Christmas Cherry Bars Recipe

Introduction

The holiday season is the perfect time to indulge in delicious treats, and Christmas Cherry Bars are a family favorite in our home. These bars blend the tart sweetness of cherry pie filling with a buttery, soft dough, creating a dessert that’s not only beautiful but also bursting with flavor. Whenever I make these bars, my family gathers in the kitchen, eagerly awaiting the aroma that fills the air. They’re perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or just enjoying with a cup of coffee on a cozy winter afternoon.

Ingredients

• For the Bars:
• 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
• For the Glaze:
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• ½ teaspoon almond extract

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 10×15-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.

Make the Dough

2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process typically takes about 3-5 minutes using a hand mixer.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure they are fully incorporated. Then stir in the vanilla extract for added flavor.

Mix Dry Ingredients

4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This step ensures that the leavening agent is evenly distributed throughout the flour.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bars tough.

Spread the Dough

6. Spread about ¾ of the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula or your hands to press it down into an even layer.
7. Reserve the remaining dough for topping.

Add Cherry Filling

8. Spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the dough in the pan. Make sure to cover it all the way to the edges for a balanced flavor.

Top with Remaining Dough

9. Drop small spoonfuls of the reserved dough over the cherry filling. It’s okay if the filling peeks through in some places; this will create a lovely pattern once baked.

Bake

10. 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. Keep an eye on them towards the end to prevent over-baking.

Prepare the Glaze

11. While the bars are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract in a small bowl until smooth. The glaze should be thick but pourable.

Glaze the Bars

12. Once the bars are done baking, let them cool slightly before drizzling the glaze over the top. Allow them to cool completely before cutting.

Serve

13. Cut into bars and serve! These treats can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 24 bars
• Calories: 180 per serving
• Total Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Cholesterol: 35mg
• Sodium: 85mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 26g
• Dietary Fiber: 0.5g
• Sugars: 10g
• Protein: 2g

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes

How to Serve

• Warm or Room Temperature: Enjoy them warm right out of the oven or let them cool for a few hours.
• With Coffee or Tea: Pair these bars with your favorite warm beverage for a delightful afternoon snack.
• Topped with Whipped Cream: For an extra treat, serve with a dollop of whipped cream or ice cream.
• Festive Platter: Arrange them on a holiday platter to share at parties or gatherings.

Additional Tips

1. Use Fresh Cherries: If you prefer fresh cherries, you can substitute the cherry pie filling with fresh cherries tossed in a little sugar and cornstarch to thicken.
2. Try Different Fruits: Feel free to experiment with other fruit fillings, such as blueberry or apple, for a different flavor twist.
3. Gluten-Free Version: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free option.
4. Add Nuts: Chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, can add a delightful crunch to the bars.
5. Make Ahead: These bars can be made a day in advance and stored in an airtight container.

Recipe Variations

• Chocolate Cherry Bars: Add mini chocolate chips to the dough for a chocolate twist.
• Lemon Zest: Incorporate lemon zest into the dough for a citrusy flavor that pairs well with cherries.
• Spiced Bars: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve as part of a dessert buffet during holiday parties.
• Pair with seasonal fruits for a festive dessert plate.
• Gift wrapped in cellophane or a holiday tin for a homemade treat.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: To freeze, wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use a different type of pie filling?

• Yes! Feel free to experiment with other pie fillings like blueberry or peach.

1. How should I store leftover bars?

• Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

1. Can I make these bars gluten-free?

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

1. What can I use instead of almond extract?

• If you prefer not to use almond extract, vanilla extract works as a great substitute.

1. How can I make the bars more festive?

• Top with colored sprinkles or edible glitter for a fun holiday touch.

1. Can I prepare the dough in advance?

• Yes, you can prepare the dough a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator.

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

• Use a sharp knife and cut them while they are slightly warm for cleaner edges.

1. Can I add chocolate chips?

• Yes! Mini chocolate chips can be added to the dough for added richness.

1. How long does it take to thaw frozen bars?

• Allow the frozen bars to sit at room temperature for about an hour before serving.

1. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
   • While butter is preferred for flavor, margarine can be used as a substitute.

Conclusion

Christmas Cherry Bars are a delightful treat that captures the essence of the holiday season with their sweet and tart flavors. They’re easy to make and a wonderful way to bring the family together in the kitchen. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply indulging at home, these bars are sure to be a hit. So gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and enjoy the festive cheer that these delicious treats bring to your table!

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