Christmas Cherry Bars – Get into the holiday spirit by indulging in these Christmas Cherry Bars. This recipe combines the sweetness of cherry pie filling with a buttery base topped off with a glaze. It’s a treat to infuse your kitchen with the warmth and joy of Christmas. Key ingredients include cherry pie filling, flour, butter and powdered sugar.
I remember the first time I made these Christmas Cherry Bars—it was a snowy evening just days, before Christmas. In search of something to try during the holiday season I decided to blend the rich flavors of cherry and almond in a bar form. The outcome was truly magical. My husband, who is a fan of cherries instantly fell in love with them. My child couldn’t get enough of these sweet and festive bars. Since then they have become a family tradition that brings smiles every holiday season.
What makes this Christmas Cherry Bars truly stand out?
So what makes these Christmas Cherry Bars stand out? Firstly it’s their balance between tart flavors owing to the cherry pie filling. The addition of almond extract gives them a depth that enhances the cherry flavor more. Another great thing about these bars is how easy they are to prepare—a joy to bake when things get hectic during the holiday rush. Lastly their festive appearance makes them an exquisite addition, to any Christmas table.
What You Need To Make This Christmas Cherry Bars Recipe?
Softened Butter: The heart and soul of our Christmas Cherry Bars. I always let it sit out for a while to reach the softness. Softened butter blends smoothly ensuring our bars have that tender melt, in your mouth quality like falling snowflakes.
Granulated Sugar: Our partner! It not only adds sweetness to the bars. Also helps create that beautiful golden crust on top, reminiscent of a sunlit winter morning.
Salt: Just a teaspoon, but incredibly important! It’s like a pinch of magic that balances and enhances all the flavors ensuring every bite sings a chorus of deliciousness.
Large Eggs (At Room Temperature): They bring our ingredients together in harmony. Room-temperature eggs blend easily giving our bars a smooth texture just like an immaculate ice skating rink.
Vanilla Extract: The essence of coziness in our recipe. It adds a comforting aroma that brings back memories of gatherings and joyful laughter around the fireplace.
Almond Extract: A hint of almond extract adds a sophisticated depth to our bars. It’s the ingredient that guests will adore but can’t quite pinpoint, like discovering an ornament, on a Christmas tree.
All Purpose Flour: The base of our bars. It provides a foundation, for our blend of cherry and almond just like a fresh layer of snow that sets the stage for a magical winter wonderland.
Cherry Pie Filling: The star attraction! Bursting with the balance of sweetness and tartness it brings the Christmas spirit alive with every bite. I adore the hue and juicy cherries – they remind me of the joy and thrill that comes with presents.
Powdered Sugar (For Glaze): It adds a snowy finish to our bars. Like the touch of frost on a windowpane it completes the picturesque wintry scene.
Whole Milk (For Glaze): This ingredient helps us achieve a glaze with the right consistency for drizzling. It’s akin, to the ribbon that beautifully ties together our Christmas gift in the form of these cherry bars.
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Steps To Make Christmas Cherry Bars:
Step 1: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. Prepare a 15×10-inch sheet pan with baking spray. Start the magic by creaming together softened butter, sugar, and salt in a stand mixer. The key is to get it light and fluffy, just like fresh snow. Introduce the eggs one by one, blending each fully before adding the next. Then, stir in the vanilla and almond extracts for that festive aroma.
Step 2: Gradually, fold in the flour until a dough forms. This is where your bars start to take shape. Press about 3 cups of this dough into your prepared pan. Here comes the star – spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the dough. Then, with a spoon, drop little dollops of the remaining dough over the cherry layer.
Step 3: Bake for 35-40 minutes, until it’s golden like a Christmas star. Patience is key – let it cool completely before adding the final touch.
Step 4: For the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, extracts, and milk until smooth. Drizzle this over your cooled bars for that perfect snowy finish.
Tip:
While the recipe suggests using cherry pie filling, which is convenient and delicious you can add a personal touch by customizing it. If you have some time consider simmering the filling with a hint of cinnamon, a sprinkle of nutmeg or even a splash of orange liqueur. These additions will deepen the flavor. Give it a festive twist that perfectly complements the cherries. Not only will this personalize the bars. It will also bring an element of surprise and sophistication to the traditional taste. It’s, like adding your ingredient to a cherished family recipe creating a new tradition that your loved ones will eagerly anticipate each holiday season.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use a different fruit filling?
Sure you can definitely experiment with fruit fillings. Feel free to give blueberry, raspberry or apple pie filling a try. Just make sure to choose the extracts that complement your chosen fruit.
How should I store these bars?
To store these bars it’s best to keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for one week. In case you decide to freeze them remember to add the glaze after thawing.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! If you prefer a version of this recipe simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking flour blend.
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Christmas Cherry Bars
Ingredients
Cherry Bars:
- 1 c butter softened
- 2 c sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 4 large eggs room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp almond extract
- 3 c flour
- 2 cans cherry pie filling 21 oz each
Glaze:
- 1 c confectioners' sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp almond extract
- 2-3 tbsp whole milk
Instructions
- Begin by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 15x10-inch sheet pan with baking spray.
- To make the dough use a mixer to cream the butter, sugar and salt until it becomes light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time then stir in the vanilla and almond extracts. Gradually mix in the flour until a dough forms.
- Next press 3 cups of the dough into the bottom of your pan. Spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the dough. Take spoonfuls of the remaining dough. Drop them over the filling.
- Bake for 35 to 40 minutes. Until golden brown. Once done allow it to cool completely while still in the pan.
- In order to prepare the glaze combine confectioners sugar, vanilla and almond extracts and milk until you achieve a smooth consistency.
- Finally drizzle this glaze over your cooled bars, for a touch of sweetness.
- Enjoy!
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
