I love making these Holidays Cherry Bars during the holidays. They remind me of cozy family gatherings filled with laughter and warmth. The sweet cherry filling combined with the buttery crust makes this dish a favorite for everyone, especially my family.
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (for glaze)
My Trusted Kitchen Tools
- Mixing bowls
- Baking pan (9×13 inch)
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
Bringing It All Together
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a bowl, cream together the softened butter, sugar, and salt until smooth.
- Gradually add in the flour and mix until a dough forms.
- Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes.
- Spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the baked crust.
- In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract to make the glaze.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cherry filling.
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes.
- Let cool before cutting into squares.
Making It Your Own (Swaps & Ideas)
You can switch out cherry pie filling for other flavors, like blueberry or peach, for a twist. If you want a more intense flavor, add more almond extract or even a splash of vanilla. You could also use a gluten-free flour blend to make it gluten-free.
How We Love to Serve It
These cherry bars are perfect for holiday gatherings. I love serving them warm with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. It’s a hit at parties, and everyone loves the combination of warm dessert with cold ice cream.
A Few Tips For Success
Make sure not to overmix the dough when adding the flour. This helps keep the crust tender. Also, give the bars enough time to cool before cutting, as they will hold their shape better.
Saving Some For Later
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. You can also refrigerate them if you prefer a chilled dessert. These bars also freeze well; just wrap them in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil for up to three months.
From My Kitchen to Yours
I hope you enjoy making these Christmas Cherry Bars as much as my family does. They are simple to make and bring a smile to everyone’s face. Happy baking!
Your Questions, Answered
What are Christmas Cherry Bars?
Christmas Cherry Bars are a delightful dessert made of a buttery crust topped with sweet cherry pie filling and finished with a drizzle of almond glaze. They are perfect for holiday gatherings or just a sweet treat at home.
Can I use fresh cherries instead of pie filling for Christmas Cherry Bars?
Yes, you can use fresh cherries! Just pit and slice them, and then sweeten them with sugar before adding them to the bars. It might take a bit more effort, but the fresh flavor is delightful.
How can I store leftover Christmas Cherry Bars?
You can store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them. They also freeze well for longer storage, making them a convenient treat for later.
Print
Christmas Cherry Bars
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful dessert bars with a buttery crust and sweet cherry filling, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (for glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a bowl, cream together the softened butter, sugar, and salt until smooth.
- Gradually add in the flour and mix until a dough forms.
- Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes.
- Spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the baked crust.
- In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract to make the glaze.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cherry filling.
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes.
- Let cool before cutting into squares.
Notes
Don’t overmix the dough to keep the crust tender. Allow bars to cool before cutting for better shape.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: cherry bars, holiday dessert, Christmas recipes, sweet treats