The holidays are a time for comfort, joy, and delicious baked treats that bring the family together. These Christmas Cherry Bars are the perfect dessert for spreading holiday cheer! They’re soft, buttery, and bursting with sweet cherry goodness. With a luscious vanilla glaze drizzled on top, these bars are as festive as they are scrumptious.
Let’s bake up some magic, shall we? Don’t forget to subscribe for more holiday-inspired recipes to keep your celebrations sweet!
Why You’ll Love These Cherry Bars ❤️
- Festive Flavor: The tart cherry pie filling balances perfectly with the sweet buttery batter.
- Easy to Make: No fancy equipment or techniques needed—just a bowl, a whisk, and some holiday spirit!
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for parties, cookie exchanges, or simply enjoying with a hot cup of cocoa by the fire.
- Optional Glaze: The vanilla glaze adds a delicate sweetness and festive flair, but the bars are equally delightful without it.
What Do They Taste Like?
Imagine a buttery sugar cookie crossed with a tart cherry pie, all baked into a soft, chewy bar. Each bite has layers of creamy vanilla batter, juicy cherry filling, and a sweet glaze that ties it all together. These bars are indulgent yet balanced—ideal for those who love a classic dessert with a fruity twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need 🛒
For the Bars:
- 1 cup butter, softened 🧈
- 2 cups sugar 🍬
- 4 eggs 🥚
- 1 tsp vanilla extract 🍦
- 3 cups all-purpose flour 🌾
- 1 tsp salt 🧂
- 1 can (21 ounces) cherry pie filling 🍒
For the Optional Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar 🍬
- 2 tbsp milk 🥛
- ½ tsp vanilla extract 🍦
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need 🛠️
- A 9×13-inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls for wet and dry ingredients
- Whisk and spoon for stirring
- Wire rack for cooling
Step-by-Step Directions 🌟
1. Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, use a mixer or whisk to cream together the butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract for that warm holiday aroma.
4. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the creamed butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
5. Assemble the Bars
Spread 3 cups of the batter evenly into the prepared pan. This will form the base layer. Carefully spread the cherry pie filling over the batter. Drop the remaining batter by spoonfuls over the cherry layer, creating a rustic, cobbled effect.
6. Bake
Place the pan in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool Completely
Remove the pan from the oven and cool the bars completely on a wire rack before glazing or cutting.
Optional Vanilla Glaze 🌟
While the bars cool, prepare the glaze:
- In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons milk, and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars using a spoon or piping bag.
- Let the glaze set before cutting the bars into squares or rectangles.
Serving Suggestions 🎅
These bars are perfect on their own, but here are a few ways to make them extra special:
- A la mode: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Topping twist: Sprinkle with holiday-themed sprinkles or crushed nuts for a festive touch.
- Pair with drinks: Enjoy alongside a cup of coffee, hot cocoa, or mulled cider.
Tips for Perfect Cherry Bars 🍒
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for a smoother batter.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter just until the dry ingredients are incorporated to keep the bars tender.
- Glaze Consistency: Adjust the glaze with more powdered sugar (to thicken) or more milk (to thin) to get the perfect drizzle.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cherry pie filling?
Absolutely! Homemade filling will add a fresh, personal touch. Just make sure it’s not too runny.
Can I substitute the filling?
Yes! Blueberry, apple, or even cranberry pie filling works beautifully.
How do I store the bars?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week.
Celebrate the Season with Cherry Bars 🎄
These Christmas Cherry Bars are a holiday classic that’s as easy to make as they are to devour. Whether you’re baking for your family or gifting a sweet treat to loved ones, these bars will spread joy and cheer with every bite.
Don’t forget to snap a photo of your creation and share it with us on Pinterest—we’d love to see your holiday masterpieces! 🎁✨
More Holiday Baking Ideas:
- Peppermint Brownies
- Sugar Cookie Snowflakes
- Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars
Nutritional Information (Approx. per bar) 📊
- Calories: 260
- Fat: 11g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Protein: 3g
Happy Holidays and happy baking! 🎅🍒
