Christmas Cherry Bars – Easy Holiday Dessert Recipe Everyone Loves

Looking for a sweet treat that’s festive, flavorful, and perfect for your holiday dessert tray? These Christmas Cherry Bars are a classic holiday favorite that’s as easy to make as they are to devour. With their buttery crust, vibrant cherry filling, and sweet vanilla glaze, they’re the ultimate crowd-pleaser at any Christmas gathering.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to make these delicious and colorful Christmas Cherry Bars:

For the Crust and Base:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

• 2 cups granulated sugar

• 4 large eggs

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• ½ tsp almond extract (optional, for extra flavor)

• 3 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp salt

the Filling:

• 1 (21 oz) can cherry pie filling

the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 1–2 tbsp milk

• ½ tsp vanilla or almond extract

Required Kitchen Tools

• 9×13-inch baking dish or pan

• Mixing bowls (large and medium)

• Electric hand mixer or stand mixer

• Rubber spatula or wooden spoon

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Whisk

• Cooling rack

Step-by-Step Preparation Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.

Step 2: Make the Base Batter

In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes) using a mixer.

Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract and almond extract if using.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients until fully combined and a soft, thick batter forms.

Step 3: Assemble the Layers

Spread two-thirds of the batter into the prepared baking dish, smoothing it evenly with a spatula.

Carefully spoon the cherry pie filling over the batter, spreading it out as evenly as possible.

Drop the remaining batter in small spoonfuls over the top of the cherry layer. It won’t cover everything, and that’s okay—the cherry peeking through is part of the charm.

Step 4: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (ignoring the cherry bits).

Remove from oven and allow to cool in the pan on a wire rack.

Step 5: Make the Glaze

While the bars are cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla or almond extract until smooth and pourable.

Once the bars are mostly cooled (but still slightly warm), drizzle the glaze generously over the top.

Let the glaze set before slicing into bars.

Helpful Tips for Making or Serving Christmas Cherry Bars

• Don’t overmix the batter once the dry ingredients are added; overmixing can make the bars too dense.

• Use parchment paper for easier cleanup and neater slices. Simply lift the whole slab out of the pan after baking and cooling.

• Customize the filling: While cherry is traditional, feel free to swap in blueberry, raspberry, or even apple pie filling for variety.

• Almond extract tip: Adding almond extract enhances the cherry flavor beautifully, giving it that classic holiday bakery taste.

• Make ahead: These bars keep well! Bake them a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bring to room temperature before serving.

• Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. They also freeze well for up to 2 months.

Approximate Nutritional Value (Per Bar, based on 24 servings)

Note: Values may vary based on ingredient brands and specific measurements.

• Calories: 220 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 32 g

• Sugars: 19 g

• Protein: 2 g

• Fat: 10 g

• Saturated Fat: 6 g

• Cholesterol: 45 mg

• Sodium: 85 mg

Conclusion

Whether you’re baking for a cookie exchange, a family dinner, or just to enjoy a sweet moment by the Christmas tree, these Christmas Cherry Bars are sure to become a staple in your holiday recipe box. Easy to make, beautiful to serve, and absolutely delicious, this recipe checks every box for a festive dessert.

So gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and bring a burst of cherry cheer to your holiday table. These bars might just become your most-requested treat every December!

Christmas Cherry Bars – Easy Holiday Dessert Recipe Everyone Loves

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• Author: himami ali

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Ingredients

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Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to make these delicious and colorful Christmas Cherry Bars:

For the Crust and Base:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

• 2 cups granulated sugar

• 4 large eggs

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• ½ tsp almond extract (optional, for extra flavor)

• 3 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp salt

For the Filling:

• 1 (21 oz) can cherry pie filling

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 1–2 tbsp milk

• ½ tsp vanilla or almond extract

Required Kitchen Tools

• 9x13-inch baking dish or pan

• Mixing bowls (large and medium)

• Electric hand mixer or stand mixer

• Rubber spatula or wooden spoon

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Whisk

• Cooling rack

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Instructions

Step-by-Step Preparation Instructions Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.

Step 2: Make the Base Batter

In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes) using a mixer.

Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract and almond extract if using.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients until fully combined and a soft, thick batter forms.

Step 3: Assemble the Layers

Spread two-thirds of the batter into the prepared baking dish, smoothing it evenly with a spatula.

Carefully spoon the cherry pie filling over the batter, spreading it out as evenly as possible.

Drop the remaining batter in small spoonfuls over the top of the cherry layer. It won’t cover everything, and that’s okay—the cherry peeking through is part of the charm.

Step 4: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (ignoring the cherry bits).

Remove from oven and allow to cool in the pan on a wire rack.

Step 5: Make the Glaze

While the bars are cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla or almond extract until smooth and pourable.

Once the bars are mostly cooled (but still slightly warm), drizzle the glaze generously over the top.

Let the glaze set before slicing into bars.