Why Make This Recipe

Christmas Cherry Bars are a delightful treat that brings a burst of holiday cheer to any gathering. This recipe combines the sweetness of cherries with a soft, buttery base. It’s simple to make and perfect for sharing with family and friends. Plus, the bright red cherries add a festive touch that looks lovely on any dessert table.

How to Make Christmas Cherry Bars

Ingredients:

• 1 cup butter (softened)
• 2 cups sugar
• 4 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 can – 21 ounces cherry pie filling

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. Cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract.
3. In a separate bowl, mix flour and salt, then gradually add to the creamed mixture.
4. Spread 3 cups of the batter in the prepared pan, layer the cherry pie filling on top, and drop clumps of remaining batter over it.
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Let cool on a wire rack.
7. For the glaze (optional), whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth and drizzle over the cooled bars.
8. Cut into bars and serve.

How to Serve Christmas Cherry Bars

Serve Christmas Cherry Bars warm or at room temperature. They are great on their own, but you can also serve them with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The delicious cherry flavor pairs well with chocolate or vanilla ice cream.

How to Store Christmas Cherry Bars

Keep the leftover bars in an airtight container. They can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. If you want to keep them for an even longer time, consider freezing them. Wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container.

Tips to Make Christmas Cherry Bars

• Make sure your butter is softened before starting for a better texture.
• Don’t skip the cooling step; it helps the bars set up properly.
• If you like a stronger cherry flavor, consider adding extra cherry filling or even some fresh cherries to the batter.
• Experiment with different fruit fillings like blueberry or raspberry for a fun twist.

Variation

You can turn these bars into a fun twist by adding nuts, such as chopped walnuts or pecans, to the batter. A sprinkle of almond extract instead of vanilla can also add a nice flavor change.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of cherry pie filling?
Yes, you can use fresh cherries, but you’ll need to cook them down with sugar to create a similar consistency to pie filling.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum.

How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The bars are done when they are golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.