Make your holiday celebrations extra special with these Christmas Cherry Bars! Featuring a buttery, tender crust and sweet cherry pie filling, these bars are topped with a light almond glaze for the perfect festive touch. The recipe comes together quickly and yields plenty for sharing at holiday parties and gatherings. With a combination of textures and the sweet-tart taste of cherries, these bars will quickly become a family favorite.
Christmas Cherry Bars are a festive and delicious dessert perfect for the holiday season. These bars feature a soft, buttery crust layered with sweet cherry pie filling and topped with dollops of dough that bake to a golden brown. Finished with a light almond glaze, each bite is a mix of tender crumb, fruity filling, and sweet drizzle. Ideal for holiday gatherings or gifting, these bars are sure to be a hit with family and friends.
INGREDIENTS
- Unsalted butter: 1 cup, softened for a creamy base
- Granulated sugar: 1 ½ cups, for sweetness
- Eggs: 4 large, for binding and texture
- Vanilla extract: 1 tsp, for flavor
- All-purpose flour: 3 cups, for structure
- Baking powder: 1 tsp, for leavening
- Salt: ½ tsp, to balance sweetness
- Cherry pie filling: 1 can (21 oz), for fruity filling
- Powdered sugar: 1 cup, for the glaze
- Milk: 2 tbsp, for the glaze consistency
- Almond extract: ½ tsp, for a fragrant glaze
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1 (Preheat and Prepare the Pan):
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 10x15-inch baking pan.
- Step 2 (Make the Dough):
- In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Step 3 (Mix Dry Ingredients):
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until combined.
- Step 4 (Spread the Dough):
- Spread about ¾ of the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Reserve the remaining dough for the topping.
- Step 5 (Add Cherry Filling):
- Spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the dough in the pan.
- Step 6 (Top with Remaining Dough):
- Drop small spoonfuls of the reserved dough over the cherry filling.
- Step 7 (Bake):
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Step 8 (Prepare the Glaze):
- While the bars are baking, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract until smooth.
- Step 9 (Glaze the Bars):
- Once the bars are done baking, let them cool slightly before drizzling the glaze over the top.
- Step 10 (Serve):
- Cut into bars once completely cooled and enjoy.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- To enhance flavor, warm slightly before serving.
Helpful Notes
- For a tangier filling, add a few teaspoons of lemon zest to the cherry pie filling.
- Try using different fruit pie fillings to customize your bars.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Chill the bars slightly before cutting for cleaner slices.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cherry pie filling?
Yes, homemade filling works wonderfully and allows you to control the sweetness.
Do these bars freeze well?
Yes, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw before serving.
Can I substitute almond extract in the glaze?
Yes, vanilla extract can be used for a milder flavor.
What other fruit fillings can I use?
Blueberry, apple, or raspberry pie fillings are great alternatives.
Summary
Christmas Cherry Bars are the ultimate festive dessert, combining a soft and buttery base with a luscious cherry pie filling. Topped with spoonfuls of dough that bake to golden perfection and drizzled with a light almond glaze, these bars make for a beautiful holiday presentation. With a mix of tart and sweet flavors, they are sure to impress friends and family at any gathering. This simple recipe is easy to follow, yielding a large batch of bars that are perfect for sharing or gifting during the holiday season.