Christmas Cherry Bars

this RECIPE

Introduction to Christmas Cherry Bars

As the holiday season approaches, I find myself dreaming of sweet treats that light up our family gatherings.
One dessert that has become a staple in my kitchen is none other than Christmas Cherry Bars.
These delightful squares offer a perfect blend of buttery crust and sweet cherry filling, making them a festive favorite.
Whether it’s a cozy family evening by the fire or a bustling holiday party, these bars bring warmth and joy to any occasion.
Plus, they’re incredibly easy to whip up, which is a lifesaver for busy moms like us!

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Cherry Bars

If you’re like me, the holiday season can quickly become a whirlwind of chaos.
That’s why I love these Christmas Cherry Bars! They’re not just simple to make; they deliver an explosion of flavor with every bite.
You’ll appreciate how they come together in about an hour, allowing you to spend more time enjoying the festivities.
Plus, their vibrant cherry topping adds a festive touch that’s sure to impress your guests!

Ingredients for Christmas Cherry Bars

To create these mouth-watering Christmas Cherry Bars, you’ll need a delightful array of ingredients, each one playing a vital role.

• Butter: The foundation of our crust, butter adds rich flavor and ensures a tender texture.
• Sugar: Sweetness is key! Sugar balances the tartness of the cherry filling beautifully.
• Eggs: These act as a binder, helping to achieve that dreamy, chewy consistency we crave.
• Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla enhances the overall flavor profile, bringing everything together.
• All-purpose flour: The base of our bars, it provides the structure we need for a satisfying bite.
• Salt: Just a pinch! Salt elevates the sweetness and rounds out the flavors.
• Cherry pie filling: The star of the show! Opt for a quality canned filling to save time without skimping on taste.
• Powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract for glaze: This sweet topping adds a festive finish that’s simply irresistible.

Don’t forget, the exact quantities are listed at the bottom for easy printing!

How to Make Christmas Cherry Bars

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

First things first, let’s get that oven warmed up! Preheat it to 350°F (175°C).
While the oven is heating, grab your trusty 9×13 inch baking pan and give it a light greasing.
This prevents sticking and ensures your delightful bars come out with ease.
Trust me, there’s nothing more frustrating than having your masterpiece crumble apart!

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, add your softened butter and sugar.
With your mixer on medium speed, beat the two together until the mixture is light and fluffy.
This process may take about two to three minutes, but oh, the aroma is divine!
The fluffiness is crucial as it creates a lovely texture.
Plus, it sets the foundation for the heavenly Christmas Cherry Bars!

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Now, it’s time to incorporate the eggs!
Crack them in one at a time, allowing each one to meld into the batter before adding the next.
This ensures a smooth consistency.
Don’t forget to mix in a teaspoon of vanilla extract too; it elevates the flavor, making your bars irresistible.
Can you smell that vanilla wafting through the air? Pure bliss!

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour and a teaspoon of salt.
Stir these dry ingredients until well combined, then gently add them to the creamed mixture.
You want to combine them gradually—this helps avoid flour clouds and ensures the mixture is nice and even.
Keep blending until everything is just incorporated.
Let’s avoid overmixing to keep our bars tender and buttery!

Step 5: Layer the Batter and Cherry Filling

Grab your prepared pan and spread about three cups of your batter into it, creating a nice base layer.
Now for the fun part: gently spread the cherry pie filling over that layer.
Don’t worry about making it too neat!
Finally, drop little clumps of the remaining batter on top of the cherry filling.
This will bake into a beautiful topping—trust the process!

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Time to let the oven work its magic!
Place your pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 35-40 minutes.
The top should turn a glorious golden brown, and when you insert a toothpick into the center, it should come out clean.
You’ll know it’s done when your kitchen smells like a cozy holiday wonderland!

Step 7: Cool and Glaze

Once the bars are out of the oven, let them cool completely on a wire rack.
This is the hardest part, I must admit!
While waiting, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to create a smooth glaze.
Drizzle this sweet goodness over the cooled bars, it’s the finishing touch!
Once the glaze has set, cut the bars into squares.
Enjoy the festive flavors and share them with your loved ones!

Tips for Success

• Make sure your butter is softened for easy creaming—this helps achieve that fluffy texture.
• Don’t skip the cooling step! Glazing warm bars may cause the topping to run.
• Use a quality cherry pie filling for the best flavor—trust me, it makes a difference!
• For an extra festive look, add red and green sprinkles on top of your glaze.
• Experiment with different fruit fillings to create your own delightful variations!

Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowls: A large and medium size for mixing wet and dry ingredients.
• Electric mixer: Handheld mixers work well, but a stand mixer saves time.
• 9×13 inch baking pan: This is essential for the classic bar shape.
• Wire rack: Perfect for cooling your bars evenly.
• Whisk: For mixing your glaze smoothly.

Variations

• Different Fruit Fillings: Swap cherry pie filling for blueberry, apple, or even peach! Each fruit offers a unique twist to your bars.
• Gluten-Free Options: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to cater to dietary needs while keeping the treat delicious.
• Add Nuts: For a delightful crunch, toss in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the batter before baking.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Add a rich touch by drizzling melted chocolate over the glaze for an extra decadent dessert.
• Spiced Version: Incorporate cinnamon or nutmeg into the batter for a warm, holiday flavor enhancement.

Serving Suggestions

• Coffee or Tea: Pair these bars with a warm cup of coffee or spiced tea to enhance the flavors.
• Ice Cream: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast in textures.
• Fresh Fruit: A side of seasonal fruit salad makes for a refreshing balance to the sweetness.
• Festive Platter: Arrange the bars on a decorative platter, adding some holiday-themed decorations for visual flair.
• Whipped Cream: Top with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent touch!

FAQs about Christmas Cherry Bars

I know you might have some questions about making these delightful Christmas Cherry Bars.
Here are some common queries along with my best answers to help you through the process!

Can I make Christmas Cherry Bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! These bars store well, making them perfect for prepping ahead of holiday gatherings.
Just make sure to keep them covered at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate for up to a week.

Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned pie filling?

While canned cherry pie filling is super convenient, you can use fresh cherries!
Just cook them down with a bit of sugar and cornstarch to create a similar filling.
It adds a lovely homemade touch to your Christmas Cherry Bars!

What can I substitute for eggs in this recipe?

If you’re looking for egg substitutes, you can use applesauce or mashed bananas.
Typically, a quarter cup of applesauce or a quarter of a banana per egg does the trick!
It works beautifully while keeping your bars moist and delicious.

How can I make these bars more festive?

To add a festive flair, try sprinkling red and green sprinkles on top of the glaze.
You can also use cookie cutters to create fun shapes!
These fun touches will definitely brighten up your holiday dessert table!

Can I freeze Christmas Cherry Bars?

Yes, you can! Just cut the bars into squares, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil.
They’ll stay fresh for up to three months in the freezer.
When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them out and glaze when you’re set to serve!

Final Thoughts

As I reflect on these Christmas Cherry Bars, I can’t help but smile at the joy they bring.
The laughter of family gathered around the table, sharing stories while tasting this delightful treat, is simply priceless.
There’s a unique magic in baking together during the holidays, where every bit of sweetness holds memories to cherish.
Sharing these bars feels like gifting a little piece of love wrapped in festivity.
So, let’s embrace the wonder of the season and create delicious moments with our loved ones. After all, it’s the sweetest time of the year!

Print