Christmas Cherry Bars
Christmas Cherry Bars are the perfect festive treat that brings joy to every holiday gathering. With their luscious cherry filling and sweet, buttery base, these bars are not only simple to make but also incredibly delicious. They offer a delightful balance of flavors that reminds us of the warmth and cheer of the holiday season. Whether you’re baking for a festive party or looking to satisfy your sweet tooth, these cherry bars are sure to impress your friends and family alike.
What You’ll Need for Christmas Cherry Bars
To get started on these delightful bars, here’s a list of the ingredients you’ll need:
- 1 cup butter (softened) | 240g
- 2 cups sugar | 400g
- 4 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract | 5ml
- 3 cups all-purpose flour | 360g
- 1 tsp salt | 5g
- 1 can cherry pie filling (21 ounces) | 595g
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for optional glaze) | 120g
- 2 tbsp milk (for optional glaze) | 30ml
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (for optional glaze) | 2.5ml
How to Make Christmas Cherry Bars
Ready to bake? Follow these step-by-step directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure to fully incorporate each egg before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, mix the flour and salt together. Gradually add this mixture to the butter mixture until everything is fully combined.
- Spread 3 cups of the batter evenly across the bottom of the greased baking pan.
- Layer the cherry pie filling over the batter, spreading it out gently so it covers the surface.
- Take the remaining batter and drop small clumps over the cherry filling.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean when it’s done.
- Let the bars cool completely on a wire rack before adding the glaze.
- For the optional glaze, mix the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract together until smooth. Drizzle it over the cooled bars.
- Allow the glaze to set, then slice into bars and enjoy!
How to Serve Christmas Cherry Bars
These Christmas Cherry Bars can be served in a variety of delightful ways! Here are some ideas to enhance your presentation:
- Plate the bars on a festive platter, and garnish with fresh mint leaves for a pop of color.
- Pair the bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a delightful dessert combination.
- For an extra holiday touch, sprinkle some red and green sprinkles on top of the glaze before it sets.
No matter how you serve them, these cherry bars will surely steal the show!
Expert Tips for Christmas Cherry Bars
Here are some handy tips and creative twists to make these bars your own:
- Make It Moist: For an extra moist texture, you can add a dash of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the batter.
- Add Some Crunch: Chop up some nuts like walnuts or almonds and sprinkle them over the cherry pie filling for added texture.
- Flavor Variations: Try using different pie fillings, like blueberry or mixed berry, to change up the flavor profile.
Christmas Cherry Bars FAQs
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make them a day in advance and store them covered in the fridge. Just wait to add the glaze until just before serving.
Can I freeze Christmas Cherry Bars?
Yes, these bars freeze well! Cut them into squares, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and store them in an airtight container. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
What can I substitute for the cherry pie filling?
If you prefer, you can use fresh or frozen cherries. Just make sure to sweeten them slightly with sugar to match the taste of the pie filling.
These Christmas Cherry Bars are a must-try for the holidays! With their sweet flavor and simple preparation, they’re sure to bring joy to your celebrations. Bake them today and share the deliciousness with your loved ones!
Christmas Cherry Bars
Ingredients
For the base
- 1 cup butter (softened) 240g
- 2 cups sugar 400g
- 4 pieces eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract 5ml
- 3 cups all-purpose flour 360g
- 1 tsp salt 5g
For the filling
- 1 can cherry pie filling 21 ounces (595g)
For the optional glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar 120g
- 2 tbsp milk 30ml
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract 2.5ml
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure to fully incorporate each egg before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, mix the flour and salt together. Gradually add this mixture to the butter mixture until everything is fully combined.
- Spread 3 cups of the batter evenly across the bottom of the greased baking pan.
- Layer the cherry pie filling over the batter, spreading it out gently so it covers the surface.
- Take the remaining batter and drop small clumps over the cherry filling.
Baking
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean when it’s done.
- Let the bars cool completely on a wire rack before adding the glaze.
Glazing
- For the optional glaze, mix the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract together until smooth. Drizzle it over the cooled bars.
- Allow the glaze to set, then slice into bars and enjoy!
