Christmas Cherry Crumble Bars are the perfect holiday treat that combines the tartness of cherries with a sweet, buttery crumble. These bars are not only delightful to eat, but they also bring a festive pop of color to your dessert table. The aroma of these delicious bars baking in the oven will fill your kitchen with Christmas cheer, making them an ideal addition to any holiday gathering. Whether you’re sharing them with family or bringing them to a party, these delectable bars are sure to impress!

What You’ll Need for Christmas Cherry Crumble Bars

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step towards making these delicious bars. Here’s what you’ll need:

1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
1 1/2 cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups (480 g) cherry pie filling (homemade or store bought)
Optional: powdered sugar or melted white chocolate for garnish

Step-by-Step Christmas Cherry Crumble Bars Recipe

Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients, let’s dive into the easy steps to create these festive treats.

Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is essential for ensuring your bars bake evenly and come out perfectly golden brown.
Prepare Your Baking Pan: Line an 8×8 inch (20×20 cm) baking pan with parchment paper. This will make it easier to lift your bars out once they’ve cooled.
Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, stir together the melted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Add Dry Ingredients: Next, add the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt to the bowl. Mix everything until it becomes crumbly.
Reserve the Topping: Take 3/4 cup of the crumb mixture out and set it aside for later.
Make the Crust: Press the remaining crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. This will serve as your delicious crust.
Spread the Pie Filling: Evenly spread the cherry pie filling over the crust. This fruity layer is what gives these bars their holiday charm.
Add the Crumble Topping: Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture over the cherry filling to create the top layer.
Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 23 to 25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. The delightful aroma will start to waft through your kitchen!
Cool and Cut: Once baked, allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares.
Garnish: For an extra touch, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted white chocolate before serving.

Serve & Enjoy Christmas Cherry Crumble Bars

Serving your Christmas Cherry Crumble Bars is as delightful as making them! Here are a few ideas to enhance your presentation:

Serve Warm: Enjoy these bars warm right out of the oven for a gooey treat. They pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Perfect with Coffee or Tea: These bars make a great afternoon snack alongside a cup of coffee or tea.
Holiday Platter: Arrange them on a festive platter with other holiday treats for a beautiful dessert table centerpiece.

Helpful Tricks for Christmas Cherry Crumble Bars

Here are a few tips and variations to make your baking experience even better:

Use Fresh Cherries: If cherries are in season, consider using fresh cherries instead of pie filling for a more natural flavor.
Add Spices: A sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg in the crumb mixture can give your bars a warm, spicy flavor that’s perfect for the holidays.
Storage: These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage.

Christmas Cherry Crumble Bars FAQs

1. Can I use frozen cherries for the filling?
Yes! Frozen cherries can be used if fresh ones are not available. Just make sure to thaw and drain them if they are too juicy.

2. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend, and you’ll have delicious gluten-free bars.

3. How long will the bars last?
When stored properly in an airtight container, these bars can last up to a week, but they’re best enjoyed within a few days of baking.

There you have it! Give these Christmas Cherry Crumble Bars a try for your next holiday gathering, and enjoy the sweet taste of the season. You’ll be glad you did!

Print Recipe

Christmas Cherry Crumble Bars

Delightful holiday treat combining tart cherries and a sweet, buttery crumble, perfect for festive gatherings.

Prep Time15

Cook Time25

Total Time40

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American, Holiday

Keyword: Cherry Bars, Christmas dessert, Crumble Bars, Festive Desserts, holiday treats

Servings: 9 squares

Calories: 250kcal

Ingredients

For the Crumble

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Filling

2 cups cherry pie filling (homemade or store bought)

For Garnish (optional)

powdered sugar or melted white chocolate For garnish before serving

Instructions

Preparation

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Line an 8" x 8" baking pan with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, stir together the melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
Add the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt to the bowl. Mix until crumbly.
Reserve 3/4 cup of the crumb mixture and set aside.
Press the remaining crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
Evenly spread the cherry pie filling over the crust.
Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture over the cherry filling.

Baking

Place the pan in the oven and bake for 23 to 25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.

Serving

Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted white chocolate before serving.

Notes

For a natural flavor, use fresh cherries instead of pie filling. You can add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spicy flavor. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage.