooled bars before slicing and serving.

Pro Tips for the Best Homemade Christmas Cherry Bars

Making these festive bars even more special is easy with a few insider tips. I’ve found these tricks really elevate the final product, ensuring they’re not just good, but truly the best Christmas cherry bars.

• Always use good quality cherry pie filling; it makes a huge difference in the flavor.
• Don’t overmix the dough after adding the flour. A gentle hand keeps the crust tender and helps achieve those delightful chewy Christmas cherry bars.
• For perfectly clean slices, chill the bars in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes after they’ve cooled completely. This helps them firm up beautifully.
• If you want to make sure your bars lift out in one piece, use parchment paper with extra overhang on the sides of the pan.

What’s the secret to perfect Christmas Cherry Bars?

The secret lies in the balance: a buttery, almond-infused crust and a sweet-tart cherry filling. Gentle mixing of the dough creates that wonderfully tender texture, leading to deliciously chewy Christmas cherry bars that everyone will rave about.

Can I make Christmas Cherry Bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and the cherry filling separately a day in advance and store them covered in the refrigerator. Assemble and bake when you’re ready. This holiday cherry bar recipe is great for meal prep!

How do I avoid common mistakes with Christmas Cherry Bars?

Avoid overmixing the dough, which can make the bars tough. Also, ensure the bars are completely cooled before slicing; cutting them too soon will result in a messy crumble instead of neat bars. For more baking tips, check out our baking philosophy.

Best Ways to Serve Festive Cherry Bars for Christmas

These beautiful bars are ready to shine on your holiday dessert table! They’re incredibly versatile, making them perfect for any festive occasion. For a classic presentation, serve them as is, allowing their vibrant color to stand out. They also pair wonderfully with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an extra touch of indulgence. Consider them alongside other holiday favorites like gingerbread cookies or sugar cookies for a delightful cookie exchange spread. These Christmas cherry dessert bars are also fantastic served warm with a sprinkle of powdered sugar, making them a delightful treat after a hearty Christmas dinner.

Nutrition Facts for Christmas Cherry Bars

Here’s a look at the estimated nutritional breakdown for each serving of these delightful Christmas cherry bars. They offer a satisfying treat without being overly heavy, making them a great addition to your holiday spread. For detailed information on nutritional calculations, you can consult resources like the USDA’s National Nutrient Database.

• Serving Size: 1 bar
• Calories: 190
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Sugar: 17g
• Protein: 2g
• Sodium: 45mg
• Cholesterol: 35mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients and brands used in your Christmas cherry bars recipe. Please review our privacy policy for data usage.

How to Store and Reheat Christmas Cherry Bars

Keeping these delightful Christmas cherry bars fresh is simple, ensuring you can enjoy them throughout the holiday season. Once they’ve completely cooled in the pan—and I mean totally cool, not even a hint of warmth—you can store them. For short-term storage, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need them to last longer, refrigerate them in a well-sealed container for about 3-4 days. This method is perfect for making sure your holiday cherry bar recipe stays delicious for unexpected guests. You can find more storage tips on our contact page.

For longer storage, these bars freeze beautifully! Once cooled and cut, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can stay frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply let them thaw overnight in the refrigerator. If you’d like them warm, you can gently reheat individual bars in a low oven (around 300°F or 150°C) for about 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through. This makes them taste almost as fresh as the day they were baked!

Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas Cherry Bars

What are Christmas Cherry Bars?

Christmas Cherry Bars are delightful, festive treats typically made with a buttery, shortbread-like crust and a sweet-tart cherry filling. They’re a popular choice during the holiday season because of their vibrant red color and delicious flavor combination, making them a festive addition to any celebration. Think of them as a bar cookie version of a cherry pie, perfect for easy serving.

Are these Christmas Cherry Bars similar to Christmas Cherry Bar Cookies?

Yes, they are very similar! The terms “Christmas Cherry Bars” and “Christmas Cherry Bar Cookies” are often used interchangeably. Both refer to these delicious baked treats featuring a crust and cherry filling. This specific Christmas cherry bars recipe creates a slightly chewier bar than a traditional cookie, but the overall concept is the same – a festive, fruity delight.

Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned pie filling?

You certainly can, but it requires a bit more prep! If using fresh cherries, you’ll need to pit them and cook them down with sugar, cornstarch (or another thickener), and flavorings like lemon juice and almond extract until they reach a pie-filling consistency. While it’s more work, it can yield a wonderfully fresh flavor for your Christmas cherry dessert bars.

How do these bars differ from Christmas Cherry Brownie Bars?

The primary difference lies in the base. Christmas Cherry Brownie Bars would typically have a chocolate brownie base, offering a richer, chocolatey flavor profile. These Christmas cherry bars, however, feature a buttery, almond-scented shortbread-style crust, which provides a lighter, more delicate contrast to the sweet cherry topping. Each offers a unique, festive taste experience!

Variations of Christmas Cherry Bars You Can Try

While this classic recipe is absolutely delicious, don’t be afraid to get creative and explore some delightful variations of these festive bars! You can easily adapt them to suit different tastes or dietary needs. For a twist on the classic, try making Christmas cherry almond bars by adding a generous cup of sliced almonds to the crust dough or sprinkled on top before baking.

If you’re looking for a richer flavor profile, consider a chocolate variation by using a brownie-style base instead of the shortbread crust. For those who love extra sweetness and decoration, a decadent Christmas cherry bar frosting is a fantastic addition. A simple glaze made with powdered sugar, milk, and a hint of almond extract works beautifully, or you could try a cream cheese frosting for an even more indulgent treat. You can also experiment with different dried fruits like cranberries or cherries mixed into the filling for added texture and flavor complexity. For more details on terms of use, please see our terms of use.

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