Christmas Cherry Bars are a delightful treat that brings warmth and joy during the holiday season. This dessert combines buttery crust and sweet cherry filling, topped with a heavenly glaze. These bars are perfect for family gatherings, holiday parties, or simply enjoying with a cup of tea on a chilly afternoon. I remember making these with my kids, their excitement over the bright cherries and the smell wafting from the oven just adds to the magic of Christmas.
Why Make This Recipe
These Christmas Cherry Bars are a fantastic choice for anyone who loves easy-to-make, festive desserts. They come together quickly and can serve a crowd, making them ideal for holiday gatherings or cozy family dinners. The combination of sweet cherries and almond glaze creates a flavor profile that is both nostalgic and comforting.
"This cake disappeared in minutes at our family gathering, definitely a keeper," says a happy home baker.
Whether you are baking for Christmas or just want a sweet treat, this recipe ensures you have a delicious dessert that everyone will love.
How to Make Christmas Cherry Bars
Making Christmas Cherry Bars is as straightforward as it gets! Start by preheating your oven and preparing a baking pan. You’ll cream together the butter and sugar, which gives the bars their rich flavor. Once the crust is ready, it bakes until golden, then is topped with the cherry pie filling. The final touch is a quick almond glaze that adds both sweetness and a lovely finish. Once baked, allow them to cool before cutting into perfect squares.
Ingredients
Gather these items to make your Christmas Cherry Bars:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 can cherry pie filling
1 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon almond extract
2 tablespoons milk
For a twist, you can substitute the almond extract with vanilla for a different flavor profile. If you want a gluten-free version, consider using a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until combined.
- Press the dough into the bottom of the prepared baking pan evenly.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Remove from oven and spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the crust.
- In a separate bowl, mix the powdered sugar, almond extract, and milk to create a glaze. Drizzle the glaze over the cherry filling.
- Bake for an additional 20-25 minutes.
- Allow to cool before cutting into squares and serving.
How to Serve Christmas Cherry Bars
These Christmas Cherry Bars are delicious on their own, but you can elevate the experience with a few simple serving suggestions. Serve them warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top for added indulgence. For a festive touch, sprinkle powdered sugar or chopped nuts over the glaze. They also pair beautifully with a hearty cup of coffee or spiced tea during the holidays.
How to Store
To keep your Christmas Cherry Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. For longer storage, these bars freeze well. Just wrap the individual squares in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature.
Tips to Make
For perfect Christmas Cherry Bars, here are some helpful tips. Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easy creaming with sugar. This will help create a light and fluffy crust. Don’t skip the cooling step! Allowing the bars to cool completely helps them set up nicely and makes cutting easier. If you’re looking to enhance the cherry flavor, consider adding a hint of lemon zest to your glaze for a bright touch.
Variations
Get creative with your Christmas Cherry Bars! You can experiment with different types of fruit fillings, such as blueberry or holiday-friendly cranberry. For a richer taste, add some finely chopped nuts to the crust or topping. If you’re up for it, try a chocolate drizzle over the glaze for an indulgent twist that chocolate lovers will adore.
FAQs
What can I use if I don’t have cherry pie filling?
You can make a homemade cherry filling using fresh or frozen cherries, sugar, and cornstarch thickener to achieve a similar texture and taste.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
While margarine can be used, butter typically provides better flavor and texture in baking.
How long do these bars last?
In an airtight container, they can last up to three days at room temperature or a week in the refrigerator.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! They can be baked a day or two in advance and stored in the fridge until you’re ready to serve them.
For More Recipe Inspiration
For more delightful treats, check out our bento cake recipe or try your hand at our cottage cheese chocolate mousse for a unique dessert experience.
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