Ingredients

Scale

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

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.