Christmas Cherry Bars Recipe

If there’s one recipe that takes me straight to the cozy warmth of Christmas gatherings, it’s these Christmas Cherry Bars. With their buttery, golden base, sweet cherry filling, and an optional drizzle of vanilla glaze, they’re the kind of treat that feels like a hug in dessert form. Perfect for holiday cookie exchanges, dessert trays, or simply enjoying with a cup of coffee by the fire, these bars are the epitome of festive cheer.

I first fell in love with these bars during a Christmas cookie swap years ago. I’d brought my classic gingerbread men, but when I saw a tray of these cherry-filled beauties glistening with vanilla glaze, I couldn’t resist. One bite was all it took—I was hooked. Now, they’re a must-make every December in my kitchen, and they’ve become one of the most requested treats in my family. There’s just something magical about the way the tangy cherry pie filling mingles with the buttery dough.

Let me show you how to make these irresistible Christmas Cherry Bars step by step. They’re simpler than they look, and trust me, they’ll be the star of your holiday table!

this RECIPE

A little history: why cherry bars feel so festive

Cherry desserts have a long-standing place in Christmas traditions around the world, thanks to their bright red color that symbolizes the holiday spirit. These bars are a modern twist on classic cherry pies, offering the same delicious flavors with a fraction of the effort. While the origins of cherry bars aren’t as well-documented as some other holiday desserts, the combination of buttery dough and fruit filling has been cherished for generations. Over the years, variations have popped up using different pie fillings (blueberry, apple, or even lemon!), but there’s something about cherries that makes them especially Christmas-y, don’t you think?

Let’s talk ingredients: the magic behind each layer

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a role in creating the perfect Christmas Cherry Bar. Here’s what makes them work—and a few tips for substitutions if you’re in a pinch:

• Butter: The base of that soft, buttery crust and top layer. Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing. No butter? You could substitute with margarine, but the flavor won’t be as rich.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create that golden-brown crust. I’ve tried swapping some sugar with brown sugar for a caramel-like undertone, and it’s delightful.
• Eggs: These bind everything together and give the bars their structure. Room temperature eggs work best for even mixing.
• Vanilla extract: A touch of warmth and flavor that ties everything together. If you’re feeling adventurous, try almond extract—it pairs beautifully with cherries.
• All-purpose flour: The foundation of the dough. For a gluten-free version, substitute with a gluten-free all-purpose blend.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
• Cherry pie filling: The star of the show! If you can’t find cherry pie filling, use canned cherries and thicken them with sugar and cornstarch on the stovetop.
• Powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract (for the glaze): This optional glaze adds a sweet finish and makes the bars look extra festive. You can skip it, but why not go all out for the holidays?

Essential kitchen tools: keep it simple

You don’t need any fancy equipment to make these cherry bars, which is one of the reasons I love them. Here’s what I recommend:

• 9×13-inch baking pan: The perfect size for these bars. If you don’t have one, two smaller pans will work, but adjust the baking time.
• Mixing bowls: One for wet ingredients, one for dry. Simple and efficient.
• Hand mixer or stand mixer: Makes creaming the butter and sugar a breeze, but you can also use a wooden spoon and elbow grease.
• Spatula or offset spatula: For spreading the batter and cherry filling evenly.
• Wire rack: Cooling the bars is crucial to set the texture before adding the glaze.

Step-by-step: how to make Christmas Cherry Bars

Making these bars is as easy as pie—literally! Here’s the breakdown:

1. Preheat and prep: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 9×13-inch pan or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup. (Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later.)
2. Cream the butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key for a tender crust, so don’t rush it.
3. Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla. The batter will look creamy and smooth.
4. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add this to the wet mixture, mixing until everything is just combined. Don’t overmix—it’ll make the dough tough.
5. Prepare the base: Spread about three cups of the batter evenly into your prepared pan. I find using an offset spatula makes this step super easy.
6. Add the cherry filling: Carefully spoon the cherry pie filling over the base layer. Spread it out evenly, but don’t stress about perfection.
7. Top it off: Drop the remaining batter in small clumps over the cherry layer. These will spread out a bit as they bake, creating a beautiful cobblestone effect.
8. Bake to perfection: Pop the pan into the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. Your kitchen will smell amazing by this point!
9. Cool completely: Let the bars cool on a wire rack. This step is crucial if you’re adding the glaze—it won’t stick if the bars are warm.
10. Optional glaze: Whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle it over the cooled bars for a festive touch.
11. Slice and serve: Once the glaze is set, cut the bars into squares or rectangles and serve.

Variations to try: make them your own

One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is. Here are a few ideas to mix things up:

• Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. Add a pinch of xanthan gum if your mix doesn’t include it.
• Vegan: Substitute the butter with vegan butter and the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water per egg).
• Different fillings: Try blueberry, apple, or even peach pie filling for a new flavor twist.
• Holiday spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for extra warmth.
• Nut topping: Sprinkle chopped almonds or pecans over the cherry layer for added crunch.

How to serve: make it festive!

For a holiday-worthy presentation, dust the bars lightly with powdered sugar before serving. Arrange them on a platter lined with festive parchment paper or garnish with a sprig of fresh rosemary for a pop of green. These bars pair beautifully with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream if you’re serving them as dessert after dinner.

Drink pairings: what to sip with cherry bars

For adults, a glass of mulled wine or a tart cranberry cocktail complements the sweet-tangy cherry flavor perfectly. If you’re serving non-alcoholic drinks, hot chocolate or spiced apple cider is a cozy choice.

Storage and reheating tips

If you somehow end up with leftovers (unlikely, but possible!), store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, pop them in the fridge for up to a week. They freeze beautifully too—just layer them between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. To reheat, let them thaw at room temperature and warm in the oven for a few minutes to restore their buttery goodness.

Scaling the recipe: bake for a crowd

Need more bars for a big holiday party? Simply double the recipe and bake it in two pans. If you’re halving it, use an 8×8-inch pan and check for doneness a few minutes earlier than the recipe states.

Common questions about Christmas Cherry Bars

Q: Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned pie filling?
A: Absolutely! Just cook fresh cherries with sugar and a little cornstarch until thickened.

Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes, these bars taste great the next day. Just store them in an airtight container.

Q: How do I prevent the batter from sticking to my spatula?
A: Dip your spatula in water or lightly grease it before spreading the batter.

Q: Can I skip the glaze?
A: Of course! The bars are delicious on their own, but the glaze adds a nice festive touch.

Q: What if I don’t have cherry pie filling?
A: You can use any other pie filling or make your own with fresh or frozen fruit.

Go ahead and give these Christmas Cherry Bars a try this holiday season! Whether you stick to the classic recipe or put your own spin on it, they’re bound to become a favorite. So, preheat your oven, turn on some holiday tunes, and let’s bake something magical together.

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