Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Christmas Cherry Bars Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 129 reviews
  • Author: Hugo
  • Total Time: 55 mins
  • Yield: 24 bars 1x

Description

These festive Christmas Cherry Bars combine a buttery, tender base with a sweet and tangy cherry pie filling, all topped with an optional smooth vanilla glaze. Perfect for holiday gatherings, these bars offer a delightful blend of flavors and textures that celebrate the season in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Batter

  • 1 cup butter, softened
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 4 eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp salt

Filling

  • 1 can (21 ounces) cherry pie filling

Vanilla Glaze (Optional)

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp milk
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture is light in color and fluffy in texture, which helps create a tender base.
  3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to combine fully, then stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
  4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt to ensure even distribution of salt throughout the batter.
  5. Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the creamed butter mixture, mixing well but avoiding overmixing to maintain a tender crumb.
  6. Prepare the Base: Spread about three cups of the batter evenly into the bottom of the greased baking pan to form the base layer.
  7. Add Cherry Filling: Carefully spread the entire can of cherry pie filling evenly over the batter base, distributing the cherries and syrup uniformly.
  8. Top Layer: Drop the remaining batter in small dollops over the cherry filling, spreading gently if desired to cover the filling partially but leaving some cherry visible.
  9. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the bars turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the batter comes out clean.
  10. Cool: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely on a wire rack to set properly before glazing.
  11. Vanilla Glaze (Optional) Mix Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until the glaze is smooth and lump-free.
  12. Drizzle: Once the bars have cooled fully, drizzle the vanilla glaze over the top evenly, allowing it to set before cutting.
  13. Serve: Cut into individual bars and serve as a festive holiday treat to enjoy with family and friends.

Notes

  • You can substitute cherry pie filling with fresh or frozen cherries mixed with sugar and cornstarch if preferred for a homemade touch.
  • Ensure the butter is softened but not melted to achieve the perfect creamed texture.
  • The vanilla glaze is optional but adds a sweet finishing touch that complements the tart cherries nicely.
  • Bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend.
  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 40 mins
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Christmas cherry bars, holiday dessert bars, cherry pie bars, festive dessert, cherry bars recipe, baked cherry dessert

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

Find it online: https://flavorsbyhugo.com/christmas-cherry-bars-recipe/