Festive Cherry Bars Recipe: Sweet Christmas Treats

Sweet memories of holiday gatherings dance through kitchens when cherry bars emerge from the oven, filling the air with nostalgic warmth.

Festive treats like these Christmas cherry bars recipe bring comfort and joy to winter celebrations.

Bright red cherries nestled in buttery, tender pastry create a delightful dessert that sparks conversation.

Each slice tells a story of tradition and home-baked love.

The combination of sweet fruit and delicate crumb makes these bars an irresistible addition to any holiday spread.

You’ll find these bars disappear quickly as guests savor every delectable bite.

Serve these delightful bars and watch smiles light up the room.

Why Cherry Bars Feel Like A Festive Favorite

• This recipe requires minimal culinary skills, making it perfect for bakers of all levels, from beginners to seasoned pros.
• Bursting with sweet cherry flavor and a delightful crumbly texture, these bars are guaranteed to win over family and friends at gatherings.
• With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up these delectable bars in no time, perfect for spontaneous baking sessions or last-minute dessert needs.
• The vibrant red cherry filling and golden-brown top create a festive look that's ideal for holiday parties, potlucks, and special celebrations.

What Goes Into Christmas Cherry Bars

• Butter: A key ingredient that provides rich flavor and tender texture to the bars.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a soft, delicate crumb.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the bar's structure.
• Vanilla: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its warm, sweet essence.

• Flour, Salt: Form the foundation of the bar's base, providing structure and balance to the recipe.

• Cherry Pie Filling: Adds a festive burst of fruity flavor and creates a beautiful visual layer in the bars.
• Glaze: Provides a sweet finishing touch that complements the cherry and bar base.

How To Make Cherry Bars With A Tender Crust

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Grab a 9×13-inch baking pan and coat it thoroughly with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Whip Butter And Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, combine butter and sugar.

Use an electric mixer to blend until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and creates a creamy texture.

Step 3: Incorporate Eggs And Flavor

Gently add eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully mixed before adding the next.

Pour in vanilla extract and stir until everything is smoothly combined.

Step 4: Combine Dry Components

• Flour
• Salt

Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring carefully to avoid overmixing.

Step 5: Prepare Base Layer

Spread approximately 3 cups of batter evenly across the prepared pan.

Use a spatula to create a smooth, consistent surface.

Step 6: Add Cherry Goodness

Carefully spoon cherry pie filling over the batter.

Take care not to disturb the base layer while distributing the cherries.

Step 7: Create Decorative Topping

Drop remaining batter in small clumps across the cherry layer.

The topping will look rustic and uneven, which adds to the dessert’s charm.

Step 8: Bake To Golden Perfection

Place the pan in the preheated oven.

Bake for 35-40 minutes until the top turns a beautiful golden brown and the center sets completely.

Step 9: Cool And Rest

Allow the bars to cool completely on a wire rack before adding any additional glaze or toppings.

Tips To Get Just The Right Cherry Texture

• Use parchment paper with slight overhang to easily lift bars and ensure crisp crust bottom without sticking.
• Select high-quality cherry pie filling or make homemade filling for deeper, more authentic fruit taste that elevates the entire dessert.
• Ensure butter and eggs are room temperature before mixing to create smoother, more evenly distributed batter that results in tender bars.
• Drizzle powdered sugar glaze while bars are slightly warm for best absorption and most attractive presentation without making dessert too sweet.
• Keep bars covered at room temperature for 3-4 days or refrigerate for extended freshness, placing wax paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Storing Cherry Bars Without Losing Flavor

• Store cooled cherry bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
• Carefully wrap the entire uncut pan of bars in plastic wrap, then cover with aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Cut bars into squares, separate with parchment paper, and store in a freezer-safe container. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before enjoying.
• Warm individual bars in the microwave for 15-20 seconds on 50% power to maintain moisture. Alternatively, warm in a preheated 325°F oven for 5-7 minutes, covering with foil to prevent over-browning.

