Cherry Bars Recipe: A Sweet Treat for Christmas Morning

Introduction

There’s something truly special about waking up on Christmas morning, the air filled with the warmth of holiday cheer and the promise of a delicious breakfast. One of my family’s favorite traditions is indulging in a sweet treat that perfectly complements our hot cocoa: Cherry Bars. These delightful bars are not just visually appealing with their vibrant red cherry filling, but they also deliver an irresistible blend of flavors and textures. The buttery, soft base contrasts beautifully with the sweet, tart cherries, making them the perfect festive dessert. Every bite is a reminder of cozy family gatherings, laughter, and the magic of the holiday season. Whether enjoyed as a breakfast treat or a midday snack, these Cherry Bars are sure to become a beloved addition to your Christmas celebrations.

Ingredients

For the Cherry Bars

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 2 cups sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cans (21 ounces each) cherry pie filling

For the Glaze

• 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 2 to 3 tablespoons whole milk

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, sugar, and salt until the mixture is light and fluffy.
3. Add Eggs and Extracts: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, mix in the vanilla and almond extracts.
4. Incorporate the Flour: Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the mixture, combining until fully incorporated.
5. Prepare the Baking Pan: Grease a 15x10x1-inch baking pan. Spread 3 cups of the dough into the bottom of the pan evenly.
6. Add the Cherry Filling: Spread the cherry pie filling over the dough in the pan.
7. Drop Remaining Dough: Use teaspoonfuls of the remaining dough to drop over the cherry filling. It’s okay if some cherry filling shows through; it adds to the charm.
8. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
9. Cool: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
10. Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, mix together the confectioners’ sugar, vanilla, almond extract, and enough milk to reach your desired glaze consistency.
11. Drizzle: Once the bars are cool, drizzle the glaze over the top.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Servings: 24
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 20g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 55-60 minutes

How to Serve

• Warm or Room Temperature: These bars are delicious served warm or at room temperature.
• With Hot Cocoa: Pair them with a cup of hot cocoa for the ultimate holiday experience.
• As a Breakfast Treat: Serve them alongside coffee or tea for a sweet breakfast option.
• Garnish: Consider adding fresh cherries or whipped cream for an extra special touch.
• Storage: Store in an airtight container to keep them fresh.

Additional Tips

1. Use Fresh Cherries: If cherries are in season, you can use fresh cherries instead of pie filling for a more authentic taste.
2. Chill the Dough: If the dough is too soft to handle, chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before spreading.
3. Add Nuts: For added texture, mix in some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans into the dough.
4. Adjust Sweetness: Taste the cherry filling before using it; if it’s too sweet, add a squeeze of lemon juice to balance the flavors.
5. Perfect Glaze: If the glaze is too thick, add a bit more milk until you reach the desired consistency.

Recipe Variations

• Chocolate Cherry Bars: Add cocoa powder to the dough for a chocolate version.
• Cream Cheese Filling: Swirl a layer of cream cheese mixed with sugar and vanilla for a rich variation.
• Different Fruits: Substitute the cherry pie filling with other fruit fillings like blueberry, apple, or raspberry for a different flavor.
• Lemon Zest: Add lemon zest to the dough for a refreshing twist.
• Oat Topping: Mix oats into the dough for a chewy texture.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Pair with festive drinks like eggnog or mulled wine for holiday gatherings.
• Cut into smaller squares for a bite-sized treat during holiday parties.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: These Cherry Bars freeze well. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Thawing: To serve, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a couple of hours.
• Storage: Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use homemade cherry pie filling?

• Yes, homemade cherry pie filling works great!

1. Can I make these bars gluten-free?

• Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

1. How do I know when the bars are done baking?

• They should be golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.

1. Can I omit the almond extract?

• Yes, you can omit it or substitute it with more vanilla extract.

1. What other fruits can I use instead of cherries?

• You can use blueberries, raspberries, or peaches as alternatives.

1. Is the glaze necessary?

• The glaze adds sweetness and a nice finish, but you can serve them without it.

1. How can I tell when the butter is softened?

• It should be slightly firm but easily indented with a finger, not melted.

1. What’s the best way to cut the bars?

• Use a sharp knife and make clean cuts to avoid squishing the bars.

1. Can I use margarine instead of butter?

• Yes, margarine can be used, but the flavor may differ slightly.

1. How long can I keep leftovers?
   • They can be stored at room temperature for about a week in an airtight container.

Conclusion

These Cherry Bars are not just a dessert; they embody the spirit of Christmas morning, bringing joy and sweetness to the table. With their simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, they’re an excellent choice for holiday gatherings or cozy family breakfasts. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or as a delightful snack later in the day, they are sure to become a cherished tradition in your home. So gather your loved ones, whip up a batch, and savor the delightful flavors that make the holiday season so special!

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