Description
Immerse yourself in the mood, with these Christmas Cherry Bars. They combine the richness of buttery goodness with the sweetness of cherries creating a blend of flavors. Each bar offers a tender and melt-in-your-mouth experience while the cherry pie filling bursts with a sweetness that brings to mind holiday cheer. The smooth glaze drizzled on top adds a finishing touch making these bars not only delicious but visually appealing as well. Whether you’re sharing them at holiday gatherings giving them as gifts or simply enjoying them alongside a cup of cocoa by the fireside these bars capture the true essence of Christmas joy, in every single bite.
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 15×10-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
Let’s add a touch of gluten-free enchantment to our Christmas Cherry Bars! To make this holiday favorite gluten-free just replace the all-purpose flour with your gluten-free flour blend. I urge using a blend expressly drafted for baking so that our bars retain their texture and flavor. Remember to check the other ingredients, such, as the cherry pie filling and extracts to ensure they’re also gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