Drinks And Treats That Pair Nicely

• Boost Cherry Bar Flavor Companions
• Pair Sweet Wines with Cherry Dessert: Select a light, fruity dessert wine like Moscato or Riesling that echoes the cherry's sweetness and complements the bar's rich texture.
• Match Creamy Coffee Beverages: Brew a smooth cappuccino or latte with vanilla notes to balance the dessert's tartness and provide a luxurious drinking experience.
• Create Textural Contrast with Ice Cream: Serve vanilla bean or almond ice cream alongside the bars to introduce a cool, creamy element that highlights the warm cherry flavors and adds delightful temperature variation.
• Enhance with Nutty Side Garnish: Sprinkle toasted sliced almonds or chopped pecans around the plate to add crunch and bring out the dessert's underlying buttery notes.

Christmas Cherry Bar Variations You Can Try Next

• Gluten-Free Cherry Bars: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the same delicious texture and flavor.
• Vegan Cherry Delight: Swap butter with coconut oil, use flax eggs instead of regular eggs, and select a vegan-friendly cherry filling to create a plant-based alternative.
• Low-Sugar Cherry Squares: Substitute regular sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener, and choose a reduced-sugar cherry pie filling to minimize overall sugar content.
• Dairy-Free Cherry Treat: Use dairy-free margarine or coconut oil in place of butter, ensuring those with lactose intolerance can enjoy this classic dessert.

FAQs

• Are these Christmas Cherry Bars kid-friendly?

These bars are perfect for children! They’re sweet, colorful, and easy to eat. Kids love the fruity cherry filling and the soft, cake-like texture.

• Can I use fresh cherries instead of pie filling?

No, fresh cherries won’t work well. Pie filling provides the right consistency and moisture. Using fresh cherries would change the recipe’s texture and baking time.

• How do I know when the bars are properly baked?

Look for a golden brown top and set edges. When you gently shake the pan, the center should look firm and not wiggle. A toothpick inserted near the center should come out mostly clean.

• Is this recipe good for holiday gatherings?

Absolutely! These bars are a crowd-pleaser. They’re easy to make, cut into neat squares, and have a festive look that’s perfect for Christmas parties or family get-togethers.

Christmas Cherry Bars Recipe

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4.6 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Festive Christmas cherry bars bring seasonal joy to holiday dessert tables with their rich, buttery crust and sweet cherry filling. Delightful layers of crimson cherries nestled between crumbly pastry promise merry celebrations that guests will savor and remember.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 can (21 ounces / 595 grams) cherry pie filling
• 4 eggs
• 1 cup (227 grams) butter, softened
• 2 cups (400 grams) sugar

Flavoring Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon salt

Topping Ingredients:

• 1 cup (120 grams) powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven and baking vessel by heating to 350°F and coating a 9×13-inch pan with butter or non-stick spray to ensure easy release.
2. Utilize an electric mixer to thoroughly blend butter and sugar until the mixture becomes airy and pale, creating a smooth foundation for the dessert.
3. Incorporate eggs individually, ensuring complete integration after each addition, then blend in vanilla extract for enhanced flavor complexity.
4. Separately combine flour and salt, then gently fold into the butter mixture, mixing minimally to maintain a tender texture.
5. Distribute approximately three cups of batter evenly across the prepared pan, using a spatula to create a uniform base layer.
6. Delicately spoon cherry pie filling over the initial batter layer, maintaining distinct separation between components.
7. Strategically scatter remaining batter in small dollops across the cherry layer, allowing glimpses of the vibrant filling to peek through.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, monitoring until the surface achieves a golden-brown appearance and the center sets completely.
9. Allow the dessert to cool thoroughly on a wire rack before applying glaze, permitting structural stability and optimal flavor development.

Notes

• Choose high-quality maraschino cherries or fresh cherries for a more vibrant and authentic flavor profile.
• Ensure butter is softened at room temperature for smoother creaming and better texture in the bars.
• Use an offset spatula or back of a spoon to distribute batter evenly and create beautiful marbled effects with the cherry filling.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 334
• Sugar: 25 g
• Sodium: 113 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 47 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 63 mg