Christmas Cherry Bars

The holiday season brings with it joyful gatherings, heartfelt moments, and, of course, delicious treats. One delightful addition to your festive baking repertoire is Christmas Cherry Bars. These sweet, chewy bars combine the rich flavors of buttery cake with the tartness of cherry pie filling. Perfect for family celebrations or cozy evenings at home, this recipe is a true holiday gem that’s easy to whip up. I remember making these with my kids, their eyes lighting up with joy as the sweet aroma filled our kitchen. They might just become a new family tradition for you!

Why Make This Recipe

Creating Christmas Cherry Bars at home offers a taste of nostalgia and can quickly become a family favorite. With a mix of simple ingredients and a short baking time, you can enjoy a decadent dessert without the fuss. These bars are perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or when you just want to indulge in something sweet after dinner.

"These cherry bars are a holiday favorite! My kids ask for them every year," says a happy home baker.

The bright red cherry filling makes these bars festive and visually appealing, while their buttery base ensures they’re absolutely scrumptious. Plus, you’ll find that they are incredibly easy to make, making them a go-to recipe in your holiday baking arsenal.

How to Make Christmas Cherry Bars

Making Christmas Cherry Bars is a straightforward process that even novice bakers can master. You start by preheating your oven and greasing your baking pan. Once the base is mixed, you’ll cream together butter and sugar until fluffy, then mix in eggs and vanilla. After combining dry ingredients, you’ll layer the batter in your pan, topping it with sweet cherry filling and dollops of remaining batter. Finally, a quick bake in the oven transforms the mixture into golden, fragrant bars that are sure to be a hit.

Ingredients

Gather these items to make your Christmas Cherry Bars:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup cherry pie filling
Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Feel free to experiment! If you don’t have cherry pie filling, you could substitute it with your favorite jam or fresh fruit.

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
4. In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
5. Spread half of the batter into the prepared baking pan.
6. Spoon the cherry pie filling over the batter.
7. Drop the remaining batter by spoonfuls over the cherry filling.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown. Allow to cool before cutting into bars. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.

How to Serve Christmas Cherry Bars

These Christmas Cherry Bars are delightful on their own, but you can elevate the experience by serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A drizzle of chocolate sauce or a dollop of whipped cream can also add an extra layer of deliciousness. For a festive touch, consider dusting them with powdered sugar or serving alongside a cup of hot cocoa for a perfect winter treat.

How to Store

To keep your Christmas Cherry Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like them to last longer, they can be refrigerated for up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing the bars for up to three months. Just make sure to wrap them well in plastic wrap or foil to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature.

Tips to Make

• Make sure your butter is softened for optimal creaming; it should slightly indent when pressed.
• If you want a deeper cherry flavor, consider adding a splash of almond extract with the vanilla.
• To make cutting easier, let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing.
• Experiment with different toppings, like chopped nuts or even a scoop of yogurt for a lighter dessert.

Variations

Switching things up is always a great idea in the kitchen. You might try substituting dark chocolate chips for the cherry filling or using other fruit fillings like blueberry or peach. For a festive variation, add some crushed peppermint candies on top after baking for a holiday twist. You could also make these bars gluten-free by using a good gluten-free flour blend.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of pie filling?
Yes, feel free to use fresh cherries. Just be sure to pit and chop them, and balance the sweetness with a bit of sugar.

How do I know when my bars are done baking?
The bars are ready when they’re golden brown around the edges, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make these bars a day or two ahead and store them in an airtight container. They might taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together.

What’s the best way to cut these bars?
Use a sharp knife and gently score the top before cutting all the way through to ensure neat slices.

For More Recipe Inspiration

If you love baking quick and delicious treats, check out our other recipes for wholesome family desserts. You might enjoy making some Protein Muffins for a healthy snack or a fun Mini Bento Cake Recipe for your next special occasion.

Don’t forget to keep up with our latest creations and baking tips on our social pages:
https://www.pinterest.com/quickcakes/

Emily

Christmas Cherry Bars

These sweet, chewy bars combine the rich flavors of buttery cake with the tartness of cherry pie filling, perfect for holiday gatherings and family celebrations.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 12 bars

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American, Holiday

Calories: 250

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the base

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Make sure your butter is softened for optimal creaming.
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs Beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Consider adding a splash of almond extract for deeper flavor.
• 2 cups all-purpose flour Can be substituted with gluten-free flour.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the topping

• 1 cup cherry pie filling Can be substituted with fresh cherries or other fruit fillings.
• Powdered sugar for dusting Optional, for serving.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
4. In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
5. Spread half of the batter into the prepared baking pan.
6. Spoon the cherry pie filling over the batter.
7. Drop the remaining batter by spoonfuls over the cherry filling.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown. Allow to cool before cutting into bars.

Notes

These bars are delightful on their own but can be served warm with vanilla ice cream, chocolate sauce, or whipped cream. Consider adding crushed peppermint candies for a festive touch.