The holiday season is like a cozy hug wrapped in twinkling lights, and nothing embodies that warmth better than Christmas Cherry Bars. These delightful treats are a burst of sweet-tart cherry goodness nestled in a buttery crust that makes your taste buds do the happy dance.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>How to Make Christmas Cherry Bars</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- Can I use frozen cherries for Christmas Cherry Bars?
- How long do Christmas Cherry Bars last?
- Can I make these bars gluten-free?
- 📖 Recipe Card
Picture this: a tray of freshly baked Christmas Cherry Bars cooling on the kitchen counter, their crimson filling shimmering like a festive ornament. The aroma wafts through the air, inviting family and friends to gather around and indulge in these delicious bites of joy. Just as my grandmother used to say, nothing brings people together quite like good food—especially during the holidays!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Christmas Cherry Bars are not only easy to prepare, but they also deliver an explosion of flavor in every bite
- Their vibrant colors make them an eye-catching addition to any holiday spread
- You can easily swap out cherries for other fruits, making them versatile for year-round enjoyment
- They are perfect for sharing at festive gatherings or enjoying with a warm cup of cocoa!
One memorable Christmas, I surprised my family with these bars. The look on their faces was priceless as they took their first bites—pure bliss mixed with disbelief that something so delicious came from my kitchen!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Unsalted Butter: Use high-quality butter for rich flavor and a tender crust.
Granulated Sugar: This sweetener perfectly balances the tartness of the cherries.
All-Purpose Flour: Essential for creating the base and topping; sift it for even consistency.
Baking Powder: Helps the bars rise slightly, giving them a light texture.
Salt: A pinch enhances all the flavors beautifully.
Cherry Pie Filling: Use store-bought for convenience or homemade if you’re feeling adventurous!
Almond Extract: Adds a nutty dimension that complements the cherries perfectly.
Powdered Sugar (for dusting): Optional, but it adds a lovely finishing touch.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Christmas Cherry Bars
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick spray to keep those bars from sticking around too long!
Make the Crust and Topping: In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until fluffy. Add in flour, baking powder, and salt, mixing until crumbly—perfect for our base and topping.
Add Flavor: Stir in almond extract next. This little addition will have everyone asking about your secret ingredient as they savor each bite.
Layer It Up: Press half of the dough mixture into the bottom of your prepared baking pan evenly. Spoon out cherry pie filling over this layer; spread it out so every square inch gets its fair share of fruity goodness.
Add Topping: Crumble the remaining dough mixture over the cherry filling. No need to be too neat here; rustic is part of the charm!
Bake Away! Place your masterpiece in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown on top. Your kitchen will smell amazing—just try not to burn your nose sniffing too much!
Once done, let them cool completely before slicing into squares. Dust lightly with powdered sugar if you want some extra flair—the holidays are all about sparkle after all!
Now you have beautiful Christmas Cherry Bars ready to steal the show at your holiday gatherings! Serve these alongside hot cocoa or coffee for an unforgettable treat that’s bound to bring smiles all around!
You Must Know
- Christmas Cherry Bars are a delightful treat, combining sweet cherries and buttery crust
- The aroma fills your kitchen with festive cheer
- Ideal for holiday gatherings, they bring comfort and nostalgia, making them a must-have at every celebration
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing the crust while the oven preheats to 350°F. Bake the crust until golden before adding the cherry filling for even cooking.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap cherries for blueberries or raspberries if you’re feeling adventurous. A sprinkle of almond extract can elevate the flavor profile wonderfully.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover Christmas Cherry Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate them and warm in the microwave before serving.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh cherries when possible; they make a significant difference in flavor and texture
- Don’t forget to let the bars cool completely before cutting; this prevents them from falling apart
- Experiment with different nuts in the crust for added crunch!
Creating Christmas Cherry Bars always reminds me of my grandma’s kitchen filled with laughter and sweet chaos during holidays, where we’d spend hours baking together.
FAQ
Can I use frozen cherries for Christmas Cherry Bars?
Yes, just thaw and drain excess liquid before using them.
How long do Christmas Cherry Bars last?
They last about three days at room temperature or up to a week when refrigerated.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute regular flour with a gluten-free blend for delicious results.
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📖 Recipe Card
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Christmas Cherry Bars
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 12 1x
Description
Indulge in the warm, sweet-tart goodness of Christmas Cherry Bars! These easy-to-make treats feature a buttery crust enveloping a luscious cherry filling, perfect for holiday gatherings. With their vibrant colors and delightful aroma, these bars will become a cherished addition to your festive spread. Whether enjoyed with loved ones or paired with a cozy cup of cocoa, they are sure to spread joy this holiday season.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 can cherry pie filling (21 oz)
- 1 tsp almond extract
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until fluffy. Add flour, baking powder, and salt; mix until crumbly.
- Stir in the almond extract.
- Press half of the dough mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan. Spread cherry pie filling evenly over it.
- Crumble the remaining dough on top of the cherries.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool completely before slicing and dusting with powdered sugar.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (60g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
