The smell of cherry bars baking fills the air. The bright red color brings the holiday magic alive. For dessert lovers, there’s nothing better than a homemade treat that captures the holiday spirit.
Christmas Cherry Bars are the ultimate holiday treat. They mix a buttery crust with cherry pie filling. A sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a winter wonderland touch. These bars are easy to make and perfect for any holiday event.
Key Takeaways
- Christmas Cherry Bars are a festive dessert made with cherry pie filling, butter, and a crumbly topping.
- The recipe is easy to prepare, taking about 30 minutes to make.
- These bars are perfect for holiday gatherings, gift exchanges, and cozy winter evenings.
- The recipe yields approximately 12 large servings and can be customized with different pie fillings.
- The vibrant red color and powdery sugar finish make these bars a visually stunning addition to any holiday spread.
The Magic of Christmas Cherry Bars
Christmas Cherry Bars are a special twist on traditional fruit bars. They capture the holiday spirit with cherries, adding joy and abundance. The mix of sweet cherries and almond extract creates a rich flavor that enhances the taste.
History and Holiday Tradition
Cherries have always been a key part of Christmas, symbolizing warmth and joy. The Christmas Cherry Bars recipe celebrates this tradition. These bars are loved across the United States, bringing cheer to every table.
Why These Bars Are Perfect for the Season
The Christmas Cherry Bars recipe is a holiday treasure. They’re easy to make, perfect for busy times. Their bright red filling and snowy glaze make them a stunning addition to any Christmas table.
“These Christmas Cherry Bars are a must-have for any holiday celebration. The perfect balance of sweetness and festive charm.”
Christmas Cherry Bars are great as a treat, a gift, or a show-stopper. They’re sure to become a favorite part of your holiday traditions.
Essential Ingredients for Cherry Bars
Making the perfect Christmas cherry bars starts with the right ingredients. A few key components come together to make a delicious treat. Let’s look at the essential ingredients for these tasty bars:
- Softened Butter – The softened butter makes the bars tender and soft.
- Granulated Sugar – Sugar adds sweetness that balances the tart cherry filling.
- Eggs – Eggs at room temperature blend smoothly, creating a cohesive texture.
- Vanilla Extract – Vanilla enhances the cherry flavor beautifully.
- Almond Extract – Almond extract adds depth and complexity to the cherry flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour – Flour is the base, giving structure and stability to the bars.
- Salt – A little salt balances the sweetness and brings out other flavors.
- Cherry Pie Filling – The cherry pie filling is the main attraction, offering a sweet and tart mix.
For the optional glaze, you’ll need powdered sugar and milk. They make a smooth, sweet topping that adds beauty and sweetness to the bars.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Softened Butter | 1 cup |
| Granulated Sugar | 1 3/4 cups |
| Eggs | 4 large |
| Vanilla Extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Almond Extract | 1 teaspoon |
| All-Purpose Flour | 3 cups |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Cherry Pie Filling | 21 ounces |
| Powdered Sugar (for glaze) | 1 cup |
| Milk (for glaze) | 1-2 tablespoons |
| Almond Extract (for glaze) | 1/2 teaspoon |
With these ingredients, you’re ready to make delicious Christmas cherry bars. They’re sure to impress your family and friends.
Step-by-Step Baking Instructions
Making the perfect Christmas cherry bars is easy and fun. Follow these steps to create these tasty cherry pie bars.
Preparing the Buttery Base
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a big bowl, mix 1 cup of butter, 1 ½ cups of sugar, and ½ teaspoon of salt until it’s fluffy. Then, add 4 large eggs one at a time, beating well after each.
Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla and ½ teaspoon of almond extract. These add festive flavors to the dough.
Slowly add 3 cups of flour to the wet ingredients. Mix until it forms a dough. About 3 cups of this dough will be for the base.
Adding the Cherry Filling
Spread the cherry pie filling over the dough base in the pan. The tart cherries will add a nice contrast to the crust.
Creating the Perfect Topping
Take the remaining dough and drop it in small clumps over the cherries. This will make a tasty crumble topping that will get golden brown.
Put the pan in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. The top should be lightly golden. Let the bars cool before adding a glaze of powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract.
Follow these steps to make the most delicious Christmas cherry bars. They’re sure to impress your family and friends this holiday season.
Tips for Making Perfect Christmas Cherry Bars
Want to make your Christmas dessert stand out? Follow these cherry bar baking tips and holiday baking tricks. They’ll help you make Christmas Cherry Bars that look and taste amazing every time.
