The holiday season is the perfect time to bring out all those crowd-pleasing treats that are as joyful to make as they are to eat. If you’re looking for a dessert that’s simple yet festive, look no further than these Christmas Cherry Bars! With a buttery dough, a sweet-tart cherry filling, and a drizzle of almond glaze, they’re guaranteed to spread holiday cheer with every bite. Gather your ingredients and let’s make this delicious holiday treat!
Why You’ll Love These Cherry Bars
These Christmas Cherry Bars are the perfect blend of flavors and textures, making them an irresistible addition to your dessert table. Here’s why this recipe is a must-try:
- Festive Flavor Combination: The tartness of the cherry filling complements the sweetness of the almond glaze, creating a flavor that’s perfectly suited to holiday celebrations.
- Easy to Make for a Crowd: This recipe serves up to 24 bars, making it ideal for gatherings, cookie swaps, or gift-giving.
- Simple Yet Elegant: With just a few basic ingredients, these cherry bars are easy to make, but they look and taste like something special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up these festive treats:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling – The star of the show, bringing a festive burst of color and flavor!
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon almond extract – This adds a sweet, nutty aroma to the glaze, making each bite feel extra special.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven and Prep the Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 10×15-inch baking pan, ensuring it’s well-coated to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This will take about 2-3 minutes. Next, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract to enhance the flavor.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until well combined. You should have a soft dough that’s easy to spread.
4. Spread the Dough
Spread about ¾ of the dough evenly into your prepared baking pan. Set aside the remaining dough for topping.
5. Add the Cherry Filling
Spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the dough in the pan. This layer of cherry goodness adds a beautiful red color, making these bars look festive and bright.
6. Top with Remaining Dough
Drop small spoonfuls of the reserved dough on top of the cherry filling. It doesn’t need to fully cover the cherry layer—the patches of dough give the bars a charming, rustic look once baked.
7. Bake
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The smell of baking cherry bars is sure to fill your kitchen with holiday cheer!
8. Prepare the Almond Glaze
While the bars are baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract until smooth. This glaze will add a sweet finishing touch that complements the cherries perfectly.
9. Glaze the Bars
Once the bars have finished baking, allow them to cool slightly. Drizzle the almond glaze over the top while they’re still a bit warm. This lets the glaze soak in just a bit while creating a delicious coating.
10. Serve
Once the bars are completely cooled, cut them into squares and serve. With their festive colors and delightful flavor, they’re sure to be a hit!
Tips and Variations
- Add a Nutty Topping: Sprinkle chopped almonds over the glaze for a little extra crunch and festive flair.
- Use a Different Filling: If you prefer, swap the cherry pie filling for raspberry or blueberry—both work well with the almond glaze.
- Make Ahead: These bars can be made a day in advance and stored in an airtight container, making them perfect for busy holiday schedules.
Ready to Add a Sweet Touch to Your Holidays?
With their buttery dough, tart cherry filling, and sweet almond glaze, these Christmas Cherry Bars are everything you want in a holiday dessert. They’re easy to make, perfect for sharing, and have a classic flavor that’s sure to delight everyone. So gather your loved ones, warm up the oven, and bake these delicious bars to add a little extra sweetness to your Christmas celebrations.
Happy baking and happy holidays! 🎄