Christmas Cherry Bars

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.

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Conclusion

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.