- Use room temperature butter for easy creaming and a tender, buttery base.
- Don’t overmix the dough after adding flour to avoid tough, chewy bars.
- Ensure even distribution of the cherry filling for consistent, flavorful bites.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before glazing to prevent a runny mess.
- For added festive flavor, simmer the cherry filling with cinnamon, nutmeg, or orange liqueur.
- Check labels on pie filling and glaze ingredients if making a gluten-free version.
- Patience is key when waiting for the bars to cool before cutting and serving.
| Nutrition Facts (per serving) | Amount |
|---|---|
| Yield | 36 cookie bars |
| Total Fat | 9g |
| Saturated Fat | 4g |
| Cholesterol | 34mg |
| Sodium | 57mg |
| Carbohydrates | 17g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 10g |
| Protein | 2g |
With these cherry bar baking tips and holiday baking tricks, you’re ready to make the best Christmas Cherry Bars. Your loved ones will love them.
Storage and Make-Ahead Options
After enjoying these Christmas Cherry Bars, you’ll want to keep them around. They can be stored for days, making them perfect for last-minute parties. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days.
For longer storage, the freezer is your best option. Wrap the bars in parchment paper or layer them in a freezer-safe container. This way, they can last up to three months, keeping the holiday flavors alive.
Thawing Guidelines
Thawing frozen Cherry Bars is easy. Just let them thaw at room temperature. Once thawed, add the sweet glaze for a fresh taste and look.
For events, prepare the bars without glaze ahead of time. Then, add the glaze just before serving. This ensures they look great every time.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Unsalted Butter | ½ cup (1 stick / 113 g) |
| Granulated Sugar | ½ cup (100 g) |
| Total Calories per Serving | 248 kcal |
The Glazed Cherry Pie Bars recipe has been shared 897 times. It’s been pinned 431 times on Pinterest and 466 times on Facebook. These tips help keep your Christmas Cherry Bars fresh and delicious for days or weeks.
Creative Variations and Substitutions
Exploring cherry dessert variations opens up a world of possibilities. Try using blueberry, raspberry, or peach pie fillings for a new take. For a gluten-free option, swap the flour with a gluten-free blend. Orange extract can add a zesty twist instead of almond.
For a less sweet treat, cut down the sugar or use a tart cherry filling. Add crushed candy canes or edible glitter for a festive touch. Making your own cherry filling adds a personal touch to your cherry dessert variations.
These fruit bar substitutions let you tailor the recipe to your liking. They keep the essence of the original Christmas Cherry Bars. So, get creative and enjoy these tasty variations!
| Ingredient | Substitution |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | Gluten-free flour blend |
| Almond extract | Orange extract |
| Granulated sugar | Reduced amount or tart cherry filling |
| Topping | Crushed candy canes or edible glitter |
| Cherry filling | Homemade cherry filling |
“The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. You can easily customize the flavors to suit your personal preferences and create a truly unique, festive treat.”
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
When serving your Christmas Cherry Bars, there are many ways to make it special. Dust the bars with powdered sugar for a snow-like effect. Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a rich contrast.
Holiday Presentation Ideas
For a stunning holiday dessert display, add your Christmas Cherry Bars to a festive buffet. Place them on a decorative platter with gingerbread, peppermint bark, and snowball cookies. Use holiday-themed plates and napkins to add to the Christmas feel.
Beverage Pairings
- Pair your Christmas Cherry Bars with spiced apple cider, mulled wine, or hot chocolate for a cozy winter feel.
- Try a sweet-and-savory mix by serving the bars with soft cheeses like brie or mascarpone.
- Include the Christmas Cherry Bars in an afternoon tea with savory bites and aromatic teas.
These serving and pairing ideas can turn your Christmas Cherry Bars into a holiday highlight. They will impress your guests with festive flavors and presentation.
Conclusion
Christmas Cherry Bars are a delightful holiday treat. They mix festive flavors, stunning looks, and are easy to make. Perfect for family gatherings, gifts, or personal treats, they capture the holiday spirit.
The mix of a buttery crust, sweet-tart cherry filling, and a glaze makes them special. You can store them at room temperature or freeze them for up to 3 months. This makes them a great choice for Christmas dessert ideas that you can prepare ahead of time.
If you want to impress your guests with easy holiday treats, try these Christmas Cherry Bars. Their festive look and delicious taste make them a holiday baking must-have.